I had never been to Chicago. So in early June we decided to take a short vacation and "do" the windy city. What a marvelous, fabulous city!
It was an interesting trip because of the variety and diversity of places and people. It began with a targeted destination of the Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, KY. KY was not high on my list of places to visit, but it is one beautiful state. From lush, green mountains to rolling hills, real bluegrass, and bewitching limestone formations, it was a visual feast. The limestone base creates a unique filtering system for the water that is unbelievably delicious and the best in the world for building strong bones for race horses! I say "targeted" because somehow I took a detour and ended up at the Woodford Reserve Distillery--one of the best bourbons KY has to offer!
The Village is a monument to the religious creativity and imagination of Americans. At their height they had over 3000 "communities" around the nation, focused on simple living, expressive spirituality, and common care for one another. The food, raised on the farm and produced from its own herds, was delicious beyond experience. There are only two of these communities remaining, preserved by non-Shakers. Since sexual abstinence was promoted, they didn't grow by leaps and bounds----and that practice is not in favor today, so you see the problem.
The high light of the route from Pleasant Hill to Chicago was the miles and miles of gigantic wind turbines producing renewable, non-cancer causing, inexpensive energy! They looked like something from outer space.
Entering Chicago on an afternoon as the traffic from a Cubs home game is unleashed on congested infra-structure is daunting to a small town boy! There is more to relate than time to read; here is my summary:
1. a rainbow population, each person with their own story and human dignity
2. the challenge and enjoyment of public transportation and the challenge to master the maps and schedules
3. breathtaking architecture, jaw dropping, eye popping architecture---do NOT miss the 90 minute boat tour
4. the Willis Tower and the ability to "step out" into space (clear platform) where you can see forever on a clear day
5. the parks, so many parks. They value public land and access for ALL people.
6. Millennial Park and the Bean
7. The Art Institute of Chicago. The collection is out of the world, and you can walk right up to the master pieces you have only seen in books!
8. Chicago deep dish REALLY is different and the beef, Midwestern beef melts in your mouth.
This doesn't scratch the surface---universities, sports arenas, clean river (now!),friendly people everywhere who came from everywhere to build a city and a nation of opportunity.
The spirit is alive in Chicago-----and well worth another visit!
