 |
|
My 22-year residence in
Chicago was an enchanted period in my life.
I truly enjoyed my work at UIC and CCH, I started my family, and immersed
in many of the wonderful cultural and recreational opportunities that the
city has to offer. I lived on the 41st floor of a new high rise called
Harbor Point (the curved shaped building on the left), above Monroe
Harbor. Together, with my brother and a
good friend, Joe Wander, we took advantage of one of the greatest bodies of
fresh water on the planet—actively sailing our boat named Ulysses. Among the most
memorable events of that era were the regattas from Chicago to Mackinac—a
demanding 333-mile (289-nautical mile) race that takes place at the beginning
of the summer—and the Tristate, a race that takes place on Labor Day
weekend, and runs from Chicago, to Benton Harbor, to Michigan City, and finally
back to Chicago. Incidentally, in the
Michigan City to Chicago leg of the Tristate we placed first!
|
 |
|
The view of the Lake, Monroe
Harbor, Adler Planetarium, Aquarium, Field Museum and the south end of Chicago’s
downtown from the 41st floor.
|
 |
|
Night time view of Navy
Pier from Harbor Point.
|
 |
|
A river runs thru it, was a
1992 movie directed by Robert Redford.
Well, Chicago’s river runs through both the south and north parts
of the city and has an interesting history.
Because of concerns regarding polluting the lake, in 1885 a remarkable
civil engineering project reversed its course by taking water from Lake
Michigan and discharging it into Illinois River, which takes it to the
Mississippi River. The river is lined up
with parks, restaurants and condominiums.
Tourists enjoy river cruises during the summer months. As its waters are navigable boaters use it to
bring their boats to moorings in the spring and back to the boatyards for
storage in late fall. I was not aware of
the feast day of Saint Patrick before coming to Chicago but it became one of my
favorite holidays. On this day the when
the Irish celebrate their patron saint, the Chicagoans honor both the Irish
contributions and St. Patrick who freed Ireland from the snakes with a parade
and by painting the river green and by drinking green beer. If it is one holiday that exemplifies America’s
melting pot, this is it!
|
My favorite view from that 41st floor was when they had the Venetian nights and all the boats were decorated with christmas lights, it was amazing to watch. The view was spectacular! Even if it looked like an airplane was about to crash into your window!
ReplyDelete