12:

Got a chance to visit the Christkindlmarket Chicago. I just love the way this place smells of cinnamon, sugar and apple cider. From the lights, the beautiful hand crafted ornaments and the delicious traditional german food, this place really put me in the holiday mood.




20:

I pass by hundreds of people everyday on my way to work in Chicago. Most people walk with purpose and speed – they’re most likely on their way to work or they have somewhere important to be. Some people hold up cardboard signs with sentences like, “Please feed me. I’m hungry.” Others play instruments on the street – accordion, saxophone, drums. This past Friday, a particular person caught my interest. He was holding a sign that said “Free Hugs” and was offering free hugs to the crowds walking in the street. When questioned why he was doing it, he replied with a smile, “I don’t know, I just felt like it”. I asked if I could take his picture and he said, “Of course, but only after I get a hug”. People like him make me happy.
20:
Coincidentally, Valentines day fell on the same day as the Chinese New Year. Below are some pics I took during the Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown, Chicago. More photos after the jump.

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