Holidays

As you all know, J and I have been in the States since the 11th. We've been so busy running around I honestly have not had time to post. Since I have a short window this morning I decided I'd quickly keep you all up to date on our happenings.

We arrived in Ohio on the 11th, no problems with the 3 flights it always takes between home #1 and home #2. I got some sort of stomach bug that I think I picked up in Canada because I was sick for the first day and a half but it was nothing a little Pepto Bismol couldn't fix. We set off right away towards shopping and meeting up with friends, family, etc. On Thursday evening we were able to go downtown to the Ohio Theatre to see The Nutcracker, a ballet to the tune of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. My grandma used to take my brother and I there just about every year when we were young. I wanted J to experience it. There were definitely changes to the ballet, like they do every year, but it was quite enjoyable.

This past Sunday we took a mini trip to Chicago and arrived back to Columbus then on Wednesday. I had to go to Chicago for a day for my interview in order to receive my residence permit for Sweden, but I didn't get to spend any actual time in the city. It was literally fly there, go to the interview downtown, and then take the L back to Midway and fly back to Columbus. This time, however, J and I stayed right downtown on Michigan Ave. at the Hard Rock Hotel. We had a splendid view.


We visited the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, the Skydeck at Willis (Sears) Tower, and the Hancock Center's Observatory (our favorite view of the city, although it's shorter than Willis Tower). We also just strolled along a lot of downtown and also attempted to shop, which proved to be a failure as there were crowds and the prices were absolutely outrageous ($170 for a pair of Levi jeans?? Please!)


J's feet - this is the Willis Tower Skydeck where they have glass boxes you can step out onto and look down about 1500ft to the ground!


This is the view of the city from the Hancock Center at night, too bad the glass reflected the lights from inside. Still a beautiful view, though.


Chicago decorates the streets wonderfully for the holidays!


Panorama from the Shedd Aquarium/Field Museum area of the city.


View of some buildings from our hotel window. I love the tall rounded one. Sadly I don't know the name of that building.

One thing I did think was cool was how all of the buildings had names. I'm not sure if that's how it is here in Columbus, but it was neat to see!

We've been back and shopping and meeting up with friends and family again. This trip, as expected, is flying by. Before we know it we'll be back and celebrating New Year's with friends in Sweden.

It's wonderful to be back with family and friends for this time of year. Happy Holidays to everyone!