Vertical Photo Morning

That's just what happens when you're walking around in a big city. You're always looking at buildings, thinking, "wow, that's a REALLY TALL building!" and taking vertical photos.

On this particular morning in Chicago, we were walking down to the Navy Pier area to grab some food at Fox & Obel before bussing it to Hyde Park, and I decided to let go of any shame in being a tourist. I decided to let my enthusiasm for my surroundings overwhelm my underperforming camera. And the thing about Chicago, I found, was that I didn't feel bad about documenting my time there because the locals were the friendliest people you could ever hope to find during your three full days in the city. They admire the greatness of their city right there with you. They tell you when you're going in the wrong direction. They help you pick out tea. They suggest wonderful places to eat. They just make you feel welcome. And so, here are some photos I took, as an unabashed tourist.

Before my trip, I asked my parents what places I needed to visit (since they used to live and work in and around Chicago, long before I was ever a twinkle in anyone's eye). They told me about the Italian Village. I didn't get to eat there this time, but I happened to see it as we were walking by.

 

I'm not one of those typewriter enthusiasts or anything (although I do find them noble), but I thought this made a good photo and example of how I seriously took photos of everything on this day.

 

And again, no real reason for this one, but for the simple fact that I was in Chicago and this is what I saw. It was a rainy day, but it was so lovely because it was warm enough for rain.

 

Then I saw The Chicago Tribune in the background and got all excited.

 

Boy oh boy do I love walking in a city. I love pretending like I know where I'm going, and I love when people come up and ask for directions because I'm so convincing. It's great to start walking before the "Walk" signal turns, like you're telling traffic, "I know what I'm doing, I'm aware of my surroundings, I'm savvy." When you're walking with your friends, it's fun, too, because you often talk about silly things on your walk, at least I do - and then people driving by must think, "Oh, those people look like they're having a good time." I'd like to think that those people driving wish they were walking with us, too. Because really, we were having a great time, we were getting fresh air, and we often had no idea where we were going.