Puerto Vallarta, Preface

What do you do when a trusted friend says something to the effect of, "...I have the hotel room in Puerto Vallarta for the whole weekend, come down if you want"?

If you're me, you weigh the pros and cons, mostly a cost vs. fun proposition. Quickly, I realized this would be relatively low cost for high, high fun. One could imagine or it might have seemed like it took more convincing, but this was almost a no-brainier. Three nights in 90+ degree weather in late November, international travel, sand, sea, tequila, a wedding to attend, and so much more. It was an easy choice. 

So, that will set up the next few posts, in which I'll simply recap each day/night. This includes my first night there, which I'll call "Tequila Night"; the second which everyone will rightly call, "The Wedding"; and the last night, which I'll call, "The Boardwalk". Here's a glimpse...

Sit back and wait for the full posts. 

Wonderful Fall Day, Minneapolis, MN

The Commodore, St. Paul, MN

It happened. A friend told me about a place I'd never heard of. And it wasn't like it some new hip club or fantastic bar, it's a restaurant and bar in St. Paul Minnesota that's been there since 1921, The Commodore. 

So, I did what anyone would do in my situation, I had to visit. We went there on a terribly rainy & windy evening, but were pleasantly surprised by their unique, old-school decor, interesting clientele, bountiful beverages, and wonderful food options.

We had drinks and three apps (the food kind, not the phone kind) to tide us over; Lobster Deviled Eggs, Croquettes, and a very traditional Shrimp Cocktail. Everything hit the spot, was thoughtfully prepared, and delicious this night. 

And that doesn't even discuss the actual space. It's a throwback to an early time and no place in the Twin Cities is like it...

(Does that lady even know what an iPhone is?)

And though I would never normally, I have to mention the bathroom. It was a very well done, clean, unique take on something so mundane. I'd like a bathroom in my home one day to look like this...

Who even decorates like this anymore? It was very fun to be ensconced in it, and drink it all in, literally and figuratively. I will be back.

SRAM World Headquarters, Chicago, IL

If you work in or follow the bike industry, you most likely know about this company, with its world headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. You may know that they've recently moved into a new building at 1000 West Fulton Market. I have to say, it's a wonderful space and seems like an inviting place to go to work each day. Check out the photos below, and I think you'll agree.

Calder Flamingo "Stabile", Chicago, IL

I didn't know much about this large format artwork in the Federal Plaza, but a quick Wikipedia article later and I feel well-informed. 

This piece is called a "stabile" in contrast to moving "mobile" (like the things that hang from babies' cribs) pieces popular at the time. The artist, Alexander Calder, wanted to break up the right-angles of all the steel and glass structures nearby in creating a more fluid, flowing form, that would be clearly anchored in place. Additionally, he wanted to use more than just the black and grays of the buildings and chose a bright color, now known as "Calder Red". 

 

You can also walk all around and under the piece, getting a sense of scale and seeing unique perspectives. 

Finally, though the piece was officially unveiled on the plaza in October of 1974, Calder clearly "signed" the piece and dated 1973, which is the year he completed it. I also find it interesting that, to my eye, his letter "C" is first in his signature. 

I'm not a huge art buff, but recognized the name when I saw it. I'm pretty sure if you are considering the purchase of any of his works now, you already have your name on a museum and can afford whatever you desire...though the current owners of his works may not be willing to sell. I certainly doubt the city of Chicago would. 

Pint-sized Chicago Architectural Tour

What to do with a free day in Chicago? Walk the city and take pics of anything that strikes your fancy. Of course, what you'll find in Chicago is likely unlike any other city, save a few. Take a tour with me, won't you?

Out of Union Station, find the Lyric Opera of Chicago, right on the river front. 

Famous Marina Towers. Yes, plural. If you look really close, the building in the foreground is hiding its twin.

The Monadnock building is considered one of the first skyscrapers ever built. 

Though it now looks small by today's skyscraper standards, it used very thick concrete lower walls to support the floors above. 

And finally, what I will likely always call the Sears Tower, but is technically now the Willis Tower. 

Glazed and Infused Donuts, Chicago, IL

If you haven't heard, donuts are big now. I'm not saying bacon-big, but a lot of donut shops are popping up all over the places I visit. 

I was fortunate enough to try some from Glazed & Infused recently. Man! What a good-looking, heavy-in-your-hand, inventive and flavorful donut shop. 

I think the S'mores (or Toasted Marshallow...on the right) was one of the best donuts I've had in years. 

Honorable mention to their take on Red Velvet. If you get the chance, stuff your pie hole with these deep fried gems.