Monday, September 2, 2013

Chicago! A Picture Review


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So I went to Chicago this past week to research a new novel I plan to write this fall.  It's set at the time of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 - but it is really about a girl who has lost everything and a boy who believes he can help her and a Chinese immigrant who plays the violin and another fire that took place in Wisconsin at the same time - oh yeah - and a chicken named Kristina.  

True.

I took a ton of pictures but they are all loading sideways and that's just annoying so I am only sharing a few.

This is where it all started - the site of the O'Leary's barn.  Now the city's fire training academy and this beautiful monument.
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Here is one of the steam powered water pumps they used during the actual fire.  Can I just say how amazingly kind the Chicago Fire Dept. was leading me around and answering all my questions?  Thanks again Instructor Jose Garcia ... woot!


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This gorgeous new truck has nothing to do with my story but when Instructor Garcia asked if I wanted to climb inside and check it out, I said YES



Chicago deep dish -- all 17,500 calories of it.  A girl's gotta eat :)


 I was surprised at how beautiful Chicago is -- really a gorgeous city!


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Tell Me:  Have you ever been to Chicago??
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6 comments:

ilima said...

How fun! I've never been, but it looks amazing. I think I need to write a book that takes place in Italy that requires much research. Just saying...

Heidi M. Rogers said...

I've been to Chicago once to visit my sister, and I've always wanted to go back. Great pictures! Glad you had a good time! Looking forward to the new book. :)

Marcia said...

I was just there a week and a half ago -- my son lives there. That's EXACTLY the pizza we had! I may have been better off not knowing the calorie count, though. And I love that you're going to mention the Peshtigo fire, too -- which on the same night killed 4x as many people, but in a much less prominent place. :)

Tess said...

Ilima: take me with you if you go!

Heidi: thanks - I'd love to go back to Chicago again, too. I didn't get a chance to shop the magnificent mile.

Marcia: I exaggerated/guessed on the calorie count :0 And, yes - it is the Peshtigo situation that spurred this story idea. Fascinating stuff. thanks for stopping by!

paige said...

You are so cool. A chicken named Kristina....if you need any help with researching that chicken, let me know.

We went to chicago once, but it was a really quick trip, and we didn't explore much. I wanted to go see Oprah while we lived in Illinois, but wouldn't you know it, she was busy with that whole mad cow thing when I was planning to go.

dellgirl said...

No, I have never been to Chicago but, I would love to visit there. This is awesome, Tess. Thanks for the lovely tour, it was so much fun.

Wishing you a Happy Sunday, my friend!