From Chicago to Badlands

September 18, 2023September 18, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

We left Chicago to travel to Winona leaving Illinois and arriving in Michigan.

We had a rain storm which was awful. Steve decided we should pull over. He couldn’t see. Cars and trucks passed by so closely that the car shook.

Steve put on hazard lights we waited awhile. It eventually eased.

By the time we reached Winona the sun was out. The drive along the mighty Mississippi River was beautiful. What a river – and this is just the headwaters!

Our BnB called Alexander Mansion is a big grand house with a dominating corner position.

Owner Richard answered the door. Richard and his partner David bought this place about 8 years ago and are happily running an excellent BnB in a small out of the way town.

We were his first Australians. He was fascinated. ‘What brings you to Winona !’

Richard loves a chat and instead of showing us our room insisted on a house tour , a glass of wine , told us dinner options, library inspection, painting explanations, ……

He very helpfully told us about 2 good restaurants. We chose the Fish Hut. It was slightly out of town over looking the mighty Mississippi. He was spot on. It was great. I had a catfish ! Done in a spicy coating with mango salsa. Steve felt like a steak and said it was great.

We got back to the house. It was very quiet so we took his advice and sat in the large library with a glass of wine he’d left us and read about the history of the place.

Back in our room Richard had left us a nightcap – a Baillie’s and a chocolate.

The room was beautiful. Floral, wood furniture , lamps everywhere, an old radio playing classical music.

I wish I could say the big high bed was comfortable but it had a dip in it and we both woke up with aching bits.

The bathroom was gorgeous and original.

He had made a point about breakfast being at 9am with all guests. He was going to give us a big wholesome breakfast. He likes his guests to chat and bond. We knew we had a long drive to Badlands National Park the next day but he was so disappointed we agreed to stay.

Only problem was we woke very early and decided we needed to get going. He was sad and showed us the beautifully set table snd gave us a banana to see us on our way at 7.30.

This gave us time to stop at The Corn Palace in Mitchell an historical old town. A tribute to the corn that grows here, there is a huge palace type building all decorated with corn. The displays outside the building are changed each year to a theme. Inside is a big entertainment area. They regularly have basketball (the local team is the Mitchell Kernels!) and concerts – and there was a great display of all the artists who have played there. From Bob Hope to Tommy Dorsey.

We’re pleased we left early because we arrived at Badlands early enough to do a few walks through this incredible landscape. It’s well set out and just amazing

Tonight we are in the Badlands motel. It’s basic and cheap. Close to the park and just fine. Air con is blasting away as it unseasonably hot.

We’re eating at the Wagon Wheel having a burger. Chicken. Does that count? A real cowboy bar. Drinking Budweiser watching Miami vs New England in American Football, trying not to think of the Wallabies losing to Fiji in the Rugby.

The sunsets here are amazing.

Tonight we went along to the ranger chat at the caravan park. The first session was on the types of fossils found in the park.

The second session was probably the best night sky session I’ve ever been to.

We even saw Elon Musks satellites running in a row across the sky. We saw so many of the brightest stars and the Milky Way so clearly.

This is a photo from the internet but it looked just like this. Moving quickly across the sky.

Chicago City of Architecture

September 17, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

Every city has its personality and coming to Chicago I can’t help but feel the love of building here.

Our expert guide on the Architecture cruise yesterday talked passionately about the buildings in this city. It doesn’t want to be the poor relation to NYC so has developed its own ‘thing ’

And the thing is architecture. The buildings are breathtaking and many are very environmentally conscious. I’ll include a few photos from our cruise down the river. The river adjoins into the giant Lake Michigan & is shaped like a Y. It’s divided and each arm has its own style. And there are many bridges.

The names of the types of architecture : there is contemporary , art deco, mid century modernism, beaux arts, and trump style. Big !

Willis Tower and next door a pink / blue building with a crown!

A car park like a children’s toy with a boat garage underneath

It goes on and on.

I also did the Skywalk. I visited what was the tallest building in the world. I zoomed up 103 levels and was greeted by views. In every direction.

It was a grey day so it would have been more stunning yesterday but it was still amazing. I skirted around all sides of the building. Trying to capture the height. I’m not at the selfie. Steve didn’t come up. He’d been before so saved the $US 44 !

I took the plunge and went out onto the skywalk. The clear perspex overhanging walk. First step felt eerie but then ….

Whilst I was dancing in the clouds Steve was walking and checking out the street art, the buildings and an Aussie pie shop

Chicago your style is great. From Frank Lloyd Wright to modernism.

To finish our day we had what should have been a 4-5 hour drive to Winona, as we start our route 90 drive. We hit the most incredible rain storm. I was terrified.

But we made it ……..to our BnB called Alexander Mansions. Just wait for my report on this place !

Amish Country to Chicago

September 16, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

Two very different places and outlooks on life.

I’ve combined two days into one in this post. So much is happening!

The Amish countryside is peaceful , quiet like stepping back in time to a simpler life.

The countryside is a rich farming area and the farms predominantly owned and run by the Amish people are beautifully kept.

The towns in this area worth exploring are Berlin, Charm, Walnut Creek, as well as pottering up and down the much smaller roads reviewing the farms.

Everywhere you will see the buggies being driven by mum or dad. Mum in the traditional head piece and simple plain fabric dress. Bearded Dad is in work pants, braces and a straight brimmed hat.

Today I wore my simple grey dress and if I’d added the headpiece I would have almost fitted in. No makeup. Simple hairstyle.

There is a lot of corn growing here and it’s the sweetest corn ever.

We went into Berlin and found barns full of furniture rustic in style and made by the Amish people. Also all manner of bibs and bobs. lots of flower stalls and fruit stalls and as Thanksgiving is approaching, pumpkins everywhere.

Driving along you must be patient as you’ll often find yourself behind a buggy. Also cycles are now popular – ones with electric motors to get them up and down the undulating hills.

We stopped in Charm for a few things at their general store where we were served by the loveliest Amish girls. They have the best sweet peaches here!

In the afternoon we arrived in Millersberg. Once again the County Courthouse dominated the centre of town right at its only set of lights.

We stayed in the Millersberg Hotel an oldy worldy place with a baby grand in the parlour, carpet runners and an enormous bedroom with two double beds and a huge bathroom.

Steve caught up on his washing. Travelling makes it hard to wash clothes. We washed everything at Lynn’s in NY and I wash little bits every night. But all the space meant washing and hanging to almost dry in the morning and final drying in the car.

Dinner was Mexican ! Strange but great choice. I had a margarita as big as my head and Steve a thirst quenching beer. We felt bad because other people sitting around us in the restaurant were Amish and they had water.

As you can see from photos I’m wearing my black white checked dress a lot. It’s perfect for the climate along with my plain grey Amish dress. In Scotland I wore jeans and black pants with a light jumper / shirt/ puffer. Here’s it’s warm not really hot. Perfect touring weather.

When we left this beautiful area early the next morning it was misty and cloudy and again the countryside looked prosperous.

We detoured on the way into Chicago. We stopped to look at Notre Dame University. What a campus it is.

The Mosaic at the Library at this Catholic University

Our sat nav , which is great, confused us a few times. The lady started with the directions then said ‘ I’m sorry …… I’ll start again’.

Not once but on two separate occasions. So funny.

We made it to Chicago through a freeway traffic jam. Our hotel is in a great location.

After checking in we took off to explore and a train ride to an area north. We were visiting The Green Mile. A jazz club recommended to us. On the way we tried Thai Street food. Very good.

The club was funny. One cranky sullen door man collecting the $10 cover charge with no smile. No welcome and no information about what we would see.

It was jazz swing night. A very good 12 piece band and some good singers. Some great old favourites and they encouraged dancing. I love watching the dancers. They are usually a bit older and obviously practice at home. There were locals there. They knew each other and were dancing together. Great fun but it got very crowded so decided to leave around 9.40. Early by jazz club standards !

We had a full day of sightseeing planned !

We headed out to Oak Park. We’d booked a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s own house and studio. The tour given by Patti was great. I’m loving all the FLW architecture. Prairie style it’s called.

A huge gable dominates the front of the house

The house is so unusual. Attention to detail and lots of rooms within rooms to house his 6 children.

The bathroom with a window angled for privacy.

His studio was equally spare. He was the Marie Kondo of his time. No clutter everything especial designed and loved.

We then walked Forest St with 9 FLW houses. They are very different to the style of the other houses in the street. They too are beautiful but suddenly look rather fussy when next to a FLW design.

Typical of the other houses in the street l. Which do you prefer?

We walked to Oak Garden Station. if you are going to see FLW architecture it is a long way out. And check the right train. Several stations have the same name. Get to Oak Park Garden on the Green line.

Back to downtown we caught the above ground loop train which gives great views of the city streets.

We got off to see the art gallery and to walk in the gardens. Particularly the Millennium garden with the famous Bean which reflects the buildings around it. Only problem ….. it’s being renovated and was fenced off

We enjoyed an hour and half in the late afternoon sun in a First Lady Architecture tour. It was great. The boat we chose has architecture people give commentary. Our lady was perfect. Other boats seem to have brief commentary but this gave an excellent overview of the buildings and the history of architecture in this great city.

I’ll do a separate post in the buildings.

We finished the cruise just out in the mouth of the river at Lake Michigan as the sun was setting. It was stunning.

We walked a little after the cruise before getting the metro up town to Kingston Mines- a blues club. We had a great night eating, drinking, singing and soaking up the atmosphere in this blues club. We were in the Fullerton area another lively neighbourhood.

Pittsburgh: The Steel City with 15 bridges.

September 15, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

We reluctantly left the big 🍎 and managed to negotiate the roads out. The spaghetti freeways are something else !

We were on a fairly major state road, 3 lanes both ways and loads of trucks. Many of them Fed Ex trucks delivering all those things bought online! Perhaps we should go back to shopping in stores not online. It would half the traffic in the roads.

We needed coffee so had to exit the freeway into a neat town with lots of white timber houses, many with flags outside. We found a a Portuguese cafe. Great coffee.

Back on the freeway. More driving. Observations. So many trucks, lane changers, and bumpy roads.

I’ve always wanted to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright designed house Falling Water. We got to the gate at 3.40 for the 4 pm tour to be told our name wasn’t on the list! Had I forgotten ? Hadn’t I booked ? I thought I had. I was so disappointed that young Jay on the entry gate rang the visitor centre and they found a spot on the last tour of the day. The numbers per tour are strict because you go into the house in small groups as it doesn’t have overly big spaces.

Our tour lasted over an hour and we could also walk through the large gardens.

The house is spectacular.

Amazing waterfall design over a waterfall.

We left Falling Water in falling rain. Heavy rain! We lost our sat nav so had to use what I remembered to find our hotel in Pittsburgh. The Embassy Suites. Turns out valet parking made it easy to arrive! Then up to the 16th floor to find a very big suite. All very comfortable so a 3 🛌 🛌🛌 stay.

Out for a walk and dinner before a great nights sleep.

Breakfast was also a bonus the next day before we made some discoveries in Pittsburgh. The area called The Strip is definitely worth an explore. Lots of cafes, bars, shops, etc.

The bridges – there are so many of them that the traffic flows really well in and around the city. Brisbane would benefit from a few more bridges.

We went up the hill on the opposite side of the city to Washington Heights and found the two ‘incline’ or funicular. Down we went admiring the views. Then up.

We had a walk along the top and I spotted some of the lantern bugs. They are causing a problem. Aline , who we were in the Hamptons with was telling me about them. They are attaching themselves to trees and killing them. People have been asked to literally stamp them out! So there are dozens of them squashed all over the footpaths of NY and here they are in Pittsburgh.

Do your bit people Stamp away. I read in the paper that an actor ( I’ve forgotten who) was declared a bug warrior as he had removed his shoe and killed at least 70. It made the news .

Next stop was the Andy Warhol gallery / museum. A wonderful chronological history of his work.

Leaving Pittsburgh we headed west towards our next stop Millersberg. We left time to visit this Amish country side.

It’s like stepping back in time. I’ll post tomorrow on this interesting area.

New York you never disappoint.

September 14, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

I just love NY. Even though this trip is short …. It is still sweet.

I do miss not having Jordan & Rob here. We had such great visits with them when they lived here. We usually stayed near them in West Village.

This time we stayed mid-town. It was close to our Avis car drop off. And close to our friends.

*View of the Chrysler building from our hotel room.*

It was so wonderful to catch up with my Brisbane therapy friend Sharyn ( therapy as in a group of girls who catch up a lot ) She recently moved here to be near her daughter and especially her first grandchild

We met at Grand Central station. This is a beautiful station. The spaces are grand, it’s like stepping back in time. Built between 1903-1913 there are 56 passenger tracks. Built in the Beaux Arts style you could think you were in France – until you spot the eagle on the clock. There are cafes, wine bars, an oyster bar, shops if all kinds, a whispering corner, and of course trains.

We chatted for ages and even visited the ‘whispering corner’. It’s a trick of building and sound! You stand in opposite corners of a wide corridor and turn your back and whisper. The other person can hear you. Works like magic.

When we finally left – Sharyn to work & Steve to shopping & finding the best Reuben sandwich, I explored the station.

Then I walked and walked which is what you do in NY. Not to Central Park. I headed south.

I browsed shops and book shops. I bought nothing ! It’s not sales time and we can get everything in Australia now. And I haven’t got too much room in my suitcase. Justify. Justify.

I love the food trucks on each corner. Never short of a place to eat in NYC.

I was hot from walking so headed to my happy place. The NY public library. Outside there are tables and chairs set under the trees. I bought a cool drink and sat and people watched. Always interesting.

I visited the library, wandering and sitting. And of course visited the shop. I bought another book to share with Ollie , Leo & Alby. I’ve a little collection from places we’ve been.

Back to our very big room for a rest just before a rain storm. With thunder & Lightning. The full show!

Fortunately, it stopped and we left to walk the 10 blocks to our friend Lynn’s stunning apartment on the river near the UN.

We were meeting up with Bill and Marie-France, who we’d met up with in Edinburgh. They made the effort of cruising on the Queen Mary to NY so we could all have dinner. Such a sacrifice! Thanks Bill & MF.

Also joining us were James & Aline – whom we met at Lynn’s beach house. Great company and they lowered the average age!

Starting with a drink we moved on after the rain to Patroon a really lovely NY restaurant. Great food. Great service.

*Marie-France, James, me, Bill, Lynn, Steve & Aline*

New York I still love you.

NYC 🍎.

September 11, 2023September 12, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / Leave a comment

The second part of our holiday begins. We were a little delayed out of Frankfurt but it was all good in the end.

Lufthansa was comfortable to fly with. The seats smaller than Qantas and Singapore business but comfortable.

I love observing my fellow passengers. The couple opposite did not stop talking except when kissing , holding hands, touching and when everyone was settling for a nap she disappeared. I thought a toilet break but no she had climbed onto his seat? In a very short white skirt. I’m not really sure what happened after that as I put my sleep mask on!

We arrived into NY JFK airport. It’s never easy travelling into the US. Customs is extremely slow.

We got off the plane – me with my crutch and swollen knee to be confronted with a huge queue. I’m not underestimating the 600 or so crowd of ‘Others’ – the US citizens went one aisle & the others in a long queue.

I stood for awhile until a staff person saw me swaying on my crutch and took me to the front and a special quick lane. Thank goodness. I would have been standing for at least 2 hrs.

There were 5 customs officers each taking at least 7 mins to process each entry.

We still waited for about 15 mins to get to the top of the 2 person queue.

Then a wait for luggage. Then a 5 min walk to a bus. A 10 min bus ride to an air train. A few mins in the train and finally to the hire car place.

We landed at 1.30. We were on the road to the Hamptons on a Friday afternoon by 2.50 and reached East Hampton and our friend Lynn at 6.30. Phew.

Lynn is a friend we met on our swim trek to Galapagos about 7 years ago. She, her sister Lois and five other friends often zoom with us and we meet up when we can. It’s always fun.

*Looking towards the courtyard designed by Lynn’s equally talented & gorgeous sister Lois.*

This time it’s just us with Lynn, along with her lovely cheeky step son James and his fun wife Aline. They are such a friendly couple who have just moved back to NYC after raising their two daughters in Connecticut. We are so fortunate to be having the weekend together in Lynn’s fabulous house in the Hamptons.

We arrived in time for drinks and a delicious lobster meal. What a welcome.

The next day after a morning swim we took off for the beach and a bit of sightseeing in the area.

*If you look closely at my pictures you can see Lynn’s love of the African giraffe.*

The closest beach is Georgica beach. Dolphins were playing off shore, the water was sparkling & beautiful and the two young lifesavers really friendly.

We came up the Hamptons to Sag Harbour a few years ago with Rob & Jordan and Jordan’s parents Lisa & John. That weekend was great though it was cool and a bit rainy. This time it’s warm and sunny.

Lynn’s house is like a resort. I could stay for months. And Lynn is a warm generous host. Definitely a 🛌 🛌 🛌 stay. With a usb special plug next to the bed! Thanks Lynn.

Lunch was a fresh corn, avo, tomato, feta, & herb salad. Just what a weary traveller needs.

The afternoon was spent swimming, reading and preparing for dinner that night. Lynn had invited a few friends in for dinner.

Such an eclectic group. Alan an actor with several films under his belt, Brooke a retired Journalism professor, and author and Marilyn whose husband , Don Hewitt, now deceased had founded US tv show 60mins which was then produced as an Australian 60 minutes as well. Lynn, our friend was a journalist was on the ABC news magazine. And a nicer lady you could not meet.

We had a terrific night.

Today we talked about playing pickle ball, a new game which is taking over the US as a new sport. It was hot, we were tired from last night so spent time sitting around the pool relaxing.

Then it was time to head into NYC. The drive back was much better than the one going out. We found the hotel with no problems and found the room to be big and very comfortable. I had heard the wifi was terrible. It’s not.

The Tuscany by Lux I’m giving you a 3 🛏️ 🛌 🛌

We were going to meet some friends but plans didn’t eventuate so we had a drink at Alberts Bar on 42rd St. and watched the last few games of the US Open.

Then dinner at a little Italian. Too bad we hadn’t organised with to meet James & Aline for dinner. They live quite close and are great company.

NYC 🍎.

September 11, 2023 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments