Two Weeks of Fun

Yesterday, we dropped Immanuel off at O'Hare airport where he caught a flight to New York City. Armed with a recommended list of fun things to do and places to visit in NYC, we said our good-byes and saw him disappear into the security check area.

Here what we ended up doing the last two weeks in Champaign-Urbana, St. Louis and Chicago:

> Sat 10/13 - arrive in Chicago, transfer via shuttle bus to Champaign; dinner at Baccaro; live music at Cowboy Monkey; a pint at Blind Pig
> Sun 10/14 - reception: meet friends and colleagues
> Mon 10/15 - lunch at Farren's; discovered Dexter on DVD
> Tues 10/16 - visit City of Champaign's IT dept; dinner with Amish family in Arcola IL
> Wed 10/17 - visit City of Champaign's IT dept; dinner at B-Won
> Thur 10/18 - visit Parkland's IT dept; "Facades" art opening at Krannert Art Museum; dinner at home
> Fri 10/19 - Papa Del's for dinner; War of the Worlds at Virginia Theatre; Barn Dance followed by live music at Iron Post, Rosebowl, Phoenix
> Sat 10/20 - drive to St Louis: Ethiopian lunch at Meskerem; Henry Rollins concert at Pageant; late night at Pops
> Sun 10/21- St Louis: Whole Foods, Arch, river boat ride, dinner at Wonton King
> Mon 10/22 - steak dinner at home
> Tues 10/23 - visit Volition's IT dept; homemade Indian food at the Red Herring
> Wed 10/24 - visit Wolfram's IT dept; Swiss dinner at home; dance performance at Krannert Center
> Thur 10/25 - drive to Bolinbrook: dinner at Best Buffet in Kankakee; Across the Universe at typical suburban cineplex
> Fri 10/26 - Chicago: lunch at Frontera Grill; Yuri Yunakov concert at Old Town School of Music; Astral Project at Green Mill
> Sat 10/27 - Chicago: lunch at Happy Chef Dim Sum House; fly to New York City

(See pictures of Immanuel's stay in the USA)

Reception

Last night's reception was a great time. 25 people enjoyed the music, food and conversation. And what music! Maria Merkelo and Dorothy Martirano played everything from gypsy music to polka to Nino Rota. Rock Maffit couldn't resist and joined in for the fun and played percussion on several songs. There was dancing, singing and great conversation. (See pictures)