Today was all about buildings, settlement, growth. Firstly a tour of Near North, by bike, including the old town, gold coast, Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach, and part of the wonderful 18.5 mile linear park along Lake Michigan.

Then an architectural tour on a classic boat, surveying the skyline with an expert commentary. I'm in awe of the civic vision and resolve which rebuilt a city so quickly after a great fire, and built it so ingeniously and for the future. Made me think of the Medicis and the Victorians. The 'Florence of the Midwest' as Theodore Dreiser called it. Oh so many photographs...

And so to sleep with the rumble of the El, ending the day as it began.