Tramping: Chicago Day 1

I last spent time in Chicago in 1989. Back then we went to a comedy club, ate at the home of deep pan pizza and re-enacted Ferris Bueller at the top of the Sears Tower. This time I booked a couple tours. First of all I had to negotiate the transit app and train disruptions with replacement buses. The staff at the station were so helpful and happy. There seemed to be loads of them to help get everyone where they needed to be and with a smile too. On the way back one employee even had a microphone out and was wishing everyone a happy Saturday!

First I visited the Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and completed in 1910 on a budget of $60,000 - thirty times the average house price at the time. It's considered to be one of the best of his Prairie style buildings (the Prairie school sought to create something uniquely American).

It was only a family home for 16 years and suffered when it became a student dorm for the nearby seminary. Therefore it is shorn of a lot of its original furniture and had none of the warmth of the Samara House (and you couldn't touch anything!)

Brick and iron beams used to create the overhangs with greenery all around and lots of windows.

Beneath the projecting roof is the 'prow' at the end of the sitting room.

Staff quarters above a triple garage

Entrance stairs from lobby to the main floor. FLW hid house entrances and squeezed people in so they emerged into the open space of the house proper.

Light fittings designed to cast shadows.

Recessed light panels.

Sitting room with central chimney and fireplace.

'Prow' of the sitting room.

In the afternoon I headed through Millennium Park to take a boat tour on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

There were a lot of boats of all sizes out there including kayaks, pedal boats, big cabin cruisers, jet skis, pedal boats and more than a few hire your own party boats with revellers starting early. The Riverside Walk is lined with eateries and bars, all packed.

I was having an early night though.

Skyline with the Sears Tower in the centre - or Wills Tower as it is now called.

The striking St Regis is the world's tallest building designed by a woman and contains a missing floor near the top to allow the wind to pass through.