Weekend in Chicago

Last weekend we had the pleasure of spending it in Chicago. I had been there many times for work, but not as a tourist. Of course the food was excellent and the perfect weather made it fantastic to walk around. One of my friends, Richard Bachmann, former proprietor of one of my favourite bookstores, A Different Drummer Bookstore in Burlington, grew up in Chicago's Oak Park...home of Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway. Richard suggested I check out The Chicago Cultural Centre which was originally Chicago's first public library. It was the absoulte highlight of the trip. For those of us who love books it is a true pilgrimage. Although the original library is no longer there, all of the stunning architecture, which is an homage to books, remains. The mosaic tiles have quotes about the love of books from authors. The dome, which is the showcase of the building (and shown above) is the largest Tiffany Dome in the world and is simply breathtaking. So if you happen to be in Chicago, make sure you stop by (admission is free). Oh and my husband met John Cusack on the street...total Chicago moment.