I spent the evening of July 3 with my friend Anna and some of her friends at the top of the John Hancock Building - it was her birthday. You can see the sun furiously setting behind our heads, out over metro Chicago. Most of the party stayed to watch the fireworks, but with my earlybird sleeping habits, I knew I wasn't going to make it that late AND then make the hour-long train ride back to Evanston all by my lonesome and be very happy about it. So I enjoyed the sunset and bid them adieu. I had a great time, though.
I've lived in Chicago for most of my life (saying that always makes me feel so provincial, even though it's a major urban area), but I've never been to the top of the Hancock or the Sears Tower. When we walked out of the elevator, this is what we saw - WOW. The Lake - all that blue with white boat dots - that took my breath away.
More diners, high above the city... with me looking like such a tourist and taking pictures while leaning over the lounge balcony - too bad you can't see me in the huge mirror at the top of the picture.
It was amazing to be up there and look out over the city and pick out all the things I recognize. Makes me fall in love with my hometown all over again. And there's nothing like an eleven-dollar pina colada, either.
Here you can see the dark roof of St. James Cathedral, where I was ordained last month. Nice rooftop swimming pool, too!
Even the view from the women's bathroom is amazing. Maybe I'll have to visit the top of the Sears Tower after all... although I don't think they serve pina coladas up there.
I have been thinking that surveying and saying good-bye to the city from the top of the Sears might be on my list, too. So let me know if you want to go together. If you don't think it'd be the same without the pina colada, we'll sneakily make it a BYOB event.
ReplyDeletei can't believe that was your first trip to the top of the john hancock building. i can't believe we never had drinks there together. i went a few times in my brief stay in chicago. it's really rather remarkable. fun place for drinks and dessert.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete