Fai Quan
formerly known as "Prosaic Traveller"
Chicago IL (1) – Frank Lloyd Wright
Oak Park, Illinois is a village located west side of Chicago in Cook Country. We travelled to this area via the blue line from Chicago’s downtown. It was a special trip to see the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright. Many other homes in this same neighborhood was designed by the famous architect. This is just a sampling.
The names of the houses doesn’t necessarily mean the names of the current residents but the names of the original owners.
Frank Lloyd Wright
A bust of Frank in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District.
Frank Lloyd Wright
The home and studio of Frank.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Walter Gale House
Frank Lloyd Wright
Nathan G Moore House
Frank Lloyd Wright
Hills House
Frank Lloyd Wright
Heurtley House
Frank Lloyd Wright
Mrs. Gale House
Frank Lloyd Wright
Beachy House
The Thousand Islands – St. Lawrence River
The Thousand Islands consists of 1,864 islands that exists in the St. Lawrence River between the US-Canada border. We took a river cruise that traveled from Rockport, Ontario to Boldt Island, which is part of New York State.
Before boarding our boat, we were entertained by speedboats participating in a race.
Boat houses along the Rockport shore.
Houses along the Rockport shore.
Their own little island.
Supposedly the shortest international bridge. The left is Canada and the right is USA
The Thousand Island Bridge connecting Canada and the USA.
Large tanker ships cruise along with the small boats
Gorgeous homes like this exist everywhere.
Reenactment of the pirate ship attack on the village at Alexandra Bay, NY
Hidden behind the tress is Boldt Castle, which is going through a restoration. Alster Tower, front left, is also considered the playhouse. It was to house a bowling alley, billiard room, library, bedrooms and kitchen.
The Powerhouse at Boldt Castle.
The Yacht House for Boldt Castle is located across the water from the Castle.
Toronto ON, Canada (2) – The Island
Toronto Islands is located just off the shores of the city’s harbourfront. With a combination of one large (Centre Island) and some smaller ones, these islands are homes to the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and small residential communities.
Centre Island Park
Breakwater south of Centre Island
Lakeshore Avenue at Centre Island
A Canadian Goose makes its’ home in a large fountain.
The Kid’s Train was not running that day. It was still too early in the season.
Swans ready to take you for a ride at the Duck Pond.
Real swans enjoying the day.
Residential community on Algonquin Island
Toronto skyline acts as a backdrop for boats along Algonquin Island
Docked boats off Ward Island
Bike stalls near the ferry terminal on Ward’s Island
Residential community on Ward’s Island
Toronto ON, Canada (1) – Skyline
We made a four day stopover in Toronto on our way home from Iceland. The visit was mainly focused on family so we didn’t do a lot of sightseeing. Thus there won’t be a lot of photos of this great city.
This trip to the island gave us a great view of the Toronto skyline.
On the Harbour front enroute to the Ferry Terminal.
The Ferry Terminal
Condo living on the water
The CN Tower, tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere
Further view of the skyline, with Rogers Centre (home of the Blue Jays) at the base of the tower.
The Toronto skyline from the Island
Iceland (19) – Reykjavik
Our last adventure before catching our flight home, was visiting Perlan. This dome-shaped building is home to hot water storage tanks, Museum, Gourmet/Souvenir/Christmas Shop and revolving restaurant. It sits high on a hill which allows spectacular views of Reykjavik from the spacious observation decks. The following photos depicts the city of Reykjavik from this vantage point. I have tried to capture a 360 degree view starting at southwest going counter-clockwise.
This is my last post of Iceland. I hope you enjoyed the Iceland blogs/photos as much as I enjoyed the adventure.
Iceland (18) – Rural Landscapes
The following landscapes were taken over the one week period when we were in Iceland. These beautiful settings were found along the routes we took to destinations north and south from Reykjavik.
Iceland (17) – Marina
Since we stayed at the Icelandair Marina Hotel, we were fortunate to see sights along the water which we otherwise would have missed.
A popular eating establishment a block away from the marina.
Sightseeing tours available along the pier.
Looking from the end of the pier. Visitors ready to embark on a tour. The gray building at top right is the Icelandair Marina Hotel.
Boats ready for action
Many great eating places and shops along the marina.
A view of the downtown on the right and Harpa on the left.
Hallgrimskirkja sits behind offices, residences and stores.
Outside eating area at the Viking Museum
All sorts of boats and ships share the harbour.
Iceland (16) – Budr
Enroute to Snaefellsjokull National Park, we made a rest stop in Budr, situated off the Budavegur Road.
Budr consists of one motel and residence.
The Atlantic Ocean – west side of Iceland
The view to the north – the park on the other side of the mountain.
The view to the south
Snaefellsjokull is a 700,000-year-old stratovolano. It was made famous due to the novel Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. The entrance to a passage leading to the center of the earth was on Snaefellsjokull.
A mountain to climb. Located across the road from the motel.
Interesting stone wall
Closeup shots of the terrain between the ocean and Budr.
Iceland (15) – Sunset in Reykjavik
On one of our last days in Iceland, we made sure to visit the southwest tip of Reykjavik to witness a beautiful sunset. The magical colours it played on the water, mixed with clouds and mountains was a calming sight to behold.
Western view from the end of Nordurstrond
Looking inland orange colours reflecting off the coastline. To the right, in the distance, you can see the line up of cars and spectators.
Looking north
A ship takes the golden opportunity to pass by for a photo-op
Iceland (14) – Reykjavik Streets (Inside and Out)
This post shows some of the buildings, externally and internally, in and around downtown Reykjavik. I wished I would have stayed in Iceland longer so I could have explored this city. I only got a small glimpse into this amazing city.
Creative bicycle stands
A table for two.
Coffee/Book shop
Treat offerings from the coffee shop.
Skateboarding in a downtown square. All the participants take turns sharing the space. I watched a young girl in a frilly pink dress go slowly down a ramp. Surrounded by teenagers, they waited patiently and smiled as she took her time.
Downtown, Laekjargata and Bankastraeti
Downtown stores are mainly made of small shops.
This shop was tucked away on a side street.
I loved the “Bad Taste Record Store” sign
Colour, colour, colour. Iceland is not afraid of colour.
Residential area
Lovely residential walkup
Reflection of homes from work building
Beautiful residence
Modern condos on the marina
Downtown office buildings is the backdrop for the statue of Jon Sigurosson (leader of independence movement)
The small sign depicts a car being towed. This is the Icelandic version of “No parking”. It tells you like it is regardless of your language.
Tjornin Lake, right in the heart of downtown Reykjavik
Residences along Tjornin
Inside a restaurant at the Viking Museum
Inside “Perlan”, this landmark water storage facility is also used for concerts. It has a revolving restaurant at the top and houses the Viking Saga Museum.
Fai Quan 