Today was Chicago Lyric Opera day, and since it was a 2:00 matinee performance we didn’t have a ton of time to spend prior to that — especially since we took our time rising and getting our showers. But it’s vacation, after all. We are in no rush to go out to greet the balmy 45° temperature. (So far the wind has been minimal so we can’t complain. Plus, we have appropriate clothing for the cold.)

Since the opera house is the opposite direction of where we were yesterday it was a good time to head that way and explore a bit. I had chosen our hotel, Club Quarters Loop (it’s not luxurious but it suffices), because it was smack dab (does anyone say “smack dab” these days?) between Symphony Hall and the Lyric Opera — about 1/2 mile from each.

When we finally got out and about we walked toward the opera house but ended up doing a bit of a random walk as well, as we saw things that looked interesting.

We wound up at Union Station: we had been here when we did our cross country train ride to New York but I couldn’t remember it at ALL. (And yes, Christmas decorations are being set up all over Chicago.)

More walking …

We walked by the opera house so we would know where to return to.

And more walking …

We began the walk not knowing if it would be a breakfast/dinner day or a lunch/dinner day, but eventually we figured it was too late for breakfast so we thought we’d grab a coffee. Between getting distracted by various spots and doing some photography, though, we finally figured it was too late to get the coffee so we finally wound up at a little place right on the river walk for a quick bite.

From there we ambled back to the opera house, although Dan had to guide us because I managed to get totally baffled about what direction we needed to go. I’m not sure I’ll ever fully figure out Chicago!

The opera was doing the Cav/Pag double. I was interested in going since Opera San José will be doing the same in early 2026. I wanted to see what they do with the silly section where there’s a big oboe solo (in Pagliacci) but the dear composer (Leoncavallo) has both first and second oboists play it. Really? Kind of crazy if you ask me, but seeing what Lyric Opera did about it might help me figure out what we should do, although it’s really up to the principal oboist and conductor. I can’t remember what we did the last time. (OldBoeBrain strikes again!)

The hall is gorgeous.

We had great seats and enjoyed both operas. Turns out the section I was a bit concerned about it entirely covered by the chorus. Okay then … no worries!

We got out early enough that we had a bit of time to spare so we first went back to the hotel to drop off a few things, including the opera program which I just might take to opera when I return next weekend.

Then it was time for dinner. I’d made reservations for a German place that’s been around forever. We walked by it yesterday and Dan noted that everyone in there was old. Go figure. Tonight, though, I certainly saw younger people along with the oldsters.

The food was plentiful and prices reasonable. Of course I ate too much. It’s a talent! Nearing the end of our meal some costumed person walked by. Sadly I only got a photo of the backside … NO clue what it was about!

Tomorrow we have symphony in the evening. I think we’ll probably check out Millennium Park as they might have a Christmas market or some such thing. Who knows what else the day will bring … until it’s been brought! Hah!