Pleasant Home

Oak Park has an outstanding plethora of cultural gems within such a small geographic radius. A lesser know landmark within the Village of Oak Park is Pleasant Home. Noted as an early example of America's prairie style homes it offers a fascinating insight into life over a hundred years ago and the innovations of technology within domestic life. Pleasant Home was originally owned by John Larson and was later purchased by the Mills family (the house is within Mills Park), and is situated within walking distance from Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple and his home and studio. 

Most notably about the actual house is its elaborate hand carved architectural details, stained glass, and overall craftsmanship. I think that Pleasant Home is a real treasure to Oak Park and surrounding area and I'm really hope to get more involved in supporting it. 

The Ritz Hotel, London

Having high tea at The Ritz Hotel in London was an extraordinary experience. For my Christmas present, Angela graciously gave me the experience of a lifetime in a landmark setting. The original Ritz hotel is in Paris and the one in London was opened a little bit later by founder César Ritz, in the early 20th century. 

Beautiful fresh-cut pink roses were filled in silver urns along the main corridor of the hotel. From the architecture, the decor, and lighting -- it truly felt like I was stepping into a very glitzy time warp that was historic but also timeless. Part of the series finale of Downton Abbey was actually filmed in the main dining room.

I'm glad I was able to take some photos and savor the moment visiting such a beautiful and treasured space. The tea itself was delicious, with lots of small sandwiches, cakes, and an endless supply of Darjeeling. With a glass of champagne on the side. 

It's actually still unbelievable that I was in London in February. Perhaps the trip was too quick? Yet the time I was there I was very glad to have witnessed such a wonderful place and with such good a friend. It'll be a moment I'll remember fondly for a very long time. 

Next week will be my last post about London featuring a turn around the London Eye.

The fanciest coat check ticket I've ever gotten.

 

Skydeck

The Sears Tower--I mean the 'Willis Tower'--(whatever you call it), is the most famous icon along the Chicago skyline. Despite the identity crisis, the 108-floor tower is known for its height and shape. The building has installed glass 'cubes' or small rooms, that protrude from the top floor, which is now called the Sky Deck. When my friend Angela was in town a couple weeks ago we played tourists and arrived early to the Tower to check out the great view of Chicago. I'm happy to have finally made it up the Tower and glad to feel more connected to the city because of it. So whether you call it the Sears Tower, Willis Tower, or even perhaps the Blackstone Tower, it's still a wonderful city landmark.