Windy city suffers the defeat

Chicago lost its bid for 2016 Olympics, I was disappointed, but not too surprised. I only lived in the city for one year, arrived in steamy hot summer and survived the long harsh winter. The weather is not the best, but it is quite a vibrant city and has its own charm, especially the lake front and jazz festivals in the summer. I also enjoyed the shops along Michigan Ave, almost as good as the shops in London, with the exception of course I think London is a more trendy place than Chicago. I probably won’t put Chicago on my favourite cities list, but as a city in the mid west in America, Chicago is as good as it could get, and in a lot of ways it deserves an Olympics.
I admire the fact Obama and his wife made a personal push for their city, the city they still see as home. They did their best, the first lady speech showed class, integrity, and strong, determined character. The message was personal, intimate but utterly convincing at the same time.
America was voted out, almost humiliatingly in the first round. It was political vote in many ways, it shows an united front of countries that are anti America, using this as a perfect forum to stage their protest. And Chicago became the victim of this.
It seems to me there is a bit taste of “sour grape” in the world arena, when one country has been super power for too long, especially if the country who has adopted an aggressive foreign policy, it causes resentment and hatred. I start to wonder when China becomes the next super power, if the same fate could also happen to us. Being the biggest, strongest are not necessarily a blessing, it could be a curse sometimes as well.

Property Mad

I must have gone property mad, or at least I am obsessed with property search at the moment. No success so far, we have decided to expand our search to Chiswick area in a desparate bid to get a house.

According the article today on BBC, the house price has gone back to Sep 2008 level, which is not far from the peak price. Strange phenomenon, where does all the money come from? I was at the westfield shopping centre last weekend,the popular shops are packed,Recession, what recession??!!

Anyway, the sun is still shining, so there is still hope! It's been lovely weather in the past four weeks, no rain for nearly two weeks, must be setting some new record...

I guess it is like everything else in life, you have to be open minded, flexible and understand there is no such as perfect house, just how much you could compromise...

Three viewings tomorrow, fingers crossed!