The Visitor by CoreyBlack
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Description
The long awaited visit of Carin (Meisiekind) to Chicago happened yesterday. We met her for breakfast at the Westin Hotel and, as they say, a splendid time was had by all. It's always a novel experience meeting an Internet friend in person. Kind of like meeting a stranger you already know, or a friend you've never met before. And it's especially so when they're from the other side of the world. It's not everyday I hear stories of charging elephants, face to face meetings with untamed lions in their native habitat, and being stalked by deadly scorpions as you make your ninja photographs. All done in a lovely accent and calm manner, as if these were everyday occurrences while on a local vacation. And all before my morning coffee kicked in. I wasn't sure how to respond in kind. The only thing I could think of in an even remotely similar vein was the day back in 1997 when I got chased by an alligator in Florida.
We repaired to the lounge then, for more tales of thieving hyenas after barbecue remnants (hyenas?), highly photogenic zebras, wild dogs that appear to be wearing tuxedos, a warm climate, and daises as big as dinner plates. Needless to say, in the depth of a typically brutal Chicago winter I found this all quite intoxicating. Of course I suspect I would find it that way anytime of year. When she gave Chip and I a picture book called "Scenic Southern Africa", and an invitation to come visit, I was ready to go.
Eventually, we ventured out into the aforementioned brutal Chicago winter with the notion of making photos. We decided to wander over to Oak Street Beach and make some shots of ice-clogged Lake Michigan. This turned out to be a better idea in theory than practice as the walkway onto to the beach was also ice-clogged and impassable. It was just as well as by this point we'd all be rendered nearly insensate by the -20 Fahrenheit winds cutting through our parkas like a chainsaw. We did actually manage to get a few pictures, and nearly frost-bitten hands in the process. Soon after, we sought much needed warmth, and found refuge at a restaurant called The Cheesecake Factory at the base of the John Hancock Building. As the name implies, we found plenty of cheesecake: 33 different kinds. By the time we'd finally made our choices and then eaten them, we'd thawed out sufficiently enough to feel most of our body parts again. Soon after, and much too soon, the day was over and we parted with hugs, and enough good wishes and warmth to see Chip and I through the rest of the winter. I look forward to seeing Carin again soon. Hopefully on her home turf.
This picture was made during the frozen retreat from Oak Street Beach on January 22, 2011.
Comments (18)
Chipka
I love this shot...and I distinctly remember moving, so I'm really surprised that I'm not more blurry! This was fun and I'm amused at the fact that Carin and I are both wearing red headgear...her's looks more swanky. Lake Shore Drive looks sufficiently swanky too! This is great, and it's a great memory too. Ah, yeah, and cheesecake followed that moment. That was good. This is a great shot.
sandra46
wonderful to see you, it looks a bit cold over there!
flavia49
fantabulous image!!
TomDart
I love it, I love it, I love it! Why? Because folks I know (cyberly) are there and did manage a get together. So fine....oh my, a trip to South Africa would be super.
beachzz
Familiar places; how I wish I could've been there, cold or not!!
blinkings
Very cool dude. What a trip. It looks so cold.
MrsLubner
Ahhh, it won't be long before I see her out here in California. Next weekend we are all meeting up in San Francisco where it is a bit warmer - in the 50s and 60s. I also hope one day to visit her and see this glorious land she calls home. Great picture of the lovely lady and Chip. :-)
Meisiekind
LOL Corey - we do look like Michelin Men - Chip and I - all layered up and capped, coated and gloved. Gosh it was cold... I will give it to you guys - you city is one of the places where I have been the coldest in my whole life! But I LOVE Chicago and I love you and Chip. Spending the too short day was just beyond expectation. It was soooo cool... Thank you dear friend. The slight blurr in this image is perfect showing the speed in which Chip and I were trying to get out of the weather! Memories to last forever! :)
auntietk
durleybeachbum
Wonderful to see her and Chip, and your account of the day is second best only to being there with you.
whaleman
Top drawer to see you two meeting as a result of Renderosity! Such meetings will inspire and reward both of you.
lick.a.witch
I second Andrea's thoughts. Though I have to admit I'd most probably hire a space suit into which I'd pour myself before venturing out! A fabulous image of friendship. ^=^
bmac62
Hi Corey. Came by this the other day...read it all...enjoyed the daylights out of it and forgot to leave a comment...ahhgg. We are looking forward to picking Carin up at the Seattle Airport Sunday night... Great shot of your two intrepid outside hiking companions:)
jmb007
beau visiteurs
helanker
OH what a wonderful shot and story behind it Corey :-) I almost wish I was there too. I say "almost", as I would SO hate the cold. I am so glad you had such a wonderful time :-)
danapommet
This is a fantastic share Corey. Chip looks like he is loving the cold. :>) I would love to get in on one of these RR get-togethers someday. Dana
NefariousDrO
Nice shot, you guys definitely look like you're having a good time, in spite of the cold! I hope you're surviving the Godzilla-scaled snowstorm you guys had!
kgb224
I can just imagine how cold it was on this day meeting Carin. I have experienced snow 4 times in my life in South Africa, but not where i currently live in Pretoria.I imagine Both you and Chipka will enjoy the book Carin gave to Chipka epecially all the scenery that can be seen in South Africa.Stunning capture.