{ The Windy City }
Long fuzzy socks. Check. Big puffy jacket. Check. Drumsticks. Check. Spent Thursday evening packing for the Chicago/Iowa trip my taiko group took last weekend. And seriously, no matter how organized I am (I make lists and everything!) I always feel like I’m forgetting something, and it didn’t help that as I ran out the door my roommate yelled, “what about your passport??”
Our group had 2 performances in the Midwest: one in Iowa for a chiropractic convention at Palmer College, and then a small community performance at the Midwest Buddhist Temple. The temple graciously lent us their drums for both performances, so we wouldn’t have to lug four huge drums plus a bunch of little drums halfway across the country! In both places the people were so nice – helping us with whatever we needed and giving us lots of food recommendations! For the few meals we got to have in both places, we dropped by Steak & Shake, and then Lou Malnati’s for some authentic deep dish pizza (the ONE thing I swore to try while I was there!) I heard you can even order their pizzas online and get a frozen one sent out to you! Didn’t get to try the famous Chicago hot dogs though, which means a trip back there is due. If you have any recommendations on things to do/places to see/what to EAT the next time, let me know!
*The photos below were all taken with my new point-and-shoot which I LOVE. It’s not the newest one out there but I had played with it a few times and fell in love with its design, speed, and picture quality. It was definitely time for a new P&S, considering my last trusty one looked like I had ran it through the washing machine a couple times.
On the road from O’Hare to Davenport! Props to Darren for keeping his eyes on the road…
Right after I snapped this pic Jason goes, “wow, that’s like a legit barn!” (please excuse the glare)
Enough stoplights?
Maz practices in the green room (red room?)
Tabi + jeans are the latest trend.
Our sweet accommodations at the atrium-style Radisson. They had sleep-by-number beds!
Corn oil!! How awesome is that?
Sears Tower. We spent some time going, “Is that Sears Tower..? It’s pretty tall… Is it the tallest building in the U.S.?” Aya’s phone had all the answers.
Mmmm…
The set list.
Group shot with members of the Midwest Buddhist Temple. Thank you!!
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In other news, a photo I submitted awhile back to air space magazine, an online photography magazine, was published in Issue Five! Check em out – it’s a very cool magazine with a different cool theme for every issue. It’s really fun to see all the different interpretations!
April 3rd, 2008 at
You play taiko? So cool! I love taiko. UCI had a group when I was there. And congrats on the publication!
April 3rd, 2008 at
Great choice on the point and shoot camera. My fiance and I got the same one you got for his mother. Great pictures you took~!
Ohhhh you went to Chicago! I’ve always wanted to go there. How was it there?? From the pictures… it looks like you had a blast!
April 3rd, 2008 at
oh cool trip! i’ve always loved watching and hearing taiko performances, also always wanted to try it. do you perform in soCal sometimes? i’d love to check it out =P
April 3rd, 2008 at
I like the comment about the barn. Yup, we have a lot of them in the midwest :)
Hope you enjoyed your stay in Chicago.
April 3rd, 2008 at
That looks like Giordano’s. Their stuff is awesome, and yes you can have them express mail you a frozen pizza. I’m surprised you didn’t seek out a White Castle! There’s one on the Corner of Michigan and Cermak near Chinatown. Yes, Chicago is like a 3rd home to me. I’ve been everywhere!
April 4th, 2008 at
How fun! Taiko is so cool! You are so talented. :)
April 4th, 2008 at
@Wayne Toshikazu –
thanks! cool to hear that you like taiko! my sister is actually in the group at UCI right now.
@ImprezaGirl –
it was fun for the short time we were able to spend there. you should definitely visit!
@dimsom –
http://taikoproject.com/RR08/
here’s some info on a performance we have coming up in july. it’s a joint performance with some other groups so you should def check it out if you’re into taiko :)
@audreyphotodesign –
thanks! we had a great time. the next time i visit i will ask you for some recommendations!
@Pewl –
we DID see a white castle as we were driving to the airport. but by that time we had already eaten! how bout you mail me some?
@jasminemariephotography –
thanks! you should try taiko out sometime :)