Layover in the Windy City

Brian and I are in his hometown, beautiful Chicago for a very quick layover. He has a Fintech conference here where he'll be meeting with his US team and developing new business opportunities.

I'm thrilled to be back in the Windy City!

Random Fact: Did you know that Chicago is named the Windy City, not because of the weather, but because the city has a history of having politicians that are "full of air?"

Chicago is also called the 2nd City as a tribute to the city rebuilding after the Great Fire of 1871. Not because it''s implying a secondary status after NYC.

Anyways, while Brian was at the Fintech conference with his team, I took advantage of the beautiful lakefront city and went for long walks.

I truly think that Chicago is overlooked by the coasts and underrated as a world class city full of first class architecture, arts, and culture. It's unfortunate that the South Side of Chicago has the highest violence and crime rate in the country and needs help with their social problems. Because of the social problem on the South Side, that's inevitably what most people who have not been to Chicago think about and associate with the city.

Lakefront City

Skyline views along the lake front

The Chicago River Walk downtown

Chicago River Walk. Notice how a certain Presidential Candidate's building is one not like the others?

Cloud Gate, aka "The Bean"

Obligatory selfie at The Bean

The World Class Art Institute of Chicago

I was also happy to see 2 friends of mine who I haven't seen in years!

Maribeth, who is a dear friend of mine from Deloitte days back in San Francisco. She was always like a big sister to me and I'm glad we've stayed in touch over the years. She is now a Mama of a beautiful 3 year old boy.

Linh was a good friend of mine from Oregon who was my neighbor upstairs Sophomore year! He left the Pacific Northwest a few years after college and has called Chicago home for 8 years now. Although he says the winters get brutal, he loves Chicago and roots for the Cubbies.

Brian was so busy during the conference meeting with his team and developing new business, so I'm grateful that we had 2 nights together to enjoy Chicago's famous cuisine: Deep Dish Pizza. My favorite was Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza. Hmmmmmmm!

Loved the views from our room at the W Hotel on Lakeshore. Right before Brian and I left for the airport, we saw this sunrise view from our room overlooking the Navy Pier.

Thanks Chicago for an amazing time as always. Can't wait to be back in Hubby's hometown again!