Apr 29 2026

Aldi @ Barcelona


Carrer Numància, 88, Les Corts, 08029
Barcelona, Spain

… more pix on Google;

A little surprised to find this Aldi on Carrer de Numancia, which is near our hotel, next to Parc de Les Corts. Nothing new, all the same: thanks.

It’s a block wide, with entrances on Carrer Numància and Carrer de Nicaragua.

Nearby is a Rossmann @ Carrer Numància, 46.


Apr 26 2026

Shops at North Bridge


520 N. Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

… more pix on Google & Yelp

The major retailers is Nordstrom.

It offers charging stations, which is convenient.

4th floor food court has lao sez chuan restaurant.


Apr 26 2026

lao sez chuan 老四川


520 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

… more pix Google, Yelp, TA, Insta

Dated, but the two dishes are authentic.

We’ve
• Sole fish fillet with mapo tofu
• Lamb with pure cumin
• Tiger beer

This 4th floor Sichuan restaurant is in the Shops at North Bridge mall, oppsotie from the Intercontinental hotel.

 

The decor is dated. On the back of the Manu is the list of their 17 locations in the US, and they’re still inviting more city to join.

They somehow, forgot about our lamb, which we waited for 30 minutes.


Apr 25 2026

Lockwood Bar


17 E Monroe St,
Chicago, IL 60603

… more pix n videos on Google, Yelp. TA, FB, Insta,

On the second floor of the Palmer House/Hilton.

The space is touristy and noisy, but the ceiling makes the visit worthwhile.

This lobby bar is pretty grand, featuring an ornate high ceiling and live music from 5pm, which contributes to the lively yet majestic ambiance.

We have California’s Daou Cabernet Sauvignon and Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Eliot Ness Amber Lager (6.1% ABV)—both are excellent choices. Served in chef sommelier-style stemware.

Additionally, many tables and seats have electrical outlets behind them, making the space practical for longer stays.


Apr 25 2026

Palmer House


17 E Monroe St,
Chicago, IL 60603.

more pix on Google, Yelp, TA, Insta

Palmer House is a historic hotel in Chicago‘s Loop area. Opened in 1870, rebuilt in 1925, which is the current structure.

The longest continuously operating hotel in North America, it was city’s first hotel with elevators, and the first hotel with electric light bulbs and telephones in the guest rooms. It’s a Hilton now.

Lockwood is a bar and restaurant on the second floor.

Seeing a few Asians partcipants in the Midwest Political Science Association MPSA annual conference.


Apr 25 2026

Chicago Symphony Orchestra


220 S Michigan Ave,
Chicago, IL 60604

… more pix on Reddit

Opposite from the Art Institute of Chicago.

Poor planning on my part, we didn’t catch any concert. The only one performing during our stay is Hisaishi, but it’s sold out. (Not regretful: $250 a ticket, I’d rather spend on other composers.) Oh well, next time!

 

I toured the venue: it looks and feels great. Seeing some of the upcoming concerts just makes me want to kick myself more.


Apr 25 2026

River North, Chicago

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River North is a lively neighborhood in Chicago the Near North Side. It boasts luxe shops and eateries, plus posh nightclubs and cocktail bars. Opened in 1930 in a former industrial area, the sprawling Merchandise Mart attracts throngs of shoppers to its home and office design showrooms. Surrounding the Mart, artist’s studios in converted warehouses and lofts form a hub that sustains the area’s foremost art galleries


Apr 25 2026

Chicago Riverwalk


Chicago

… more pix n videos on Google, Yelp, TA

A wonderful 1.25-mile pedestrian path along the Chicago River, from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. Vibrant multi-use public open space, filled with bars, and cafes. There are also boat tours, kayak rentals and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Many waterfront restaurants on the north side of the river.


Apr 25 2026

Sunda, Asian fusion


110 W Illinois St,
Chicago, IL 60654

… more pix on Google, Yelp, TA, FB, Insta

Probably won’t return.

A chichi Asian fusion restaurant.

We’ve
• crunch hamachi – sticky rice?
• pork belly
• crispy pata – pork shank

Food is 3/5: the yellowtail is average, and the rice is so-so (do they use sticky rice?); the best part is the chili garlic crisp. Pork belly is wonderful, and the shank is tasteless – good that I kept the soy sauce from the sushi.

The decor is 4/5: I really like the big door (?)- framed mirror on the exposed brick wall.

Continuing with the setting, I noticed Rona stem, Churchill tableware, and fake flowers outside. At this price range, please use the real thing. Especially since this time of year, the tulips are blooming everywhere in the city—so real flowers do survive in the Windy City.

A little side story – they pushed their buns three times when we didn’t order. The first time was from the couple sitting next to us at the bar. I understand. The second time, they left it for us. We told her it isn’t for us. The third time, a young lady came to announce that our buns are coming – the only problem was that we ordered crisp pata.


Apr 13 2026

Beethoven 7th


… they allow drinks inside

Mahaffey TheaterSt. Pete

… more pix on Reddit

We came for Beethoven’s 7th, but enjoyed the first half’s two pieces too: Trobone Trio & Mississippi Suite (1926).

Before the concert, they arranged Community Strings Project group to perform in the lobby, with Tampa Bay as the backdrop, which reminds me of Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport (btw, does anyone know what Shalin Liu is/was?)

The conductor Chelsea Gallo is well-spoken with lovely diction. Her long ponytail swings -:)

I don’t know how many of you are looking forward to the 2nd movement; I certainly do: how Bertie struggles with debilitating stammering and finally makes that confident speech, that rouses the nation. As we all immersed ourselves in it, a woman came in wearing a pair of cheap, loud heels, as if making a grand entrance. Wondering if curtsy was required -:) It was a crime!!

The program

Thierry Caens (1958-)
Tribones for Three Trombones & Orchestra Trobone Trio
I. Prelude
II. Romance
III. Jota
IV. Finale

Ferde Grofé (1892 – 1972)
Mississippi Suite (1926)
I. Father of Waters
II. Huckleberry Finn
III. Old Creole Days
IV. Mardi Gras

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92
I. Poco sostenuto – Vivace
II. Allegretto
III. Presto
IV. Allegro con brio

 

Dinner at Luna Lux was good.