Milwaukee Sight-seeing before the big race
10-07-07, 2:11 PM

Saturday morning, sight-seeing and trying to absorb the local flavor was our mission. Prior to our trip, we heard about the art museum�s unique architecture of an expanding wall or roof that draws tourists. A local independent paper wrote about an exhibit, Martin Ramirez, which Karen wanted to see due to his reputation but moreover, as she once was an art therapist. Not to drown in detail, I thought, why not?

We began, once again, our walking journey. Aimlessly, toward the Lake Michigan we walked without an agenda other than to hit the lake and make a right which would lead us along the lakefront to the Museum. Along the way, we came across a farmer�s market and park where jazz musicians began to set their stage. Purchasing a bagel, we strolled around the merchants viewing their produce, arts and craft as well as speaking to a few of the artists.

Beyond the farmers market, the urban planner in me got the best of me which I regret � I can never just view a city for what it is and constantly critique the good and bad aspects while noting detail. Below though, I loved the public art of birds in flight which are located within a streets median-park.

There were other urban planning aspects to this neighborhood for which I took pictures in hopes to educate those back home but I�ll leave that for my future discussion.

Continuing are walk towards the lake and our eventually right to southerly direction to run into the art museum, I found the new and older building�s visually interesting � they had architecture, good architectures, something that has been missing in our smaller, western city. Below is an example along Lake Shore Drive, however the buildings downtown and warehouse district is a place where one could appreciate the details.

Soon, the lake appeared and we turned right, a southerly direction. Is it a bird? Is it a ship? What is this sea creature? Just awe-struck, we both were. Massive. Inviting. You were drawn to the building to explore it.

As one approaches, the landscaping and hardscape leading to the building had interesting lines and places to explore.

We found reflecting pools and fountains an interesting distraction before entering.

One playground into another caused A.D.D. ...then we walked inside...more distractions, in a good way, with an alien interior (not Star Wars) to which I have never experienced. The interior architecture was art in itself. You could just as easy explore the structure without seeing art and be just as fulfilled. The building is a piece of art.

Martin Ramirez�s exhibit was astoundingly repetitive...but one could understand his confined viewpoint and the world�s influence upon his psyche. I got to bullshit with Karen in my diagnosis and relate it back to her work � I�m in trouble now.

The art for the pedestrian to keep us interested while milling about was evident in this exhibit where the visitor is electronically incorporated into the art. Gimmicky, but effective as my inner-twelve year old emerged. I�m facing the bar-wench � breast high, of course!

Soon it was time to leave.

Reading and hearing about the Public Market, we continued our bus and walking tour of Milwaukee, magically managing not to get lost and stumble into a mixed-use warehouse district where, I assume, the urban hipsters live. My thoughts turned towards, �I would want to live here, but where could we walk our dogs... even though, it has been only one year since we moved out west, Milwaukee sure is perfect size city with interesting places...let�s move!� Impulsive, yes. But, damn it, it too short of life to be limited to one place to live! �Hey Bob, it is unseasonally warm for October (mid 80's), as you recall living in Chicago, wasn�t it damn cold, especially along the lake?� Better to visit for now...

Not as big as Cleveland�s West Side Market nor as diverse with produce, meats, cheeses and simple folk, Milwaukee�s Public Market was more of an upscale version � more like a Fresh Market on steroids. Yet, we enjoyed the vibrant colors and smells, especially the local cheeses and meats. I could easily grow fat here...when I move to Milwaukee. We found a soup vendor and each bought an ethnic soup. I purchased a chicken paprikash with dumplings and spatzel which was accompanied with a hunch of bread which reminded my grandmother. MY GOD, this was the best soup I ever had! Sorry grandma, but you were alive, you would understand.

Rounding-out and fulfilling this day for Karen was that Aveda was located across the street which seemed to be one of their training headquarters. Even though the soup was delicious for us both, purchasing Aveda�s product satisfied Karen�s shopping urges.

With the day�s end nearing for a good night�s sleep before the marathon, we decided to take it easy for the rest of the afternoon and stopped by a Barnes and Noble to read a magazine, have an iced coffee and people watch. Immediately, seated next to me was a trans-sexual or transvestite who apparently was having difficulties to a public a life. She was accompanied by a friend who was constantly assuring that no one was noticing and she looked fine.

Our day ended after an incredible, but expensive, spaghetti dinner, even though I�m partial to my own sauce. I asked the concierge for an inexpensive place but was directed to $75 restaurant when I was thinking $35. Oh well... still an eaters paradise though.

Yesterday - Tomorrow