The Zahedani Family: Adventures in Chi-Town

The weather had gone from bad to worse at this point, so Ardie and I tried to do as many things indoors as possible! The Tribune Tower was a must-see on our list of Chicago landmarks.

The building's design was the result of an international competition for "the most beautiful office building in the world," held in 1922 by the Chicago Tribune newspaper.

This winning entry, complete with a crowning tower of flying buttresses, is derived a French cathedral and gives the building its striking silhouette.

The base of the building is studded with over 120 stones from famed sites and structures in all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries. They range from the Parthenon, Taj Mahal - and even these stones from the White House and the Alamo:

In the courtyard you'll see this great statue of American revolutionary Nathan Hale:

In 2006 the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum opened, occupying two stories of the building. It's filled with all kinds of trivia - and even opportunities to hop on your soapbox!

Can you say "President Ardavan Zahedani"?

We had a fantastic lunch at the Nordstrom Café, and bought some amazing chocolates from Vosges Haute Chocolate - wow... Their Naga Chocolate Bar features sweet Indian curry, coconut and deep milk chocolate, and it is without a doubt my new favorite!

Then with coffee in hand, we set out again into the weather...

To finish off our Chicago experience, Ardie took us to see Jersey Boys - one of the best new musicals on Broadway, and the winner of 4 Tonys in 2006!

The musical is based on the lives of one of the most successful 1960's rock 'n roll groups, Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons.

Here is one blurry picture of the stage, and another of the interior of the Bank of America Theatre - simply another amazing building here in the city: