Russia is another society I am intimidated by—its wars, its strength, its vastness, its vodka. As I do in Germany, I expect its street art and graffiti to be fierce, aggressive, bold. As in Germany, I find some of what…
Street Art: Russia
Street Art and Graffiti in Germany: Strong and Light
I see Germany as strong and fearless; it has that strong economy, those fast highways, that World War II history, a reputation for orderliness. I am not surprised to see a monstrously large statue of Germany’s first chancellor, Otto von…
#ThrowbackThursday Graffiti: Italy
Some political interests are universal as demonstrated by “Legalise Cannabis” messages viewed in a number of areas in Italy on a trip there in 1989. —Lori Tripoli
Isla Mujeres Graffiti: Appreciating Symbols
I do not speak Spanish and do not really know the message of the brightly colored graffiti I see on a wall while speeding through Isla Mujeres, Mexico on a golf cart. While I ponder the artwork, I gain a…
Galapagos Graffiti: Who Would Mark Up Paradise?
As much as I enjoy some visually gratifying graffiti in urban areas, seeing it in the Galapagos islands is a little jarring. I understand there’s tension here that tourists do not necessarily see—pressure to fish, to provide jobs, to keep…
Graffiti: Little Italy
I don’t quite adhere to the philosophy that graffiti in a neighborhood is a sign that residents don’t care about where they live. Graffiti is art to me. Yes, sometimes graffiti is destructive. Many times, though, graffiti enhances a neighborhood’s…
The Book to Carry while Cruising Paris
I’ll confess to having a stack of Parisian histories (and a number on my Kindle as well) that have been leafed through but not exactly read. I mean to, I want to, I just haven’t. I am not sure where…
Enjoy the Present while Glimpsing the Past at the Talbott Hotel
Why I just love the Talbott Hotel in Chicago: It mixes business and romance successfully. There are old-fashioned telephones in the lobby and in the corridors. There are doorbells in the room. Double sinks in the bathroom are always appreciated.…
Algae on Crackers, Karyn’s on Green
UPDATE: We are sorry to learn that Karyn’s on Green has closed. Spending time in Chicago typically involves visits to a couple of steakhouses to keep the Brawny Sherpa happy, but we try to include a restaurant that I favor…
Yes, Virginia, There Really Is a Cupcake ATM
Looking for a quick and easy dessert? Line up at the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM in Chicago. I’m psyched to report that Sprinkles sells vegan red-velvet cupcakes along with the high-test ones. Still, it’s probably a good thing these ATMs aren’t…
Finding the Love in Chicago
Having a heart near the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park becomes a bit easier on a short walk toward Lake Michigan. —Lori Tripoli
Street Sculpture, Chicago
A walk in the park turns extraordinary in Chicago. Visit Congress Boulevard and Michigan Avenue to see more. —Lori Tripoli