More Chicago

This is the view along Michigan Avenue with the Chicago Institute of Art in the hidden behind the trees to the right. I spent a couple of hours there yesterday wandering around their impressionist collection. Lots of Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Seurat etc. Very enjoyable. You’re allowed to take pictures of the exhibits as long as you don’t use a flash. A good way to save a few million. Just print them out and stick them on your walls.

On arrival, we were a little apprehensive about the weather, as we both hadn’t been here this late in the year. We were bathed in sunshine on our first couple of days with 17 degrees, wearing short sleeve shirts, applying the sun cream, and wondering what all the fuss is about. Day 3 was slightly different though. The temperature dropped 15 degrees, a storm arrived, and we had driving rain, and wind that was knocking people down on the pavement (sidewalk).

We’d arranged to see a play at the Shakespeare theatre with Rob in the evening and, although it was only a 20 minute stroll away, walking was out of the question. We stood outside our apartment trying forlornly to wave a cab down while Mags was doing the ramba with her umbrella. Some things are the same all over the world – all the cabs disappear once it starts raining. Anyway, we finally found one and made it to our destination safely. On arrival wile we were mobbed by a crowd of people jockeying for our taxi. One lady actually jumped in while we were still inside paying.

Rob arrived 20 minutes later soaked through as he did walk having failed to find a cab – but he’s from Yorkshire so he’s used to it.

They play we saw was Two noble kinsmen, a play which Shakespeare collaborated on with another playwright, John Fletcher, towards the end of Shakespeare’s life. None of us had seen it before so we had no idea how it would end. Anyway, the acing was terrific and we had a great night.

I received my Australian visa by email yesterday after completing the all new, on-line, comedy application form. There’s a laundry list of questions to answer such as.

Are you a terrorist?

Are you a danger to Australia?

Can you play cricket?

Do you know what it is yet?

And my personal favourite – Is there any other reason why you shouldn’t be admitted to Australia?

All this extra security obviously costs a bit as a visa now sets you back seventy quid. Ouch!