Exploring Jane Austen's legacy in Chicago
by Jefie
I had such a great time in Chicago, it would almost be easy to forget that what brought me there in the first place was the 2008 AGM of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA - www.jasna.org). I've been a member of JASNA for almost 10 years now, and it was my second time attending an AGM. What brought me to the one in Chicago was first and foremost the location(!), but also the theme ("Jane Austen's Legacy: Life, Love, & Laughter"). During the very interesting conference, we explored Jane Austen's influence on writers such as Oscar Wilde, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Ian McEwan, and even J.K. Rowling!
But of course, a JASNA AGM wouldn't be complete without the Saturday banquet and ball. Let me tell you, Janeites are a weird bunch and even though JASNA is a literary society, its members' obsession with everything "Jane Austen" sometimes reaches levels of craziness you might see at a Star Trek convention! This year, I'd say at least half of the attendees dressed up in period costumes and kicked off the evening by parading down Michigan Avenue, which definitely caused traffic to slow down. This was followed by a Regency ball with authentic English country dancing and music! My friends and I stayed to take a few pictures and then we quickly escaped to spend the night at a blues nightclub - and if she were still alive, I think Jane Austen probably would have come with us!
The "Al Bundy" Fountain
by Leniwy
The proper title of this landmark, situated in Grant Park (along the downtown lakefront) is the "Buckingham Fountain." Built in 1927, it is said to be based on the Latona Basin Fountain at Versailles. A combination of classical sculpture with computerized technology, it was made even more famous the world over by its appearance in the opening title sequence of the TV 'sit-com' "Married With Children."
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/B/Buckingham.html
. When Chicago hosted the World Cup Soccer tournament, visitors from other countries flocked to the lakeshore in throngs to have their pictures taken in front of what they knew as the "Al Bundy Fountain" ;-)
http://www.enteract.com/~mpavlac/chicago.htm#Buckingham
Boating...
by TracyG
Take a boat tour on the lake or up the river. There are plenty of companies that do these type of cruises, particularly from Navy Pier. A good one is the duck, check out their website for more info.
http://www.duckcruises.com I miss the shopping, this city really does have great shops......
Drive, or taxi, along Lake...
by Applewood
Drive, or taxi, along Lake Shore Drive during the day, and at night, from the Field Museaum on the South to Belmont Harbor on the North, and along Michigan Avenue anytime. The original Chicago deep dish pizza at either Pizzeria Uno or Pizzaria Due downtown (no other location is the same)is the first, best-tasting pizza period -- unchanged since first introduced at Pizzeria Uno in 1943. A legend you can taste!
Go to Navy Pier!
I loved Navy...
by kinipela6
Go to Navy Pier!
I loved Navy Pier. We went on a Friday night, and there were a lot of people and fun stuff to do.
The best thing to do there is go see one of there Shakepeare Plays!! I say a parody of Hamlet called 'Hamlet the Musical.' I laughed till I cried it was so funny!!!
This picture is looking towards the city from the pier...
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American Girl - the dolls house, Chicago
me
where?
strolling
