Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Sunday, 22 February 2009
The intrepid explorer, back on home soil
Well, after over a year stateside, this chap sneaked back into the UK last week! It was a discreet arrival and I was a little dazed for it felt like the end of an adventure.
I'll never forget it. One sunny day in September 2007, I found out that my short-lived career was about to expand a little. A little over the transatlantic.
A few months later in early 2008, I was living in Herald Square, right in the middle of Manhattan, New York, with a 10001 zip code. The first city that had visited on my trip around the world, was now, home? Waking up in Manhattan was spectacular, if a little surreal.
After three months, a new life in Chicago beckoned and I didn't really know what to expect. But in many ways, with more time in Chicago I enjoyed it more and got to know the place really well. I was also very lucky to find a place in one of the tallest buildings in Chicago and home was a 63rd floor apartment with some of the best panoramic views of the city.
I truly had the time of my life! So to leave it all behind was hard, especially leaving behind a special girlfriend and some new friends, but it is great to catch up with family and friends again. I just need to work out what's next!
On that note, who knows what is next. When I came back from travelling three years ago, I was dazed even then and I thought that I wouldn't have another adventure for a while. At that time, I posted these famous words on my original blog:
AFTER AN EPIC TRIP AROUND THE WORLD, THE INTREPID EXPLORER FINDS HIMSELF BACK IN THE UK, WHERE WILL HE GO AND WHAT WILL HE DO NEXT? FOLLOW THESE CHRONICLES INTO THE REALM OF THE UNKNOWN... THE TRAVEL OF LIFE RATHER THAN CHARTERED FLIGHT, IT'S HERE, IT'S REAL, IT'S THE INTREPID EXPLORER BACK ON HOME SOIL.
Since then, there have been more adventures, both in terms of a fair few chartered flights (believe me!) and the travel of life - I'm now an uncle and that's a bit of an adventure in itself!
I'll never forget it. One sunny day in September 2007, I found out that my short-lived career was about to expand a little. A little over the transatlantic.
A few months later in early 2008, I was living in Herald Square, right in the middle of Manhattan, New York, with a 10001 zip code. The first city that had visited on my trip around the world, was now, home? Waking up in Manhattan was spectacular, if a little surreal.
After three months, a new life in Chicago beckoned and I didn't really know what to expect. But in many ways, with more time in Chicago I enjoyed it more and got to know the place really well. I was also very lucky to find a place in one of the tallest buildings in Chicago and home was a 63rd floor apartment with some of the best panoramic views of the city.
I truly had the time of my life! So to leave it all behind was hard, especially leaving behind a special girlfriend and some new friends, but it is great to catch up with family and friends again. I just need to work out what's next!
On that note, who knows what is next. When I came back from travelling three years ago, I was dazed even then and I thought that I wouldn't have another adventure for a while. At that time, I posted these famous words on my original blog:
AFTER AN EPIC TRIP AROUND THE WORLD, THE INTREPID EXPLORER FINDS HIMSELF BACK IN THE UK, WHERE WILL HE GO AND WHAT WILL HE DO NEXT? FOLLOW THESE CHRONICLES INTO THE REALM OF THE UNKNOWN... THE TRAVEL OF LIFE RATHER THAN CHARTERED FLIGHT, IT'S HERE, IT'S REAL, IT'S THE INTREPID EXPLORER BACK ON HOME SOIL.
Since then, there have been more adventures, both in terms of a fair few chartered flights (believe me!) and the travel of life - I'm now an uncle and that's a bit of an adventure in itself!
Monday, 16 February 2009
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Last week I managed to fit in a little trip to Mexico with Lindsey. Ever since I arrived in Chicago she's been my special local guide showing me all the best places, taking me to some fantastic concerts (even the opera for five hours!) and we just seem to have a lot of fun. Oh, and she is also a very good cook (though my talents remain undiscovered as I did burn the rice once and was never allowed to cook again!). So, obviously, she was the ideal traveling buddy for a trip to Mexico!
We headed to the airport early on Saturday morning, witnessing a beautiful sunrise over the airport and the city of Chicago.
Several hours later we were in a small taxi weaving in and out of the Mexican traffic on the hot streets of a town called Puerto Vallarta which is nestled on the coast of the pacific ocean. Boy was it nice to be in a warm place for a change!!!!!
The taxi dropped us off at the villa with all its brilliant views over the town and ocean. We headed down to the town and the beach enjoying all the sights as well as some Mexican sweetcorn mixed with poblano peppers - a true delicacy to try at home.
Even nicer are the mangos from this region of Mexico (Lindsey loves them dearly!) and on one trip to a surfing beach on the bumpiest bus ever, we came across possibly the best thing - a truck load of them!
We even saw this chap again (the so-called Mango Man) the next day at a different beach further down the coast and he greeted us like long lost friends before we bought another dozen of freshly picked mangos to keep up our vitamin C intake, at least for a year.
Coincidently, I did go surfing and although it was a little rocky near the beach, the waves were pretty good and Lindsey even got a rare picture of me in action. Hard to believe I know.
After that I was feeling lucky and so I treated myself to a whole red snapper on the way back! It was very nice indeed.
On the trip, we played pool a few times, well, this wasn't just enjoyment as I needed to avenge an earlier defeat, and we found some pool halls to play even when we were the only tourists in sight!
There was one last thing we needed to do and that was tequila tasting which was way more sophisticated than I thought and it was actually quite nice!
We had one last brunch in town on a balcony overlooking the ocean before flying back to the Windy City.
It was a great trip and such good fun!
We headed to the airport early on Saturday morning, witnessing a beautiful sunrise over the airport and the city of Chicago.
Several hours later we were in a small taxi weaving in and out of the Mexican traffic on the hot streets of a town called Puerto Vallarta which is nestled on the coast of the pacific ocean. Boy was it nice to be in a warm place for a change!!!!!
The taxi dropped us off at the villa with all its brilliant views over the town and ocean. We headed down to the town and the beach enjoying all the sights as well as some Mexican sweetcorn mixed with poblano peppers - a true delicacy to try at home.
Even nicer are the mangos from this region of Mexico (Lindsey loves them dearly!) and on one trip to a surfing beach on the bumpiest bus ever, we came across possibly the best thing - a truck load of them!
We even saw this chap again (the so-called Mango Man) the next day at a different beach further down the coast and he greeted us like long lost friends before we bought another dozen of freshly picked mangos to keep up our vitamin C intake, at least for a year. Coincidently, I did go surfing and although it was a little rocky near the beach, the waves were pretty good and Lindsey even got a rare picture of me in action. Hard to believe I know.
After that I was feeling lucky and so I treated myself to a whole red snapper on the way back! It was very nice indeed.
On the trip, we played pool a few times, well, this wasn't just enjoyment as I needed to avenge an earlier defeat, and we found some pool halls to play even when we were the only tourists in sight!
There was one last thing we needed to do and that was tequila tasting which was way more sophisticated than I thought and it was actually quite nice!
We had one last brunch in town on a balcony overlooking the ocean before flying back to the Windy City.
It was a great trip and such good fun!
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Chicago charm
Just before the end of last year I pulled together all my footage of Chicago taken during the late summer. When I look back at this now, the city is so alive and different to what it is in the depths of the harsh winter!!! The long and hot summer really does make up for it, fortunately!
Enjoy!
Chicago Summertime from Adrian Swinbourne on Vimeo.
Enjoy!
Chicago Summertime from Adrian Swinbourne on Vimeo.
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Monday, 5 January 2009
Martha Anne Swinbourne
I think one of the most surreal moments for me in 2008 was meeting my little baby niece for the first time. My brother is now a Dad and I am an uncle. Hard to believe I know!
The strangest thing is that Martha just looks familiar - perhaps she has Charlie's mouth. I still haven't quite worked it out!
The strangest thing is that Martha just looks familiar - perhaps she has Charlie's mouth. I still haven't quite worked it out!
Saturday, 22 November 2008
Seattle
On my travels around the world in 2005, I stopped off in Seattle for a couple of days after visiting Canada. So when I headed out to Seattle with work for a few days in early November, it was good chance to retrace all those steps.
Even from Chicago it's a four hour flight to get out to the northwest coast of the USA. And once I had arrived, the whole city seemed familiar from the airport to the famous Pike Market.
After spending a bit of time in the midwest it was also nice to sample some fresh seafood from the pacific. I think I ate pacific salmon two nights in a row, perhaps three.
Even from Chicago it's a four hour flight to get out to the northwest coast of the USA. And once I had arrived, the whole city seemed familiar from the airport to the famous Pike Market.
After spending a bit of time in the midwest it was also nice to sample some fresh seafood from the pacific. I think I ate pacific salmon two nights in a row, perhaps three.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Friday, 7 November 2008
The Obama rally
What a surreal night. Last Tuesday, on a warm evening, thousands upon thousands of hopeful Americans (and international observers like me!) went down to Grant Park for change that we can believe in.
I didn't actually see Obama. That was a bit tricky. But it was great just to be there and experience the drama once he had been elected!
An historical moment indeed.
I didn't actually see Obama. That was a bit tricky. But it was great just to be there and experience the drama once he had been elected! An historical moment indeed.
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Friday, 31 October 2008
Halloween in the US
As many of you will know, Halloween is a big occasion in the US. It's so big in fact, that I had two parties to go to with friends from work, one party was 'hell' and the other 'heaven'.
Getting ready for the night, I began my normal heroics as a zombie which my university friends may recognise, though this time it turned out more joker than zombie, almost a combination between the two. I am not sure if I would recommend it, but hopefully it was mildly effective.
Getting ready for the night, I began my normal heroics as a zombie which my university friends may recognise, though this time it turned out more joker than zombie, almost a combination between the two. I am not sure if I would recommend it, but hopefully it was mildly effective.
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Fleet Foxes
For a little while, I've been a big fan of Fleet Foxes and luckily enough I managed to get tickets when they came to town. They are awesome!
Monday, 6 October 2008
Fernandes in Chicago
In October, Daniel Fernandes was in town. He's an old friend from uni and he was once an arch enemy as one of the rather nasty Greville Road crew. I was one of the lads from the nicer Raleigh Road crew, and we once beat the Greville Road lads during a dramatic game of football 10 goals to 9. The sweet taste of success was that much better as drinks were on them. For the rematch, we lost the game terribly, and the beers didn't taste quite so good.Luckily the rivalry was always good natured and they weren't really that nasty. Mostly, we could all be found watching football down the pub, out for a few drinks or playing football on the Park Street field in front of the Bristol Cathedral come rain, shine, or even darkness.
So Dan arrived in the Windy City armed with newspapers, Cadbury's chocolates, baked beans, and with the latest football news. We quickly opened a beer and sat at the window catching up with news whilst looking over downtown Chicago.
The rest of the week followed with a visit to Wicker Park for mashed potato pizza, a bit of an unusual classic! A visit to Zanies, a comedy venue, where the jokes were on us guys sitting in the front seats - never the best seats to take in a comedy venue.
Then, we went to see a few concerts, beginning at the Riveria to see TV On The Radio, before heading to Metro to see Spinto and a few other bands.
On Friday morning we headed off to sample a true American brunch - the equivalent of our own English breakfast. But it was a little much for Dan.
A couple of times we headed down the beach to... ahem, perfect our football skills. Although the sand was mildly cold on our bare feet, it was enjoyable nonetheless.
One evening, we headed to Buddy Legends - a famous blues venue for soul food and lots of good music.
We did also play a bit of pool and although Dan won the first 4 games, I managed to turn round my game to equal the score 4-4! But, my success was short lived and Dan picked up his game again, and I could only watch and learn.
Sadly, just before Dan left, he got hit hard by a freak gust of wind. In other words, the Chicago wind. It can be ferocious and I reckon Dan's got the scars to prove it.
Then just before he left, we got the classic visitor photo in!
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Special visitor from the UK
25 years later, a special someone came to visit me here in Chicago. This someone has been there since the very beginning, since the land before my time.
The thing is that after a few months here, the family didn't really know what I was up to. But they were very suspicious. They didn't know where I live, nor what Chicago is like. All they had heard was that this city was once the home of Al Capone and his mob. This tiny bit of detail didn't really help.
So, to investigate, they sent a person to represent the family (unarmed of course) to check that everything was in place. This little investigator was my Mum, luckily with some harmless English treats in hand (good old Dairy Milk chocolate and a couple of English newspapers!)!
It was a nice little visit. We made sure we enjoyed the sights and tastes of Chicago. I even saw things that I had never seen before!
On the first night, we went out for some dinner and afterwards we walked along the lakefront pass lots of cyclists, joggers and rollerbladers - a bit of Miami here in Chicago and a bit of an eye opener for my Mum!
We even joined in a couple of times renting a bike and cycling down the lakefront which simply goes on for miles!
At one point I played up to the camera, much like I had seen other tourists do. It looked fun!
However, my Mum wasn't having any of it and thought she was helping, somewhat.
Sunrise in this place is pretty spectacular (Mum took this as I was asleep wasn't I!).
Even more spectacular was Circe Du Soleil who were in town and what we saw was simply extraordinary!
As a treat one night, we headed up to the top of the John Hancock to The Signature Lounge on the 95th floor for sunset.
We also managed to check out Sears Tower and the views from the 103rd floor.
Now, I am faced with reality, when I return from work there is no dinner waiting for me, nor no chocolate cake.
How will I cope!
The thing is that after a few months here, the family didn't really know what I was up to. But they were very suspicious. They didn't know where I live, nor what Chicago is like. All they had heard was that this city was once the home of Al Capone and his mob. This tiny bit of detail didn't really help.
So, to investigate, they sent a person to represent the family (unarmed of course) to check that everything was in place. This little investigator was my Mum, luckily with some harmless English treats in hand (good old Dairy Milk chocolate and a couple of English newspapers!)!
It was a nice little visit. We made sure we enjoyed the sights and tastes of Chicago. I even saw things that I had never seen before!
On the first night, we went out for some dinner and afterwards we walked along the lakefront pass lots of cyclists, joggers and rollerbladers - a bit of Miami here in Chicago and a bit of an eye opener for my Mum!
We even joined in a couple of times renting a bike and cycling down the lakefront which simply goes on for miles!
At one point I played up to the camera, much like I had seen other tourists do. It looked fun!
However, my Mum wasn't having any of it and thought she was helping, somewhat.
Sunrise in this place is pretty spectacular (Mum took this as I was asleep wasn't I!).
Even more spectacular was Circe Du Soleil who were in town and what we saw was simply extraordinary!
As a treat one night, we headed up to the top of the John Hancock to The Signature Lounge on the 95th floor for sunset.
We also managed to check out Sears Tower and the views from the 103rd floor.
Now, I am faced with reality, when I return from work there is no dinner waiting for me, nor no chocolate cake.
How will I cope!
Boston and New York visit
In mid-August, a little work trip to Boston and New York beckoned. The great thing was that I had never been to Boston before and it also marked my first return to New York since I left in April.
It was a quick but productive trip!
It was a quick but productive trip!
Friday, 8 August 2008
Barcelona FC in Chicago
In early August, the mighty Barcelona came to town to play Chivas, a Mexican team, at Soldier Field. Although the maestro Messi wasn't playing, we did see Eto'o, Henry, Gudjohnsen, the new signing Helb and a very talented up and coming 17 year old called Pedro. Barcelona won 5-2!
Monday, 4 August 2008
Chicago Thunderstorms
Boy oh boy. When the weather hits this place, it really does hit it hard!
This chap had no idea. I had only just got back into my apartment for the evening taking a look out the window to check out the rather tranquil evening sky. It all looked so nice. But, at the same time, some rather menacing and significant storm clouds were incoming.
The sky changed in a second. The black clouds had already arrived, passing the windows at some mph with such breathtaking force. The apartment was now dark. The building was creaking. We were now at sea again.
I've never seen such fierce winds loaded with water flowing through a whole city. It truly was phenomenal witnessing such a storm.
Well, I say 'was', but actually it looks as though the storm hasn't quite gone yet. The lightning is now overhead, bursting strobe-like lightning across the dark misty clouds and the sound is heavy. It could be a long night...
Check out the video to see this event before your eyes in the comfort of your chair in relative harmony!! If you can, listen out for the eerie piper who returned again to play out the storm.
This chap had no idea. I had only just got back into my apartment for the evening taking a look out the window to check out the rather tranquil evening sky. It all looked so nice. But, at the same time, some rather menacing and significant storm clouds were incoming.
The sky changed in a second. The black clouds had already arrived, passing the windows at some mph with such breathtaking force. The apartment was now dark. The building was creaking. We were now at sea again.I've never seen such fierce winds loaded with water flowing through a whole city. It truly was phenomenal witnessing such a storm.
Well, I say 'was', but actually it looks as though the storm hasn't quite gone yet. The lightning is now overhead, bursting strobe-like lightning across the dark misty clouds and the sound is heavy. It could be a long night...
Check out the video to see this event before your eyes in the comfort of your chair in relative harmony!! If you can, listen out for the eerie piper who returned again to play out the storm.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Professionals in Chicago
I never would have guessed it.
After playing football Tuesday night, a couple of us went to get a beer. We decided to head to The Globe, a English football pub, never guessing that 4,000 miles away from home - we would have some professionals for company.
I've never had the pleasure of being in a pub with some Premier League stars, but here I was in the company of five Everton professionals and the manager David Moyes!
Everton were on their pre-season tour, with a game the next night against Chicago Fire. We walked in and with an abundance of Everton fans in the pub, I knew something wasn't quite right!
After playing football Tuesday night, a couple of us went to get a beer. We decided to head to The Globe, a English football pub, never guessing that 4,000 miles away from home - we would have some professionals for company.
I've never had the pleasure of being in a pub with some Premier League stars, but here I was in the company of five Everton professionals and the manager David Moyes!
Everton were on their pre-season tour, with a game the next night against Chicago Fire. We walked in and with an abundance of Everton fans in the pub, I knew something wasn't quite right!
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Venetian Night
On Saturday a couple of friends and I went down to the harbour to watch boats decked out with lights and props sail around the harbour. Quite a few other Chicagoans were there and according to estimates - some 600,000 of them. Well, it didn't seem like that quite that many people but you just never know.
The best part was the flyover of several planes, not quite the Red Arrows legends of the world but they managed to keep in formation nonetheless, quite gladly too. The fireworks were also pretty good and presumably, very expensive, this show went on for about half an hour!
The best part was the flyover of several planes, not quite the Red Arrows legends of the world but they managed to keep in formation nonetheless, quite gladly too. The fireworks were also pretty good and presumably, very expensive, this show went on for about half an hour!
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Northerly Island
Last night we headed to Northerly Island just outside the city in the newly developed Millennium Park area to watch a couple of bands play. It is one of the best outdoor venues for music in Chicago with the beautiful backdrop of the Chicago skyline.
A couple of bands played including Umphrey's McGee who originally came from Chicago. They played a fair few guitar rifts which was good and they even did a couple of Pink Floyd covers too which was even better!
A couple of bands played including Umphrey's McGee who originally came from Chicago. They played a fair few guitar rifts which was good and they even did a couple of Pink Floyd covers too which was even better!
Saturday, 19 July 2008
Friday, 18 July 2008
World's Biggest Block Party
Apparently.
Well, the Americans don't do things by halves, and this certainly was a big party around a block!! We saw Rusted Root and Ben Kweller play before heading to a couple of bars afterwards to celebrate a friend's birthday.
Well, the Americans don't do things by halves, and this certainly was a big party around a block!! We saw Rusted Root and Ben Kweller play before heading to a couple of bars afterwards to celebrate a friend's birthday.
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Monday, 14 July 2008
25th birthday!
As it was my birthday it merited a special boat tour of the city down the river and out onto the lake.
It was a great little voyage with great views of the Chicago skyline from the lake. The buildings along the river are pretty spectacular too, especially the curved building aligned with the bend of the river and a great view of Sears Tower too.
It was a great little voyage with great views of the Chicago skyline from the lake. The buildings along the river are pretty spectacular too, especially the curved building aligned with the bend of the river and a great view of Sears Tower too.
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
John Hancock
After living in my new apartment for nearly two months, I discovered the monthly resident newsletter underneath my door with an article titled "Let's learn about the 'icon' in which we live!". It made rather interesting reading!
When completed in 1969, this not-so-little tower was the tallest building in the world outside New York. And, now it is the twelfth tallest building in the world with 100-storeys. But, when measured at pinnacle height right up the top of its antenna masts, it stands at 1,500 feet (457m) making it the third-tallest building in the world (after Taipei 101 and Sears Tower).
The swimming pool on the 44th floor, with all its magnificent views of the Chicago skyline, is in fact the highest indoor swimming pool in the country!
As for me, I live on the 63rd floor which is high enough!!! In fact, the weather has been quite good but from time to time the apartment lies just above the clouds which is quite a surreal experience, day or night!
When completed in 1969, this not-so-little tower was the tallest building in the world outside New York. And, now it is the twelfth tallest building in the world with 100-storeys. But, when measured at pinnacle height right up the top of its antenna masts, it stands at 1,500 feet (457m) making it the third-tallest building in the world (after Taipei 101 and Sears Tower).
The swimming pool on the 44th floor, with all its magnificent views of the Chicago skyline, is in fact the highest indoor swimming pool in the country!
As for me, I live on the 63rd floor which is high enough!!! In fact, the weather has been quite good but from time to time the apartment lies just above the clouds which is quite a surreal experience, day or night!
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Oak Street Beach
Last Friday was the fourth of July, a rather special occasion with lots of celebrations across the country. This was Independence Day.
Here in Chicago, the celebrations began with numerous fireworks across the city on the 3rd July. Although it was quite an American affair, this British chap went along with the celebrations nonetheless and woke up to the morning sun in the John Hancock. This was quite apt as this skyscraper was named after John Hancock, the first person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The day of the fourth was spent wondering around town, starting with a visit to great brunch cafe near Rush Street. After some shopping, it was time for another visit to Oak Street Beach, just around the corner from where I live. I've never really lived this close to a beach, nor such a vast lake, so it's pretty special!
These Chicago guys certainly know how to make the most of the summer months as these palm trees are definitely not native to this city!
Saturday evening was spent at Green Mill, quite an unassuming venue, but the funky jazz music by the Garaj Mahal was pretty good with a very quick and talented guitarist.
The following night was spent at Taste of Chicago in Grant Park where all the best restaurants in the city decend to showcase their food. The event is also mixed in with some musical entertainment and we were able to see Bonnie Raitt, who is very popular on these shores.
There's nothing like a three day weekend to recharge those batteries!
Here in Chicago, the celebrations began with numerous fireworks across the city on the 3rd July. Although it was quite an American affair, this British chap went along with the celebrations nonetheless and woke up to the morning sun in the John Hancock. This was quite apt as this skyscraper was named after John Hancock, the first person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The day of the fourth was spent wondering around town, starting with a visit to great brunch cafe near Rush Street. After some shopping, it was time for another visit to Oak Street Beach, just around the corner from where I live. I've never really lived this close to a beach, nor such a vast lake, so it's pretty special!
These Chicago guys certainly know how to make the most of the summer months as these palm trees are definitely not native to this city!
Saturday evening was spent at Green Mill, quite an unassuming venue, but the funky jazz music by the Garaj Mahal was pretty good with a very quick and talented guitarist.
The following night was spent at Taste of Chicago in Grant Park where all the best restaurants in the city decend to showcase their food. The event is also mixed in with some musical entertainment and we were able to see Bonnie Raitt, who is very popular on these shores.
There's nothing like a three day weekend to recharge those batteries!
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Sears Thunderbolt
A couple of weeks ago one early Sunday morning, the little window I have on the 63rd floor began to open and close with quite a lot of force. Enough to wake this little kid up. I wandered over sleepy eyed, only for an almighty wind to burst through again, opening the window teasingly and then sucking it shut rather abruptly.
This was a proper wind as this is a tough little window.
So I shut the window and locked the catches. I then looked out across the city. On the one side the sun was just coming up over the lake, and on the other, a fierce set of storm clouds were approaching, menacing and fast.
The rain soon hit and the ferocious wind gathered pace. In fact, I began to hear some beautiful music. At first I thought some guy next door was playing his flute, trying in vain to block out the sound of the impending storm. But, it soon became apparent that the wind was making some music of its own. It sounded quite amazing. Mother nature at her eerie best.
Then, scarily, the building began to creak and shudder. Almost like a ship in the middle of a storm. Luckily, doing some calculations, I knew that this probably wasn't the first time this building had been hit by a storm, nor the Chicago wind. And, if the building did fall it wouldn't be the worst death and I wouldn't be the only one.
So, I began to relax a little, sat back and watched as the storm floated over and hit the city. The Sears Tower got a direct hit, and not just once, hence how I managed to capture the scene on a video!!
I don't think our building was hit but then you never know. I did get a small electric shock later on, but that was nothing compared to what those guys in the Sears Tower got!! Check out the video!
This was a proper wind as this is a tough little window.
So I shut the window and locked the catches. I then looked out across the city. On the one side the sun was just coming up over the lake, and on the other, a fierce set of storm clouds were approaching, menacing and fast.
The rain soon hit and the ferocious wind gathered pace. In fact, I began to hear some beautiful music. At first I thought some guy next door was playing his flute, trying in vain to block out the sound of the impending storm. But, it soon became apparent that the wind was making some music of its own. It sounded quite amazing. Mother nature at her eerie best.
Then, scarily, the building began to creak and shudder. Almost like a ship in the middle of a storm. Luckily, doing some calculations, I knew that this probably wasn't the first time this building had been hit by a storm, nor the Chicago wind. And, if the building did fall it wouldn't be the worst death and I wouldn't be the only one.
So, I began to relax a little, sat back and watched as the storm floated over and hit the city. The Sears Tower got a direct hit, and not just once, hence how I managed to capture the scene on a video!!
I don't think our building was hit but then you never know. I did get a small electric shock later on, but that was nothing compared to what those guys in the Sears Tower got!! Check out the video!
Sunday, 15 June 2008
The Swell Season
The good thing about Chicago is that there are lots of concerts and festivals. Luckily, I managed to get some tickets to see The Swell Season. I hadn't heard much of them until the days leading up to the concert but they sounded interesting indeed.
The concert was sold out on each night they were playing, so they are pretty popular here. The concert was simply brilliant and a great way to spend a Sunday evening. If you can, check out their music, it's fantastic!
The concert was sold out on each night they were playing, so they are pretty popular here. The concert was simply brilliant and a great way to spend a Sunday evening. If you can, check out their music, it's fantastic!
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Back in England
After a quite surreal five months, this young, albeit slightly older looking chap was on his way back to the UK.
The last time he had been gone this long was on the intrepid explorer adventure. That final journey back from Hong Kong, after five and a bit months, and so many places, was punctured by this chap falling asleep, only to discover in his dream-like-state that he never had been away. Luckily when he woke up in a cold sweat, he found that it was just a nighmareish dream and after so long, I was finally heading home!
This time the plane set off from Chicago, over the great sea-like Lake Michigan, before flying over the farms of Michigan and then rising above the clouds. Flying overnight, on the sleeper plane, I couldn't really sleep. I think I was excited.
Soon enough, the hours ticked by and after several hours, we were finally approaching the motherland. The plane slowly sank through the clouds and there she was, the beautiful green hills of England.
We flew over the all familiar Bristol channel and a few moments later at some hundred miles per hour, we were coming into land at Heathrow!
My bro Charlie came to pick me up from nearby Twickenham to take me up to Nottingham. It was great to see him, but he was wearing a cap, which was slightly unusual. Luckily on the trip up to Nottingham he revealed all...
It was a little hairdressing accident. Apparently his trimmer broke halfway through cutting his own hair in the late hours of the night before. Luckily, he found another trimmer in the early hours of the morning, but, unfortunately, this too broke (some hair eh?!). So, the hair was partly shaved at the front, but intact at the back! The result was quite a good Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon impression, perhaps somewhat fashionable at a fancy dress party, but not so much in broad daylight!!
After catching up on stories and tales on the motorway we stopped off at a service station. Less of the Wendy's, Taco Bell and Burger King here, this place had an M&S, and a missed M&S at that. I quickly raided the sandwich shelf, going straight for my egg cress sandwich. One wasn't enough, so I had two.
It was a beautiful sunny day and we arrived late morning in Nottingham at the all-familiar family ranch.
Much of the day and the rest of the weekend was spent catching up with family and friends as well as eating cakes and supping tea in the garden. Quite the English experience!
Sadly though, this wasn't all cakes and tea. It was also a work related visit, so I headed down to HQ in Malmesbury for the week and caught up with a few people from the office. The good thing about Malmesbury is that it is quintessentially English and situated in the Cotswolds, not far from where I grew up.
Some were shocked to see me looking so rugged. Apparently I left a boy and returned a man. I am still trying to work that one out! I mean, I didn't look that young did I?!
The final weekend was spent in London near Richmond Hill with my brother Charlie and the now pregnant Jo!
It looks like another Swinbourne will be causing some mayhem soon!! And gladly so. I could do with some help.
Talking about mayhem, I also caught up with close friends in London for numerous quite epic stories from the past and present! It was great to see them.
The last time he had been gone this long was on the intrepid explorer adventure. That final journey back from Hong Kong, after five and a bit months, and so many places, was punctured by this chap falling asleep, only to discover in his dream-like-state that he never had been away. Luckily when he woke up in a cold sweat, he found that it was just a nighmareish dream and after so long, I was finally heading home!This time the plane set off from Chicago, over the great sea-like Lake Michigan, before flying over the farms of Michigan and then rising above the clouds. Flying overnight, on the sleeper plane, I couldn't really sleep. I think I was excited.
Soon enough, the hours ticked by and after several hours, we were finally approaching the motherland. The plane slowly sank through the clouds and there she was, the beautiful green hills of England.
We flew over the all familiar Bristol channel and a few moments later at some hundred miles per hour, we were coming into land at Heathrow! My bro Charlie came to pick me up from nearby Twickenham to take me up to Nottingham. It was great to see him, but he was wearing a cap, which was slightly unusual. Luckily on the trip up to Nottingham he revealed all...
It was a little hairdressing accident. Apparently his trimmer broke halfway through cutting his own hair in the late hours of the night before. Luckily, he found another trimmer in the early hours of the morning, but, unfortunately, this too broke (some hair eh?!). So, the hair was partly shaved at the front, but intact at the back! The result was quite a good Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon impression, perhaps somewhat fashionable at a fancy dress party, but not so much in broad daylight!! After catching up on stories and tales on the motorway we stopped off at a service station. Less of the Wendy's, Taco Bell and Burger King here, this place had an M&S, and a missed M&S at that. I quickly raided the sandwich shelf, going straight for my egg cress sandwich. One wasn't enough, so I had two.
It was a beautiful sunny day and we arrived late morning in Nottingham at the all-familiar family ranch.
Much of the day and the rest of the weekend was spent catching up with family and friends as well as eating cakes and supping tea in the garden. Quite the English experience!
Sadly though, this wasn't all cakes and tea. It was also a work related visit, so I headed down to HQ in Malmesbury for the week and caught up with a few people from the office. The good thing about Malmesbury is that it is quintessentially English and situated in the Cotswolds, not far from where I grew up.
Some were shocked to see me looking so rugged. Apparently I left a boy and returned a man. I am still trying to work that one out! I mean, I didn't look that young did I?! The final weekend was spent in London near Richmond Hill with my brother Charlie and the now pregnant Jo!
It looks like another Swinbourne will be causing some mayhem soon!! And gladly so. I could do with some help.
Talking about mayhem, I also caught up with close friends in London for numerous quite epic stories from the past and present! It was great to see them.
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Thursday, 22 May 2008
New Apartment
Last weekend I moved into my new pad. It's a bit of a bachelor pad. Well, the one of the best pads I've ever seen, let alone lived in. It's immense!
It was quite a bit of luck mixed with pure perseverance. It was a tricky task finding a furnished place for six months when most buildings in town only accept year long leases. The search took around 3 weeks but each place wasn't quite right or just didn't have the views. Luckily, the new apartment, on the 63rd floor of the landmark John Hancock building has awesome views across the best part of the city!!!
It was quite a bit of luck mixed with pure perseverance. It was a tricky task finding a furnished place for six months when most buildings in town only accept year long leases. The search took around 3 weeks but each place wasn't quite right or just didn't have the views. Luckily, the new apartment, on the 63rd floor of the landmark John Hancock building has awesome views across the best part of the city!!!
Dallas, Texas
Hey, long time no speak!
Last week I headed down to Dallas for a few days on a special work project. Luckily, the venue was at a very nice hotel indeed. So it was great to spend a couple of days there as a small reward for all the hard work! Especially the infinity pool, my first and hopefully not the last!
It was great to see a bit of Dallas too and a few cowboys walking around, incidentally with a gun or two and a wide rimmed hat. I wasn't scared, much.
There was even a big ice hockey game on near the hotel, so we joined some of the crowds watching big screens outside the complex. Dallas even won!
Heading to the Mississippi river on a camping trip for the bank holiday weekend and then will return to Chicago on Sunday evening ready for a classical concert in Millennium Park. Should be a nice long weekend.
Will be returning to the UK next week for just over a week on a work/ catch up visit.
Looking forward to seeing some of you!
Last week I headed down to Dallas for a few days on a special work project. Luckily, the venue was at a very nice hotel indeed. So it was great to spend a couple of days there as a small reward for all the hard work! Especially the infinity pool, my first and hopefully not the last!
It was great to see a bit of Dallas too and a few cowboys walking around, incidentally with a gun or two and a wide rimmed hat. I wasn't scared, much.
There was even a big ice hockey game on near the hotel, so we joined some of the crowds watching big screens outside the complex. Dallas even won!
Heading to the Mississippi river on a camping trip for the bank holiday weekend and then will return to Chicago on Sunday evening ready for a classical concert in Millennium Park. Should be a nice long weekend.Will be returning to the UK next week for just over a week on a work/ catch up visit.
Looking forward to seeing some of you!
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Chicagoland
Hello all! It's been a little while since I have updated you all after a crazy few weeks in Peru, New York and then arriving wide eyed in Chicago.
I've now been in Chicago for over a month and it's been really good. It's a beautiful city, with a great buzz and people are a little more relaxed than their New York cousins.
Work is going well too. My role has changed a lot since New York but it's moving in the right direction and I have picked up more responsibility for US online marketing and one or two other projects. It's been busy, but just about manageable!
Enjoy the photos!
I've now been in Chicago for over a month and it's been really good. It's a beautiful city, with a great buzz and people are a little more relaxed than their New York cousins.
Work is going well too. My role has changed a lot since New York but it's moving in the right direction and I have picked up more responsibility for US online marketing and one or two other projects. It's been busy, but just about manageable!
Enjoy the photos!
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Thursday, 3 April 2008
The Windy City
So, after returning back from Peru and having two fantastic weeks back in New York, I am now living in the Windy City.
I haven't really noticed the wind so far(!), but it did feel slightly colder than New York. Luckily though, it has been quite sunny.
The Chicago office is our US headquarters and it is much nicer than our old and now extinct New York office. Although our old office was on Park Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. That's hard to beat!
My apartment is located several blocks away from the lake and next to the Magnificent Mile with all its shops and restaurants. The pace of life is slightly calmer and it was actually surreal hearing a plane flying overhead for the first time in ages!
Even shopping for food is that much easier. Less of a frantic chaotic rush, more of a sedate cruise around the store. It takes twice as long, but it's a much better experience!!!
I haven't really noticed the wind so far(!), but it did feel slightly colder than New York. Luckily though, it has been quite sunny.
The Chicago office is our US headquarters and it is much nicer than our old and now extinct New York office. Although our old office was on Park Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. That's hard to beat!
My apartment is located several blocks away from the lake and next to the Magnificent Mile with all its shops and restaurants. The pace of life is slightly calmer and it was actually surreal hearing a plane flying overhead for the first time in ages! Even shopping for food is that much easier. Less of a frantic chaotic rush, more of a sedate cruise around the store. It takes twice as long, but it's a much better experience!!!
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Manhattan Finale
After a whirlwind love affair since last October, a week spent here and there, moving into an apartment in early January. It's almost over.
So, after three months spent living in the centre of Manhattan with a 10001 zip code, this guy is moving on.
Chicago beckons. I've heard so many good things about the city and interestingly most people seem to prefer the place over New York. It's just that the thought of moving on is so painful. Real painful.
Since returning from Peru I've been retracing my well worn footsteps heading up to Central Park, getting a latte from Café Anglique, going out on Rivington in Lower East Side, going to Union Square and Fifth Avenue as well as sampling the lights of Times Square.
It's almost the end of an era, but I'll be back.
So, after three months spent living in the centre of Manhattan with a 10001 zip code, this guy is moving on.
Chicago beckons. I've heard so many good things about the city and interestingly most people seem to prefer the place over New York. It's just that the thought of moving on is so painful. Real painful.
Since returning from Peru I've been retracing my well worn footsteps heading up to Central Park, getting a latte from Café Anglique, going out on Rivington in Lower East Side, going to Union Square and Fifth Avenue as well as sampling the lights of Times Square.
It's almost the end of an era, but I'll be back.
Monday, 24 March 2008
Thursday, 20 March 2008
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Monday, 17 March 2008
Sunday, 16 March 2008
The Amazon
One of the highlights of the Peru trip was a two night expedition into the Amazon rainforest. Aside from the trees and the classic muddy rivers, the main scenery was the creatures. And boy, there were quite a few!
We started off by taking a flight from the high altitude city of Cuzco down to the Amazon basin where it was humid and warm. Actually, being at altitude wasn't so bad!
From there, the tour group jumped onto a motorised canoe boat and burned it up the muddy waters of the Amazon delta. Along the way we had some lunch and what better than a serving of rice and vegetables in a banana leaf!
As everything was pretty much disposable we threw off the remainder off the side of the boat. Probably for the piranhas to chew or something.
After a couple of hours burning it up the muddy river and tackling a heavy rainstorm along the way we finally arrived at our destination and hopped off the boat.
From there we walked through the jungle and came across our lodge. It even had a bar.
But the entire lodge didn't have any glass windows. None whatsoever. This was just an open plan lodge. And pretty though it was, we were in the jungle and so seeing a tropical creature of some sort was evidently likely.
And so indeed as I walked quite at ease from my jungle lodge room along the raised platform towards the dining area something began slipping down my trousers. At first I thought it was my wallet, but then... this was the Amazon... I immediately froze in my tracks and nervously shined my torch down to discover a placid looking Amazonian frog staring at me sheepishly next to my shoe. Whoa boy.
Even our room with its lovely hammock faced the amphitheatre of the jungle like a giant speaker attached to our room. The monkey squeals weren't so bad, but the insects... well lets just say there is around 30 million. Chop down the Amazon I say.
Luckily there was a mozzie net and so I doubly made sure that this was securely fastened around the entire bed. I wasn’t scared at all. I was just taking precautions. I even checked for any miscellaneous creatures lurking in the bed just before tucking myself in for the night to the sound of the droning hum and energetic buzzing of the jungle, followed by a reassuring squealing crescendo.
The following day in the safety of the daylight we did a bit of macaw and toucan spotting and sampled lots of different types of perfectly ripe fruit. This was washed down with some sugar cane and sugary it was! We also checked out termites. They tasted peppery.
After doing a spot of piranha fishing in the late afternoon, we had the option to check out some caimans (a small type of alligator) at night on the river. So we headed back through the jungle down to the boat armed with just our torches. I wasn't sure whether the spectacle was the caimans or all the creatures we saw along the way. Either way most of the creatures were clearly nocturnal!
Visiting the Amazon is something that I have always wanted to do and it lived up to all my expectations. The creatures weren't all that bad!
It was certainly one of the highlights of the trip.
We started off by taking a flight from the high altitude city of Cuzco down to the Amazon basin where it was humid and warm. Actually, being at altitude wasn't so bad!
From there, the tour group jumped onto a motorised canoe boat and burned it up the muddy waters of the Amazon delta. Along the way we had some lunch and what better than a serving of rice and vegetables in a banana leaf!
As everything was pretty much disposable we threw off the remainder off the side of the boat. Probably for the piranhas to chew or something.
After a couple of hours burning it up the muddy river and tackling a heavy rainstorm along the way we finally arrived at our destination and hopped off the boat.
From there we walked through the jungle and came across our lodge. It even had a bar.
But the entire lodge didn't have any glass windows. None whatsoever. This was just an open plan lodge. And pretty though it was, we were in the jungle and so seeing a tropical creature of some sort was evidently likely.And so indeed as I walked quite at ease from my jungle lodge room along the raised platform towards the dining area something began slipping down my trousers. At first I thought it was my wallet, but then... this was the Amazon... I immediately froze in my tracks and nervously shined my torch down to discover a placid looking Amazonian frog staring at me sheepishly next to my shoe. Whoa boy.
Even our room with its lovely hammock faced the amphitheatre of the jungle like a giant speaker attached to our room. The monkey squeals weren't so bad, but the insects... well lets just say there is around 30 million. Chop down the Amazon I say.
Luckily there was a mozzie net and so I doubly made sure that this was securely fastened around the entire bed. I wasn’t scared at all. I was just taking precautions. I even checked for any miscellaneous creatures lurking in the bed just before tucking myself in for the night to the sound of the droning hum and energetic buzzing of the jungle, followed by a reassuring squealing crescendo. The following day in the safety of the daylight we did a bit of macaw and toucan spotting and sampled lots of different types of perfectly ripe fruit. This was washed down with some sugar cane and sugary it was! We also checked out termites. They tasted peppery.
After doing a spot of piranha fishing in the late afternoon, we had the option to check out some caimans (a small type of alligator) at night on the river. So we headed back through the jungle down to the boat armed with just our torches. I wasn't sure whether the spectacle was the caimans or all the creatures we saw along the way. Either way most of the creatures were clearly nocturnal!Visiting the Amazon is something that I have always wanted to do and it lived up to all my expectations. The creatures weren't all that bad!
It was certainly one of the highlights of the trip.
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