Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Chicago

First time back in Chicago in a year and a half. A few new things to report.

Cloud Gate, AKA The Bean has finally been polished. The effect is stunning. One of the best public sculptures of all time.





The Gehry band shell has been finished for some time. But it's still a sight to behold.



The to be 92-story Trump Tower, on the old Sun Times site, is well under way.

Friday, July 13, 2007

San Francisco

I finally made it to San Fran. A 9-hour layover allowed me to do a little sight seeing, as well as meet up with one of my friends from Buenos Aires for lunch. By the time lunch was over, I was so jet lagged I headed straight back to the airport. But I did get to see some of the things I've always wanted to at least catch glimpse of.

The Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge.



the TransAmerica Pyramid.



the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf.



Alcatraz.



I didn't make it to Haight-Ashbury though. So I guess I'll have to go back sometime.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Nam-san and the War Memorial Museum

I made one final trip to Seoul before heading on vacation. I decided to hike up Namsan (Mt. Nam). Unfortunately, the weather didn't really cooperate. There was a distinct fog, aka smog, over the city.

The view from the top of Namsan could be good. Although it's hard to tell on such a smoggy day.



Namsan and Seoul Tower, from the War Memorial Museum.



The War Memorial Museum is an impressive collection of Korean War artifacts. Unfortunately, the museum was closing before I got a chance to check it out. But on the outside is a wide array of military hardware.

Lots of tanks,



cannons,



and helicopters. This, of course, is the helicopter made famous by M*A*S*H.



There are also plenty of airplanes, rockets, and other hardware on display. A definite must see when in Seoul.