Route 66 here we come. 1st stop Singapore for a day. Wasted first 3 hours waiting to get into hotel. Didn’t have rooms ready, were out on airport, 1 hour from town so just had to sit it out. Eventually get settled and off downtown. Singapore is only about 760 sq k’s, NZ is about 260,000, yet they have nearly 5.5 mil population. You know how many we have. The city skyline is real interesting. Wonderful range of architectural styles. Plenty to do here, but now we only have an afternoon. Walk for a bit then on bus to Gardens of Bay, thanks to recommendation by James R. A great botanical affair, reminded me of those in Cornwall, but more on a tropical theme. By now buggered so head back to hotel.
Another long flight, near 13 hrs to London, more movies, food then 2 hour cab drive into Michael and Hannah’s.
A really wonderful week with the 4 of ’em. Lots of fun with the littlies, great hospitalty from the biggies and a chance to see the Impero Design offices of today and tomorrow. A shift coming up to Metropolitan Wharf building on bank of Thames. A lovely old character building, no internal fitout and at rents that would make any NZ landlord rich. Then there’s the trials and tribulations of the London renovation scene. If we think we have problems, Michaels and Hannah’s renovation stories and delays would make you weep. Will be good in end though, looking pretty smart now, with more to still do about 6 months later. Bow will be a better suburb cos of their efforts. And of course a visit to the Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday. Seems a regular event now our London visits.
Arriving at market
The Cockney, Mr Seller himself, seen him before, gold chains and all!
It’s been a wonderful family week into which we fitted in a show, “The Book of Mormon” on Monday night thanks to Hannah’s efforts. What scream of a show. Not for the faint-hearted though. A crass and fast moving musical, one of the better send-ups we’ve seen.
26th August: Arrive Chicago, interesting flight due to passengers behind and elderly husband & wife who unwitingly
Provided some additional infliflight entertainment.
Get to apartment. Bit of a let-down. Can hear the Newmans words ringing my ears about Airbnb, not to mention Anne’s disappointment. My selection, should have taken hers I fear. Will have to make good on this somehow. Location excellent though. Afternoon walk acquainted me with a bit of the city. Interesting architecture styles including, modern, post modern, deco, ultra-modern contrasting with gothic and grunge.
The lake is certainly spectacular
Last night whopper of a fireworks display just outside, early rise this morning to pursue our hosts suggestion of capturing the sunrise across the lake. Spectacular.
27th, sunrise shots, overcast except for sliver above lake horizon. Then walking the streets shooting buildings, the fabulous park, an architectural river cruise. This the city of tiered bridges and roads. The road below is 3 tiers along the river, you’ve probably seen these in movies. Often used for car chase scenes and the like. No dramas, took a while for sun to break though, now off to the concert.
The city lights across the river from our digs,
One of the Millenium Park sculptures, the Cloud,
Billy Joel concert last night a real winner. Great call of Anne’s to come up with. Nearly 2.5 hours with the only time off stage being before the encore.
28th, hazy start to day, going to get to 25 though. Did hop on hop off bus thing today. More like stay on as we started late. Was good though, seeing things and places we wouldn’t have as too far to walk. Shot up the Hancock Tower to what is now called Chicago 360. Got a look from the 94th floorof what is about the 3rd tallest building in the city. Quick dinner downtown, left my credit card there, so will have go back tomorrow to see if they have it. If not, resort to Annes card.
29th, last day in the Windy City. Picked car drove around for a bit. Lousy day though so parked it for $36 FOR THE NIGHT and settled down to prepare for hitting the Mother Road, Route 66 tomorrow.
City skyline under heavy grey sky today. From tomorrow the forecast is for brilliant 25 degree dasy for a few. Oh well!
Should apologise for the image quality, taken with the tablet, left my transfer cable behind so can’t share the camera shots, however, you’ll get the idea.
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t we didn’t spill
