September 28th and 29th ~ Chicago, Il
Chicago skyline
Traveling has enriched our lives in so many ways. We have seen architectural wonders, natural beauty that has taken our breath away, learned about countries and visited sites where history happened. From art masterpieces to the largest churches in the world; from thundering waterfalls to towering mountains, we have walked, ridden elephants and camels, taken trains, and too many busses to count.
We have traveled around the world.
But the thing that has blessed our lives the most has been the people we have met along the way.
Three years ago we took a Gate 1 tour to Bulgaria, Serbia and Romania. Tim and I were traveling with two other couples (Dick and Karen, Gary and Jan) and Paul and Linda were a natural fit for our group. The eight of us ended up enjoying some great Romanian red wine over happy-hour gatherings, and a friendship grew.
After returning home from that trip, we stayed in touch via the occasional email. We had the love of travel in common, among other things, and they became a cheerleader and supporter as we took off on our world-wide adventure.
Timing is everything and at the perfect moment we received an email from them inviting us to stay with them as we were driving cross-country. We were excited to see them again and on Sunday evening we arrived at their lovely home, just north of Chicago.
Linda, Paul and grandson (Jeffrey)
The Art Institute of Chicago was recently voted the #1 Museum in the world. There was no way we were going to be this close and not go check it out.
Sculpture gallery
It was love at first sight! The museum was huge and although we spent 5 hours there, we could not cover it all. Here are a just a few of the things that caught my eye:
Marc Chagall ~ America Windows, 1975-77
Drinking Vessel in the shape of a sheep’s head – Greek 340/330 BC
Magritte special exhibit
Three Magritte
Tim
Portrait of a Young Girl
On our way back to Linda and Paul’s we met one of Tim’s cousins, Steve Joseph, for a cup of coffee. They had not seen each other for 40+ years. Steve is passionate about writing poetry and just had one of his works selected for publication.
Steve and Tim
A final dinner out with Paul and Linda completed our fantastic stay.
Can you spot Gus?
Gratitude Moment: Today I am grateful for wonderful friends that have opened their homes and their hearts.
A Note From Abroad 
Joanne, your thoughts about the Art Institute are exactly mine too. Visited it many years ago and still fondly recall it and recommend it to anyone I know going to the Windy City.
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Wow! Everyday I say to myself, “Isn’t that great!” Of course, I am following your blog. I am going to really miss the pictures and stories. I am so glad you are safely home and able to reconnect with the family. And….oh the stories you can tell.
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Thank you Theresa for following our pictorial journey. The seven months around the world part may be at an end, but our traveling is not. We already have two more International trips planned as well as a yacht trip through the San Juan Islands, and more in the works. Plus I have a LOT of pictures to share that I never posted from other trips. I plan to keep on blogging and hope you will stay with us.
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