A little bit of Christmas Shopping and Culture in Chicago!

December can be a tough month for adults in Chicago. Last night was a perfect example - a journey of more than 2 hours when on a normal day the average drive from O'Hare Airport to Downtown Chicago is around 30-40 minutes. I have been told that, for some commuters, it would have taken 3 hours on the same route if we had started our journey an hour earlier. This is not unheard of at this time of year, especially with the heavy snow storm which caused havoc for the poor stuck drivers and passengers on the roads, planes, trains. Also, pedestrians have to be so careful walking on the 6 inch snow-covered pavements and walkways.

What about those old people and the little ones who are stuck indoors and can't get out due to the severe weather? Well, I'm sure television would have kept them occupied in the warmth of their homes. But as Christmas is only a fortnight and 2 days away, can you imagine how impatient kids can be to get to open their Christmas presents at the end of the year? Why not treat them to the Chicago Children's Museum for some festive mini distractions? The 25-year-old museum located in Navy Pier boasts three floors of 15 permanent exhibits like Dinosaur Expedition and Big Backyard, and traveling exhibits like Robots: The Interactive Exhibition, which opens Dec. 16.

Aside from their major exhibits, the museum hosts an array of classic holiday activities this month with events like the Gingerbread Fantasy Factory. Beginning on Dec. 9 and continuing all month so kids can explore all things gingerbread, from baking to decorating pretend cookies. Another special holiday treat is Celebrations From Around the World, where, on Dec. 8 from 5 to 8 pm, more than 36 international organisations who've partnered with the museum will share their traditions through music, dance and more.

If other holiday commitments leave you with only a few moments of good tidings to spare, check out craft activities like Jingle Braids, where kids can make their own jingle bell bracelets, and Holiday Ecology, where holiday cards can be turned into souvenirs. And if you don't want to brave the elements at Millennium Park's ice rink, play in fake snow on the "Pretend You're On Ice" mock ice rink, which opens Dec. 9.

The Chicago Children's Museum is open Sun-Wed and Fri from 10am to 5pm. Thurs and Sat from 10am to 8pm. Closes at 2pm on Dec. 24 and closed on Dec. 25. It is located at 700 E Grand Ave., 312.527.1000.

As it's the Christmas season, I expect everyone's in the mood for shopping - after all, we like to give and receive - therefore I have compiled a list of stores that might interest and be of assistance to you.

I have yet to go to the health food store that was recommended to me by a colleague and will check it out later on today. Apparently, they sell the most amazing organic stuff so I will update you on that one and perhaps I might be able to give you the price range! My friend also kindly offered to take me to lunch to have oysters (a delicacy I favour very much, but my idea of lunch on such a cold day was to warm my hungry tummy with Thai food).

I will be posting the store lists later on after lunch so watch this space!!!

Hey, I'm back and truly sated. I went to the STAR OF SIAM, 11 East Illinois Street, Southeast Corner of State & Illinois Street for lunch and that restaurant is truly a find! The food was excellent and the service prompt. As the food are authentic, you feel like you are in Thailand somewhere. My friend and I shared for starters Poh-Pia Sod (Spring Rolls which serves two); Fish, Chicken, Pad Thai with rice for the main course and cucumber salad on the side. We had soft drinks and tea plus ice cream. May I recommend the Green Tea & Red Bean flavoured ice cream for dessert? It was divine! What can I say? Thanks again Jerome - and you didn't have to pick up the tab either!

The store lists are as follows:

AMERICAN GIRL PLACE located in 111 East Chicago Avenue - this three-storey flagship store reflects the past, present and future of American girlhood. Parents and children alike will delight in the bookstore, cafes and theatre.

If you are thinking of buying someone or yourself a music system, or anything from televisions to telephones, BANG & OLUFSEN is the place for top-of-the-line electronics. I am really fond of their products.

The other shop I favour is BOSS HUGO BOSS in Westfield North Bridge, 520 N Michigan Ave. This German design house features contemporary menswear. This megastore carries suits, luggage, accessories, sportswear, shoes and fragrances.

I happened to pass by BROOKS BROTHERS which is located in 713 N Michigan Ave and has classic preppy meanswear - oxford-cloth shirts, suits, ties, pajamas and accessories. This store also carries dressy and casual womenswear.

COACH caught my eyes today, a name synonymous with quality and stylish leather goods. This bright two-level flagship carries the latest COACH lines including bags, shoes, scarves, luggage, accessories, wallets and more and is located in 625 N Michigan Ave.

Another one of my favourites is CRATE & BARREL which is located in 646 N Michigan Ave. They offer everything for the home, from contemporary furniture to some beautiful design accents.

If you have someone special in mind, GRAFF DIAMONDS CHICAGO sparkles with a collection driven by the principles of quality and exclusivity. They offer a wide range of exceptional eye-popping timeless diamond jewelry. The Graff Diamonds is located in 103 E Oak Street. A great Christmas gift for your wife, mum, sisters and girlfriends - just a hint if you want to make someone feel really special!

GUCCI in 900 N Michigan Ave has the latest chic shoes, bags, luggage and ready-to-wear Italian lines for men and women.

HERMES stands out as an International brand for luxury and the Chicago outpost of this revered company offers ties, scarves, leather accessories, handbags and ready-to-wear.

Unfortunately, on this visit, my time is very limited and so I have not been to visit many of the great stores but I can just list their names so that, when you come and visit, you will have an idea of what you can find in this great city. Again, I would only list the names that kind of caught my eye:

RALPH LAUREN; SALVATORE FERRAGAMO; TIFFANY & CO; TOURNEAU; TOMMY BAHAMA AND MANY MORE... The city is also littered with great restaurants, bars and clubs but as time is very limited, I asked my very good friend to recommend his favourite haunts which I will be posting in due course.

For now, I hope this has given you a bird's eye view of downtown Chicago. One thought I'd like to leave with you and ponder is - if I find this place enchanting as a frequent traveller, wouldn't you?

Consider Chicago on your next holiday destination - I'm sure you will not be disappointed!

Take care of yourselves and God Bless


Alan

p.s. Will be writing about London in 3 days time.

Bright Lights in Chicago

Hello from Chicago! I am staying at Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel, 166 East Superior Street Ill 60611 which is centrally located a halfblock east of Michigan Avenue, Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Named such for its world-class retail collection, Michigan Avenue offers some of the best shopping in North America.

The list is just a snap shot of all you will find on the Magnificient Mile namely; Water Tower Place which has an eight story atrium that houses over 100 premier shops and restaurants including Marshall Field's and Lord and Taylor. Abercrombie & Fitch one of my favourite shop, Express and Gap are located on the 6th & 5th floor respectively of the Water Tower Place. I visited these stores today and concluded that brown is the new black now based on the stocks I have seen on display this afternoon.

The other favourite haunt for me is the basement of the Water Tower Place which has a really nice coffee shop and an array of international restaurants and Health Food Shops. Oh, by the way, as you enter the Water Tower Place, there is a kiosk called Wow Bao which serves good oriental cuisine for snacking or a light meal of Rice & Chicken Cashew or Bao which is a bun stuffed with chicken. I would also recommend my favourite drink, the Freshly Made Ginger Ale to guzzle and their Hot and Sour broth which I had today with my lunch - I must have been really hungry!

Chicago Place, which is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue is also home to 45 other specialty stores and restaurants and Michigan's largest food court;

900 North Michigan which is home to Bloomingdale's Williams-Sonoma and 70 other luxury retail offerings;

Westfield North Bridge Shops is an addition to Michigan Avenue and brings with it Nordstrom, Hugo Boss, Armani Exchange and much more.

If you are tight on budget, you can still shop for your favourite last season brands like the Victorinox Swiss Army apparel, DKNY, Hugo Boss to name the few at the Filene's Basement. I bought myself a pair of luxurious leather gloves today and a Columbia Cirrus Plus Parka which was 40% off original price - a bargain! Also, if you are a coffee addict which I am, Chicago is littered with Starbucks so a patron like me is a happy bunny.

Oh, not forgetting the Apple Store, another favourite place of mine. I always get lost in that store browsing for the latest gadget - (BTW, I'm also a fan of Ipod) updating myself on the latest software on offer; though sometimes pretending to be checking stuff but really checking my e-mails! Naughty me!

I must say, I'm so lucky to visit the most beautiful places in the world owing to my job which is not a bad one. Also, it gives me the chance to practice writing and most importantly able to share my experiences with you first hand; that you might find helpful when you plan to come and visit the places I have been to. If anybody of you want to know about the places I have been to or will be going to - please e-mail me about your queries and I might just be able to help you. My next future trips will be to Dubai; Nairobi, Kenya; Northern Virginia & Washington; London; Toronto; New Jersey and Hong Kong. I will update you on my future travels!

On this visit to Chicago, I would like to thank my very long time, school days best friend; Jerome. For sharing with me his time whilst on my visit to this wonderful town. Thank you for sharing with me your favourite Japanese Restaurant, the guided tour of your house, for sharing your horse named Marco a thorough-bred which was very unexpected last night. I must say, you kept me awake longer than I anticipated at the stables watching those gorgeous creatures, the cats and his friends Pauline and her daughter!

I will try and write a blog at least once a week if time permitting so please visit my site once in a while if not regularly. You might just find some of my travels interesting!

Look after yourselves and God Bless,

Alan

P.S. The Magnificent Mile is beautifully lit at night like a clear sky that's full of a thousand twinkling stars . Only, the Avenue sparkles - truly a gem! A beautiful find!