More 2013 wrap-up: San Francisco in April and Chicago in June

Business trip took me back to San Francisco in April.  I never get tired of going there -- tired of the plane trip, sure, but the destination?  Never!    Stayed in a little "boutique" hotel near the cable car turnaround and grabbed the first car to the Fisherman's Wharf area to walk along the beach, looking at the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance on one side,

and the buildings of the city on the other.

Took some time before the conference opening to explore places I'd never visited before, starting with an almost-full day's visit to Golden Gate Park.  Walked nearly the entire three mile length, wandering north and south on the many pathways, taking dozens and dozens of photos.

The Conservatory of Flowers  was a wonder inside and out.  The oldest such glass and wood structure in the country, by the end of the 20th century, it needed extensive repair and renovation and was closed for several years to be rebuilt and refurbished.  

The small Japanese garden section had wisteria in full bloom cascading from above.  Gorgeous!

Another path featured a huge bed of white calla lilies, which I think of as summer container plants.

My evening strolls around the downtown area took me past a high-end jeans store with these wonderful old sewing machines in the window.

I hopped the trolley to search for dinner in the Embarcadero one night.  That trolley car had originally been from Philadelphia! 

My destination provided a great view of the Bay Bridge.

Post-conference, I had a free afternoon before I was due at the airport for my red-eye flight.  Another cable car ride (two actually) to Grace Cathedral on the top of Nob Hill.  In addition to richly colored scenes of San Francisco history lining the interior walls, the cathedral has both an interior and an exterior labryinth. 

Quietly and reverently, I removed my shoes and walked the winding path inside, as a personal goodbye to that favorite city.

Late June took me to Chicago for the annual conference of the American Library Association. Friday evening, my work colleagues and I grabbed a bus to Chinatown for dinner.  We feasted, then dodged the rain to return to our hotel.

Late that night, Daughter #1 flew in to meet me for the weekend!  She spent some time at the conference, attending several sessions with speakers of interest, then visited the Field Museum of Natural History.  On Saturday evening, we explored the Navy Pier, ready to ride the Ferris wheel and view the city from its height.  Alas, it was not in service, but you can see it in the background.

Even from the ground, there was a great view of the Chicago skyline.

ALA headquarters is in Chicago, so we meet there fairly frequently.  Next visit is January 2015 when the weather will be a lot less hospitable!

That toddlin' town

I'll show you around.

 My hotel was on the Chicago River, not far from Lake Michigan.  The exhibit hall (where I spent my days) was on the same level as a river walkway, accessible from the hotel.  A pleasant place to sit and relax, though it was bit chilly.

Don't know why Marilyn was here -- on Michigan Avenue right next to the river,  Whoever made this didn't get the face quite right, though.

Lovely plantings in the middle of the Magnificent Mile.  Thousands of tulips in various color arrangements.   I couldn't help but wonder what will replace them when they are through blooming. 

Monday's dinner: risotto with chicken and peas and tiramisu for dessert.   Have I ever said how much I love tiramisu?  (Yes I started dessert before I remembered to take a photo.)

Tuesday dinner at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Tower.  Food was excellent, though I was prepared for less, given the "destination" nature of the restaurant..  No photos of roasted salmon on a bed of lentils and salsify, followed by chocolate pot a creme (rich mousse with whipped cream). 

As for the view... 

Finding an old human-size building in the midst of skyscrapers is always fun.  Downtown Chicago was no different.  A wonderfully Gothic church, complete with an arched ambulatory joining the church to another building.

The Water Tower and Pumping Station were among the few downtown buildings that survived the Great Fire in 1871.  

And, of course, there's the Wrigley Building.

On a previous trip, I took an "architecture" cruise down the Chicago river, with a guide who was studying for her Master's degree in architecture.   I learned a great deal of history of the city, as well as seeing excellent examples of different styles in a city known for its variety.   Worth the time and cost, if you ever have the opportunity.

The view from my hotel room on my last night:

Glad to be home in time to throw a few things in a bag and head off to White Oak this weekend.  Exact opposite type of travel -- driving, casual clothes, no set hours, "off-duty", and, most of all, people I know and love.