Saturday, March 27, 2010
Watertowers everywhere in the area!
Ever since I took a job that requires me to travel up to 30 miles or more, there was something out there that always stood every time I went to a certain city/town/area, etc. Its the watertower. No matter where one goes in the areas adjacent to Chicago, you wouldn't miss these structures at all. They're all out there including Bolingbrook, Joliet, Crest Hill, Naperville, Aurora, and even Statesville where the well-known prison is. There's more out there that I haven't even seen yet. And I do hope to take a pic of these structures one of these days to show you all.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
First Day of Spring Still Brings Snow in IL
After a few days of decent temps and sunny skies in this part of Illinois, low and behold the flurries/snow that was to usher itself in on the first day of spring - Saturday, March 20, 2010. Minor accumulations took place in certain parts of the areas adjacent to Chicago. At first, I thought it was to be a bit warmer in the morning - but the snow itself surprised me while heading out the door. So I grabbed my hoodie and proceeded forth with my grocery activities. Looks like spring has came in right on the ticker, but winter still wants to make itself known. Hopefully it is the last day of snow as it bids adieu until late in the year (when it gets cold again).
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Willis Tower Experience
My girlfriend and I went to the Willis Tower on Saturday, March 6th.
It was our visit to Downtown Chicago since last December when I was a then-tourist who lived in Virginia during that time. This time, it's a little bit different from our previous experience.
We were able to take a train from Joliet, IL rather than drive a long commute to Chicago on I-55. I found it to be very convenient especially taking advantage of the $6.00 round trip fare that day. The Metra train is a great mode of transportation despite the several stops it made before making its way to the LaSalle station in Chicago.
Blocks away stood the Willis Tower (known by its previous naming: Sears Tower).
She was a beauty! The tallest building in Chicago - and was a world record-holder for a while in regards to it's extraordinary feat heightwise. Architects Bruce Graham and Fazlur Khan devised such a great structure along with the construction workers that brought it to life through their perseverance and hard work.
You know, I was confused, at first. I had mistakened the Hancock Tower to the Sears Tower. So in case if anyone on Facebook watches my December video, I would refer to it as the Sears Tower wherein fact, it really isn't. Duh, on my part. Architect Fazlur Khan was also the one behind this building project as well.
Going back to the Willis Tower experience itself, it was a thrill. From the get-go, everyone lined up to get their tickets in order to head over to the Skydeck on the 103rd floor. Facts and info of the Tower were shown all over the walls including comparisons to Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and even Barack Obama, respectively.
Once the tickets were purchased, we proceeded towards the next door which reveals a more in-depth personal tour including a brief 10-15 minute movie showing the historical significance of the then-Sears Tower, now named Willis Tower.
The elevator ride was pretty fast speeding its way towards the 103rd floor. Some people's ears popped, but I kept my mouth opened as we went up.
And so here I was on the 103rd floor with my girlfriend. We made it to the very top. I was able to film some video clips as well as take pictures from up above. Looking down on the city was the ultimate experience all its own, especially being in a transparent ledge. You can see what's beneath your feet. That's just how awesome it really is. As an added bonus, tourists/visitors can get their pictures taken professionally by the Willis Tower touring guide staff. We had our shot at the transparent ledge. I hope to show Mom & Dad these pictures sometime.
For $22 each on admission, including the $32 photograph set to total around $54, me and my girlfriend enjoyed the Willis Tower experience.
Hopefully we can let fellow friends and family witness this great spectacle event in the future. It's something one can't miss out on, believe me. You'll love it!
It was our visit to Downtown Chicago since last December when I was a then-tourist who lived in Virginia during that time. This time, it's a little bit different from our previous experience.
We were able to take a train from Joliet, IL rather than drive a long commute to Chicago on I-55. I found it to be very convenient especially taking advantage of the $6.00 round trip fare that day. The Metra train is a great mode of transportation despite the several stops it made before making its way to the LaSalle station in Chicago.
Blocks away stood the Willis Tower (known by its previous naming: Sears Tower).
She was a beauty! The tallest building in Chicago - and was a world record-holder for a while in regards to it's extraordinary feat heightwise. Architects Bruce Graham and Fazlur Khan devised such a great structure along with the construction workers that brought it to life through their perseverance and hard work.
You know, I was confused, at first. I had mistakened the Hancock Tower to the Sears Tower. So in case if anyone on Facebook watches my December video, I would refer to it as the Sears Tower wherein fact, it really isn't. Duh, on my part. Architect Fazlur Khan was also the one behind this building project as well.
Going back to the Willis Tower experience itself, it was a thrill. From the get-go, everyone lined up to get their tickets in order to head over to the Skydeck on the 103rd floor. Facts and info of the Tower were shown all over the walls including comparisons to Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, and even Barack Obama, respectively.
Once the tickets were purchased, we proceeded towards the next door which reveals a more in-depth personal tour including a brief 10-15 minute movie showing the historical significance of the then-Sears Tower, now named Willis Tower.
The elevator ride was pretty fast speeding its way towards the 103rd floor. Some people's ears popped, but I kept my mouth opened as we went up.
And so here I was on the 103rd floor with my girlfriend. We made it to the very top. I was able to film some video clips as well as take pictures from up above. Looking down on the city was the ultimate experience all its own, especially being in a transparent ledge. You can see what's beneath your feet. That's just how awesome it really is. As an added bonus, tourists/visitors can get their pictures taken professionally by the Willis Tower touring guide staff. We had our shot at the transparent ledge. I hope to show Mom & Dad these pictures sometime.
For $22 each on admission, including the $32 photograph set to total around $54, me and my girlfriend enjoyed the Willis Tower experience.
Hopefully we can let fellow friends and family witness this great spectacle event in the future. It's something one can't miss out on, believe me. You'll love it!
Monday, March 08, 2010
ALERT..ALERT, everyone! I Have New Pics & Videos
As mentioned on my last blog, I was working on uploading new photos and video clips. This means that the internet activity is going on strong again from my end. From last weekend, I was able to compile a couple of exclusive video pieces together (as well as digital photographs) that show the Illinois life. Just recently, I've went 'around-and-about' in the area.... Thanks to the many people that have been asking about photos & videos recently. You guys inspire me to get things on a roll.
And now it's time to show what I have. I'd love to share these with you all. Enjoy them!
Click HERE to see photographs showing my life in Illinois. Sure, there may not be much now, but it's a start having to put a couple of 'em in there.
OR
If you wish to see video clips instead, click on the YouTube video links 1 and 2. You will be able to view my experience being inside the Willis Tower in the heart of Downtown Chicago and searching for the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet.
(On a related note, I was able to upload some exclusive photos & video clips that would not be seen anywhere else, except on Facebook.)
And now it's time to show what I have. I'd love to share these with you all. Enjoy them!
Click HERE to see photographs showing my life in Illinois. Sure, there may not be much now, but it's a start having to put a couple of 'em in there.
OR
If you wish to see video clips instead, click on the YouTube video links 1 and 2. You will be able to view my experience being inside the Willis Tower in the heart of Downtown Chicago and searching for the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet.
(On a related note, I was able to upload some exclusive photos & video clips that would not be seen anywhere else, except on Facebook.)
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Pictures & Videos from Illinois - Coming Soon
I must admit there hasn't been that much activity on this website since my arrival in IL a few days ago. I'm still trying to get myself settled down in this great city of Joliet. Lots of good, friendly people I've met so far. I'm getting the 'feel' for this place now as its starting to become like a new home for me. So with that in mind, I have to start illustrating this more through pictures and photos to come soon. Hopefully, I can get this launched as early as this weekend in which I am supposedly heading to Chicago (since my last visit in December). Snapshots of Joliet, IL will also be included ... To my brother Jeff, I hope to get that shot of the Chicagoland Speedway for you ... The photo project is to be shown on my Photobucket link. Look out for it.
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