Elegance and Necessity by Chipka
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Description
Though the day was hours into its span, it began—as all days might—in a facility dedicated to natural functions. I’d arrived with Corey at the River North Westin, and we’d met Carin. We talked, laughed, talked more, laughed even more, and Carin presented us with gifts straight from the southern tip of Africa. It was time, we’d decided, for breakfast. None of us had eaten anything, and for its part in the day’s slow and luxurious unraveling, my stomach informed me of its empty state with a demure rumble. I’d enjoyed nothing more than a glass of lukewarm Coka Cola at Corey’s place, as we prepared to meet the glories promised that day…and my bladder, not liking Coka Cola very much, informed me…well…of necessity. Before breakfast, I excused myself.
And so, as each day begins, that day began, and once Nature found itself satisfied, I washed my hands—as all civilized men might—and paused.
The Westin Hotel is known for elegance, and the enormous lobby was deliciously modern with intriguing 21st century Zen influences. In some ways, it looked like a Stanley Kubrick set, and in other ways, it resembled something Japanese: hints of The Floating World were grace-notes here, there and there…and so it shouldn’t have been such a surprise that the Men’s Room would carry such elegance as well. It was stunning in its clean, elegant, simplicity. There were no superfluous flourishes, no bits of grime here or there. There was nothing to inform a person—in crass ways—of the room’s intimate function. It was boxy and angular in the colors of marble (or was it granite?) stainless steel and glass. Everything wore a buffed, flawless shine. There was light. Soft. There was music. Something warm and alive with hints of ocean waves, sand, and dry heat. I thought of the northern coast of Africa when I heard the music. I thought of Morocco or Tunisia, the northern crest of Lybia, or the coast of Egypt, north of the pyramids. I laughed at the idea that music would recall Northern Africa on a day Corey and I spent time with a friend from the southern tip of the continent. The Westin Hotel, I came to believe, held touchingly-good intentions.
I wanted to mark something of the day’s beginning, and I laughed at the idea that a room intended for Nature’s functions would serve that purpose. I laughed at the idea that the men’s room just off of a hotel lobby would give me interior-design ideas.
As I look at this image now, I can easily recall the sound of Carin’s voice and the rich and curvy south-of-the equator pitch of her accent. It was a marvel of a day, full of intriguing glimpses into a world many could scarcely imagine. It’s been a couple of days and still I’m attempting to wrap my brain around the idea of thieving hyenas just casually dropping in on a holiday barbecue near a nature reserve, or an elephant playing mind-games with humans pretending to eat while he was actually stealth-charging. Or how about this? Carin knows the sound of a traditional giraffe neck-duel! I can imagine a neck duel, I write science fiction, you know; but Carin has heard more than one of them. What a world! Who needs science fiction when you've got dueling giraffes?
It goes without saying that the day glorious. It was a laughing day, warm in ways that had nothing to do with temperature. There was cheesecake—a pleasant echo of cheesecake in Prague, only without beer, or some teenager’s graded and abandoned homework in a dumpster. There were dragons outside of another hotel: The Drake…and there was ice along the lake…too much for safety. There was Carin, there was Corey…and I was there too. I can still hear the laughter, I can still feel the warmth, and I’m amused that one marker of that day found expression in the Zen-elegant facilities just a few steps south of the Westin’s main lobby.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week.
Comments (29)
MrsRatbag
It is elegant indeed; I love these rich hotel restrooms!
PaisleyRose
That is a classy set-up. So happy to hear of the visit from Carin, and how enjoyable it is/was. Your words are clear enough that it seemed I was there, too.
Sepiasiren
a hawt shot--love the comp and mystery of this--the shadows and post treatment are excellent
mbz2662
:) Good story/memory~ Leaves me with a smile~
popeslattz
I thought of Kubrick as soon as I saw this image. Sounds like some amazing memories were formed on this journey. Glad they included lots of laughter. Trying to imagine the sound of the giraffe neck-duel.
Orinoor
I really like how you explore the sights and sounds of the room, the day, the people and back again, like a little tour through the days events and thoughts. Really wonderful and amazing photo.
mgtcs
Wonderful shot indeed and fabulous righting as usual, loved your style!
NefariousDrO
Ooh, that's such a captivating shot, the rich warm like, the sharp cold stone (It looks like granite to me) all combine for a very striking photo.
ToniDunlap
Always you have wonderful thoughts and express them so well! Your Westin experience is certainly no exception. The room for men is out of sight judging from your wonderful photograph. All sounds like fun to me. I enjoy! +5 FAV!!!
RodS
Now, that's cool! Wouldn't mind this in my bathroom, myself!
whaleman
Now there is a touch of class! Very nice shot with feeling to it.
aksirp
a wonderful day with friends, make able to enjoy so many things arround- like this! great picture, love the dark and the light!
SSoffia
Very elegant place I like the style of light and shadow in this capture!!!!
durleybeachbum
Absolutely wonderful! Regarding music in public places... My friend W takes her wheelchair-bound daughter to the Ladies room at our Arts Centre, where the music is so loud in the loo that when C here daughter fell in the cubicle and shouted for her mother to rescue her, she could not be heard. Also the muzak in the lift is appalling..we dread being trapped! And this place is the home of the world-famous Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra!
rainbows
Wonderful capture, Chip. So lovely to hear you talk too. Hugs, Di. xx
GARAGELAND
Cool shot, but the paper towels spiol the flair.
lick.a.witch
A day full of "C's"! Corey, Carin, Chip, Chicago, Cheesecake and Closet! Oh yes. Cheer! Which all goes to make a fabulous Capture! sigh....I need to lie down now. Tired brain syndrome! ^=^
evielouise
The last place we stayed I loved the bathroom decor so much I joked with the bell boy when he came up to get our bags when leaving I asked if he could also add the bathroom with our bags he lol Beautiful photo and yes it's nice to see different decor when we travel
helanker
WOW! What a find. Not one ot the rest rooms you would like to leave almost before you enter it :-) Awesome shot and Narrative again. BRAVO!! :-))))))))))))))
flavia49
superlative shot and story
Meisiekind
Oh Chip - I remember you proudly showing me this image as I would for obvious reasons, not visit the mens's room! It is quite elegant. I read your narrative and am just missing everything about that glorious day. Here I am two cities on (Cleveland and currently Detroit) since we have met, but somehow my heart stayed in Chicago! Wonderful dear friend!
lwperkins
I've been in the ladies' equivalent in another Westin and we joked that it was what the bathrooms looked like on the Death Star--very clean, expensive and dark, with lots of hard surfaces. It sounds like a wonderful day--and I can imagine giraffe's necks being dusty and little clouds coming up at every thump;)
sandra46
ANOTHER GREAT IMAGE! VERY SURREALIST AND A BIT UNNERVING....
kgb224
Elegant indeed and it makes an outstanding picture photographed perfectly by you my friend. Even in bathrooms one can find gems to photograph.
auntietk
I love this! What an elegant image. I can imagine the subdued music, the lighting, the FEEL of the place. Thank you for sharing your experience with Carin, even when she was in another room! :)
danapommet
Cool shot Chip and kudos for taking the shot without catching yourself in the photo. Dana
beachzz
This is MUCH nicer than that restroom down those stairs. THAT was spooky!!
bmac62
What a day that must have been...and then to have it further enriched by a trip to the 'necessary room'...now there's an old term for you. Carin sounds great...we pick her up at the airport here Sunday night. She hopes to see everything here in three days. Just maybe...we can get her to sit back and really enjoy herself with a little break. Your photo reminds me of an elegant hotel in Kansas City...these places are meant to make you want to return. Wonderful commentary Chip!
tyllo
Gorgeous image and the details are awesome. Bravo!