Conferencing in Chicago

Well.  We're here.
Strolling around the city block of the Palmer House in wide-eyed wonder as only a bonafide pair of country bumpkins could possibly do.
I've decided to wear my camera and take you along where-ever and when-ever I can.  The conference schedule dictates that I will have to be highly selective and quick fingered in the reporting end of things if it's to happen at all.
I don't live here - in this lovely, windy city perched on the shores of Lake Michigan - brand new US territory for these two Canucks.  The camera, lack of winter wear and croc sandals are a dead giveaway.
We've both agreed this is an exciting departure from our daily routine - and we eagerly anticipate many good things this week here at the Gospel Coalition Conference with the likes of Tim Keller, Alistair Begg and (be still(er), my wildly beating heart) Keith and Kristyn Getty leading times of corporate worship!

The Palmer House is an iconic, historic hotel with more than 1600 rooms.  We are on the 17th floor and can attest to the power of wind running thru these many skyline buildings.
Time is too short for me to recap the particulars of the fascinating history of this Hotel but here's a clip from Wikipedia....


There have been three Palmer House Hotels at the corner of State and Monroe Streets in Chicago.The first (known as "The Palmer") was built as a wedding present from Potter Palmer to his bride Bertha Honoré. It opened on September 26, 1871, but burned down just thirteen days later October 9, 1871 in theGreat Chicago Fire. Palmer immediately set to work rebuilding, and with a $1.7 million signature loan(believed to be the largest individual loan ever secured at the time) constructed one of the fanciest hotels in post-fire Chicago.

There are train tracks running over our heads and below our feet.   And pedestrians everywhere.

 My beloved is eyeing the bulbs with incredulous envy.

 

 More about the significance of the intricate fold-away staircases when I get back tonight.  But think

Great Chicago Fire and you'll get the gist of it soon enough.

                                                             An important discovery.

The architecture in this city is a major visual delight.  There's a 90-minute boat cruise of the shoreline that is fully narrated by those in the Chicago hysterical historical society that is calling my our name.  :)