Two Great Cities
The past two months I had the privilege to visit two great cities - New York City and Chicago. I had a wonderful time just strolling through both cities. One of my most sees in NY was the World Trade Memorial, I must say it moved me more than I thought it would. Perhaps because like everyone in the US who lived through that day, we all remember where we were. There were a few flowers and flags placed either in the names or in the water fountain in a quiet tribute to their loved ones. Seeing the list of the first responder teams just reminded me of the brave people who chose to go forward for the sake of others.
Central Park was the other destination I wanted to hit during my short visit. I wasn't sure if I was going to make there due to the rain and my shoes rubbing my heels ordeal (long story). Luckily I did make it to the Alice-in-Wonderland sculpture and pond I wanted to see. The kids playing with the remote controlled sail boats were to fun to see.
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Last weekend, I was in Chicago for a cousin's wedding, it was a perfect autumn weekend to be visiting the windy city. The wedding was held in Lincoln Park, I and tried not to go into wedding photography mode. But they had picked great venues for the ceremony and reception. I even bumped into a photographer who was taking pictures for a time lapse. I was certainly jealous that I did not have the right equipment to do my own :)
But on the days I went sight seeing with my family it was gorgeous, I was especially delighted when we got to see the iconic "bean" or officially known as "The Cloud." I agree with everyone how impressive the architecture that is throughout the city.
I love the distortion the sculpture makes as you walk under and around it. This one was taken directly under the bean and my self portrait snapshot.
Even though I did not get to do the Sears Tower Skydeck, the John Hancock views the day we visited were epic. The sky and lake painted in my favorite turquoise aqua blues. Makes me wish I can soar from the rooftops and swoop into the waters like an eagle catching its prey.
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However one of my favorite images from the trip was not on a clear day, but from the last day when the fog was looming over the tops of the skyscrapers. I wanted to walk along the river and across the bridges. And the stunning row of yellow trees lining the river was the type of drama that really showcased the contrast between the natural and the man-made city. Love the pop of gold!
And since I have been trying out more night skyline pictures, this one was from the evening of the wedding without a tripod.
And this one was in NYC hand-held as I stepped off the bus heading to lower Manhattan, of course a little blurry. But I needed to catch the full moon between the buildings.
My next night photo was from Washington Square Park, as I was trying to walk around to get the best angle. I think this angle from across the street is one I like the best.
