Chicago is proving to be a popular holiday destination, at least for the Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey and his wife Eileen. The couple chose to spend their Summer holiday in the Illinois city for the second year running.

The Careys' first visit to Chicago was an official trip in May 1996 when they spent five busy days there. They returned with far less fanfare in 1999 for a time of rest and relaxation, and enjoyed their experience in the Second City so much that they arrived again earlier this year. Much of the twelve days Archbishop and Mrs Carey spent in Chicago in early August was taken up with what keeps most tourists busy: shopping, touring the art galleries and museums, and enjoying good food.

Archbishop George Carey made three public appearances during his holiday. One of these was to toast the Queen Mother on her hundredth birthday on 4th August at a reception held by the British Consulate on Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Archbishop also preached on Sunday 6th August at the Near North Side parish of St Chrysostom's, which hosted the Careys for both their Chicago holidays. The Archbishop also presented the inaugural Gilchrist Lecture in Mission at St Chrysostom's on 8th August. Two semi-official engagements were dinner with Bishop William Persell and his wife Nancy, and lunch with diocesan staff.