Vancouver/Alaska 2007

Went on an Alaskan Cruise with my family. The cruise started in Vancouver and then went up to Whittier. Vancouver had the sketchiest Chinatown ever, but it generally seemed like a nice place. I could see myself living up there some time.
Alaska, on the other hand, I don't feel a particular need to return to. Everywhere we went (until we got to Anchorage) was either a tourist trap or depressingly run down. Anchorage was surprisingly nice, and warm. We went to the Moose Tooth Brewery, which is apparently an Anchorage institution. Great pizza and homebrewed root beer (and regular beer for that matter). Delicious




Holy crap, everything's in French too.





Welcome to Chinatown. Keep your bags (and tongues) to yourself.





Ketchikan, the capital of Alaska tourist crap.

Chicago 2007

Went to Chicago to participate in the high school national championship for quiz bowl. We didn't do so well, but I have to say, I respect myself a bit more because of it.
When we didn't get invited to play on the second day (because we sucked), we got to go into the city and explore. We visited Grant Park and went to a Cubs game at Wrigley. I have to say, Wrigley is not that impressive, but the stadium is almost 100 years old, so I'm not to surprised. We got deep dish, a Chicago tradition, and it was just as good as promised. All in all, Chicago's a fairly nice place, I wouldn't mind going back.




The shiny cloud thing at Grant Park. It was very shiny, but the park was nice.




Outside Wrigley Field. One of baseball's classic venues.

Washington DC 2007

DC is one of my favorite cities. It's the closest thing to a European city as I've been in America. There is so much of our national history and narrative there. People there seem to have everything together and it's just amazing. And they have a great metro system, the best designed and maintained in America.




Descent into the Metro system. The design is a bit dated, but it's simple and the same everywhere.




In the Metro system. I love the design and it's so well run




The Supreme Court.




The Capitol Building. I'm surprised I didn't get Patriot Act'd for taking this picture