One big difference between this port compared to others is that since it is pretty well being used as a private beach, you will not be hassled by locals. The vendors coming around with drinks at beach locations are actually Royal Caribbean staff so if one wishes to buy a drink, cruiseship passcard is all that is required. As for concerns about being in Haiti given poverty and political situation, Labadee was not a problem because entire site is enclosed by a high steel fence. Other passengers later told us that they wandered off near perimeter of site and saw many Haitians along fence begging for handouts and food. The fencing was mostly concealed in distance from main tourist areas.

We found Labadee in general to be a bit of a waste of time for us. The beaches were too rocky and we didn't have access to inexpensive activities since everything was run by Royal Caribbean. If one wanted to just go lie on beach all day and not much else, then Labadee would be a suitable place. For those who want to experience some culture, do water sports without going through cruiseship, or shop duty free, Labadee would not be place to go. We decided to stay on board ship after BBQ lunch for rest of afternoon. I like Royal Caribbean and would definitely cruise with them again but would not want to go on an itinerary that included Labadee in future.

Burnham wasn't entirely defeated, however. And thank goodness. If he were there would be no Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, or Adler Planetarium. These were all built on landfill portions of park's southern border. So we get our cake and can eat it, too. Mr. Burnham gave us these cultural outlets, Soldier Field, and a city designed around lake front, and Mr. Ward's efforts left us with this grand space that allows city to hold its frequent summer festivals.

There's one more player who is responsible for park as it is today. Kate Buckingham, a frequent visitor to Europe, commissioned Clarence Buckingham fountain to honor her late brother. The fountain is a landmark, a point of reference, and a centerpiece.

The area north of Grant Park and Art Institute used to be an unsightly rail yard. It just didn't seem right to have an eyesore so close to vast expanses of green in heart of city, so in 2001 Millennium Park was built. This park is much more structured with buildings, sculptures, a permanent outdoor theater, and a bridge designed by Frank Gehry. Methinks Mr. Burnham and Mr. Ward would be proud.