Chicago Botanic Gardens
Getting to Chicago Botanic Gardens by public transport is for the seriously committed, but I managed it. Alas, it was a dull day and possibly because it was the end of the season, the gardens were looking a bit tired. Must confess that I was disappointed .. There are some nice areas around the river, but the whole idea of orchards and vegetable patches in a botanic garden was lost on me (I guess it is the equivalent of the urban farm .. it is a way of letting kids know where fruit and vegetables come from).
The Japanese Gardens are spread over three islands (one of which is not accessible ; it is meant to be viewed from a distance). There were a few pleasing areas but the gardens were too spread out for my taste.
The highlight was the bonsai collection .. 50 bonsia trees are selected for display in two courtyards in the research building. I enjoyed these but as it happened, later in the year I would go to a Bonsai Garden in Singapore which really put this place in the shade .. more of that later.
The Japanese Gardens are spread over three islands (one of which is not accessible ; it is meant to be viewed from a distance). There were a few pleasing areas but the gardens were too spread out for my taste.
The highlight was the bonsai collection .. 50 bonsia trees are selected for display in two courtyards in the research building. I enjoyed these but as it happened, later in the year I would go to a Bonsai Garden in Singapore which really put this place in the shade .. more of that later.
Photo Gallery
Chicago Botanic Garden
To see a full version of the slide show, double click on the image to the right.
To see a full version of the slide show, double click on the image to the right.
World Music Festival
I've already reported on my current favourite spot in Chicago, Millennium Park. It continues to draw the crowds and I still ogle at the sheer inventiveness of it. This time my friend Chris and I went to a music event in the Pavilion, a Frank Gehry designed affair. As part of the World Music Festival in Chicago (a curiously disappointing affair) .. they apparently had to cut back on funding ; perhaps they should have just cancelled it. In any case, the Turkish military band was very worthwhile. Flamboyant costumes, strange musical instruments and a conductor who seemed to come right out of some Orientalist fantasy. We really enjoyed it and it was also interesting to see how many Turkish people (presumably immigrants to the USA) turned out for the occasion.
Photo Gallery
To see a full version of the slide show, double click on the image to the right.
The fine print
Chicago Botanic Garden
http://www.chicago-botanic.org/
Chicago World Music Festival
http://www.worldmusicfestivalchicago.org/
Mehter Ottoman Turkish Military Band
http://www.ittmt.org/mehter_eng.htm
http://www.chicago-botanic.org/
Chicago World Music Festival
http://www.worldmusicfestivalchicago.org/
Mehter Ottoman Turkish Military Band
http://www.ittmt.org/mehter_eng.htm