An Afternoon in the Clouds

During my last trip to Chicago, my mom and I went for an urban hike in downtown (during the start of the polar vortex). I was proud of myself for making it a few blocks before I started complaining. We found ourself at the top of the John Hancock Tower. The sun had already gotten quite low in the sky... it created some cool shadows and provided a high contrast for these photos. I forgot what a nice view it was from up there. Although, I'm still not a fan of the Trump Tower (thought about photoshopping the building out). Enjoy!

Swimming With the Fishes

Looking towards the aquarium in Chicago. Apparently, it's one of the better aquariums in the world. However, I wouldn't know... I was never a big fan of aquariums (or zoos). Although, I went through a bit of a "zoo phase" when I was younger. Going inside places like that always seemed a bit depressing to me... especially if you've been around the same animals in the wild. Being a surfer, I see dolphins, seals, whales, and all sorts of sea life (hopefully not sharks) swimming freely in the ocean. It's difficult for me to imagine what their life is like locked up in a small pool or cage. Anyways, it still makes for a pretty picture at night! 

Chicago Panorama

I recommend clicking on the image to expand it. One thing that I think is really interesting about this photo is that you can see a striking contrast between the old and new buildings. The old buildings are out in front (along Michigan Avenue) and have a brownish/yellow tint to them... the new buildings tower in the background and have a greyish/black tint. The older buildings almost look like they are fortress walls protecting the city behind it.

It's really interesting to look back at old photos of the Chicago skyline and see how much it has changed over the years. 

An "Eery" Skyline

I like how this photo of the Chicago skyline came out... makes it feel dark and mysterious where I'm standing... while the safety and bright lights of the city shine in the background. The wind was blowing hard this night... and the moving branches created a "blurred" effect as I took the photo. 

Chicago Dreaming

The city of Chicago has one of the best skylines in the world... and there is no better place to enjoy it than from the park in front of the Planetarium. When I was young, my parents used to take me and my brother for picnics here and we would watch planes fly overhead. The park is still there (as is the beautiful view of the city), but Meigs Field has been gone for a long time.

This photo is a self portrait of me enjoying the view (it was a bit chilly that night). 

Windy City Blues

Chicago has one of the best skylines in the world (Hong Kong is better)... and if you don't have a boat (or a plane), the best place to view it is at the Planetarium. I remember coming here when I was young to have picnics with my family. There used to be an air field on the other side of the Planetarium (Meig's Field)... and you could watch the airplanes fly overhead while enjoying the view of the lake. If you happen to be in the city, I recommend taking a walk along the lake to this spot. 

Sunrise Descent to ORD

Look closely at the shoreline and you can see smoke coming out of a nuclear power plant. This is the Indiana/Michigan side of the lake.

On an American flight from BOS to ORD. The series of photos here document the sunrise descent to ORD... first, flying over lake Michigan and then going past the city of Chicago. One of the reasons I like taking the 6AM flight to Chicago (other than the fact that it's the least likely to be delayed), is that you can see dramatic sunrises like this (just need to sit on the left hand side of the plane). 

Right now I'm about halfway over Lake Michigan. The center of the lake was covered in fog.

First glimpse of the Chicago skyline as we come out from the fog.

The city had a bit of a haze over it on this particular morning... and since the sun was still at such a low angle, it was casting shadows in the haze (behind the buildings). I thought it was a cool effect.