llinois is the 24th largest state in the US. The same size as England and Wales and bordered on three sides by water. A visit here offers an opportunity to explore the American heartland, its small towns, shopping outlets, national parks, wineries and legendary Route 66. Spring 2005 brings the stateÕs newest major attraction The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.

Chicago, one of AmericaÕs great cities, situated on beautiful Lake Michigan, boasts 29 miles of lakefront, including bike paths and sandy beaches. On 24 lush acres in the heart of downtown, sits the magnificent Millennium Park, a centre for worldclass art, music, architecture and landscape design. Experience interactive public art and ice skating, al fresco dining and free classical music. The centerpiece of the park is the Frank Gehrydesigned Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the 110-ton elliptical sculpture designed by the celebrated British artist Anish Kapoor.

For architecture buffs, Chicago and Illinois have much to offer. The city has three of the worldÕs tallest skyscrapers while nearby Oak Park boasts the largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned buildings. For shoppers, the Magnificent Mile¨ is lined with premier department stores and boutiques. For those who like to explore after dark, there are many jazz and blues clubs, symphonies, rock concerts and theatre.