Cities

I am learning to love cities.

There is something so fantastic about the dynamic energy of thousands of people living so close to each other…the endless supply of good restaurants…the joy of walking everywhere…the pleasure of proximity.

In the past year, I’ve had the privilege of touring many cities:

Nairobi, Dubai, Kampala, Casa Blanca, Fes, Cairo, New York City, Phoenix, Tucson, Venice, Florence, Rome, Munich, D.C., and most recently, Chicago.

I went to Chicago in April for the Gospel Coalition Conference.  It was such a privilege hearing the movers and shakers of the Evangelical and Reformed Christian Movement today give incredible sermons and words of encouragement to thousands of believers gathered!  Outside of the conference sessions, I also had the opportunity to tour the city of Chicago a bit.

Chicago is a great combination of New York City and D.C.  They are all busy, professional cities, but Chicago is quite unique.  It has the talent of NYC, and the classiness of DC.  But, with its own edginess and charm and draws.  For example, Lake Michigan is right on the edge of the city.  And, really NICE suburbs are only ten minutes outside the main downtown area.  And, everyone is incredibly friendly.  Of course, the food is delicious, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to practice “night photography” on the beautiful architecture.

This is the BEAN on the left.  It is this random, glass modern piece of art that reflects all the buildings off of  its every square inch.  It is technically called Cloud Gate.

Despite the rainy, overcast weather I experienced, it was still fun to see things like the John Hancock Observatory, and also to re-live my childhood days of American Girl Dolls with seeing one of the largest stores in Chicago’s main shopping district.

Still, I love D.C., I love working downtown, and I love all the activity.  If you’re looking for fun things to do there this summer, here are my Top 11 for this summer.  I am doing most, if not all, of these!

11 because I had 1 more than 10, and I couldn’t leave it out.

1.  Screen on the Green

2.  Jazz Concerts in the Sculpture Garden

3.  Ella’s Gluten-Free Pizza in Chinatown

4.  Penn Quarter Fresh Farm Thursday Market

5.  Zola Wine and Cooking Classes

6.  Bethesda Bikram Hot Yoga

7.  Cowgirl Creamery

8.  Wicked at the Kennedy Center

9.  Pink Berry Frozen Yogurt

10.  Wolf Trapp Live Outdoor Performances

11.  Summer Biking on D.C. Trails

…and so much more…

The Washington Post also puts out a great “Best Events” column here.

My summer days will also be filled with cooking.  I love to cook.  And, lately I’ve been experimenting more with gluten-free cooking…not because I have Celiac’s, but I have a number of friends who eat gluten-free, and I want to be able to cook for people in that category more.  Check out this new blog I discovered: http://jenncuisine.com/

So, lots to do, so little time.

This week, it’s off to a work conference for three days, and then to Phoenix for 6 days to visit my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew.  Can’t wait!