Chicago

Home for the next few weeks is Chicago. I was a bit apprehensive coming here as I am not the biggest fan of cities. Chicago proved me wrong. It's gorgeous! And clean! 

The monsoon like thunderstorms provide the best skies! 

The beach at Lake Michigan has you fooled you're at the ocean. I spent a few afternoons running by here. It was the perfect backdrop to get back into my running habit that I had thrown tothe curb   after my last marathon. 

I visited the downtown farmer's market.

All from the market! I could do this every day.

The Chicago River is a main thoroughfare for transportation. This boat was gigantic! 

 A dime! If you know me, you know this is a sign from my Dad. I nearly sat right on it!

The flowers and greenery here is gorgeous! Reminds me so much of Vancouver, BC. 

Lake Michigan can be seen in the back right. 

Chicago is known for good food. I ate. A lot.

Homemade paella

The most delicious salad at Publican Quality Meats. Baby lettuce, turkey breast, radish, fried shallots, green beans, squash, eggs, all in a dill ranch. I'm salivating reminiscing about it. 

Another run view of the Chicago River

Since finding out I can't eat gluten I have not had a real donut in over 5 years. Chicago has gluten free donuts. Imma gonna get fat here! Do Rite donuts has the recipe perfected! Soooooo good! 

Had to stop at the Harpo Studios for a tourist picture! (No, I did not see Oprah)

Sunday lunch at Little Goat

Lunch is served. Roast beef on gluten free bread, topped with havarti, cabbage, guacamole, roasted peppers and so much more! Smoked fries and corned beef hash. So. Stinkin. Good. 

The restaurant has a diner feel as well as a little shop, bar, cafe, bakery and rooftop bar. I could not get over all of the cute! 

If only I could eat these! 

Coffee bar at Little Goat

Old town Chicago is darling. It is full of all kinds of shops and restaurants. This....

My favorite place of all! It's simply called "green". 

It's like walking into a thick jungle with hardwood floors and air conditioning. 

I want to just sit in here alllllll day long. Perhaps the little old woman running it wouldn't mind? 

Flower arrangements created in the back room

And if ever I am missing in Chicago, check green! 

No visit to Chicago would be complete without a visit to Wrigley Field. 

Yes, I went to a baseball game! The people watching was wonderful and the sudden rain storm created some fun memories. 

I had no idea what was going on. In the 8th inning I had to ask where to find the score. I'm such a sports fan! 

Saw David Gray on Northerly Island 

Ate gluten free cupcakes

Had homemade gluten free pasta! 

I forgot to take a picture before chowing down, but tossed with homemade pesto was beyond delish! 

Visited the Lincoln Park farmer's market...

All edible flowers! 

That's a mushroom that was at least 15" across. The most beautiful market I have ever been to! (The location had a lot to do with it)

These neighborhoods will steal your heart. (This is Lincoln Park)

Besides eating my way through Chicago I also did plenty of yoga and tons of homework. Finished up my second summer term at Arizona State, having a week break for another trip! 

When in Rome

Monday was a sad day as I did not wish to say goodbye to the Cesar Augustus or Capri. 

While waiting for the shuttle to the harbor this little gem pulled up. All taxis have the little canopy over them, but they are newer vehicles. All I can do is daydream of what Capri must have been like when this baby was new! 

Shuttles, ferries, cars, plains and taxis consumed Monday with travel to Rome. I hadn't wished to spend much time in Rome when planning as it seemed large city-ish, but it was a mandatory stop to see my cousin Darcy, his beautiful wife Valentina and to meet their bambina, Sophie who is the newest member of the family. She is just a few weeks shy of her first birthday. I was so giddy to see them! 

Then we arrived in Rome.

Oh.

My.

Dear.

I wanted to stay and soak it up! It was beyond magical! I took this photo not knowing I'd be looking down on it shortly.

View from the hotel window. That is the vine covered canopy I had just seen from the cobblestone streets when exiting the taxi.

We rushed to get ready for dinner with the Roman family so we could spend a little time waking through town.

Yup, this is real life.

This little store was an A.D.D. child's heaven with all of the colors of glass.

Secret alleyways 

The piazza was unreal!

This guy was playing "What a Wonderful World", my favorite! So fitting for this moment.

Crossing the river. The walkways below were crammed full of vendors, bars and restaurants. Made me wish I had time to linger and look! 

This restaurant had shelves of books to read! Yeah, seriously.

Such a fun restaurant! It was a bit touristy, but a good time and good food!

Our restaurant was on the left.

The restaurant across the way.

But the best part of Rome...

Sophie! (& her momma, Valentina)

Sophie and her papa, my cousin Darcy. She wasn't too keen on me holding her, but we shared a few laughs. 

My dear friend Bruna is from Sicily and insisted I see the Colosseum at night. I am so glad I listened to her! 

Lower right is a group of young people circled around and singing. Made this moment so surreal! 

To be here and know what a part of history this is was breathtaking. I am so blessed to be able to see this beauty around the world.

This isn't the best picture, but it is one of my favorite memories. There are cats every where in Italy, but they aren't all too friendly. This cat was the friendliest cat I encountered the entire trip. I sat and pet her while she soaked it up.

I was petting at cat.

At the coliseum.

In Rome.

How can this be real?!?

And with that it's time for some sleep. 

Goodnight, my brief night in Rome!