Trip to Chicago.

The past two weeks were been absolutely incredible. Not only did I get to visit Nate, one of my best friends and college roommates, but I learned a lot along the way. My trip was primarily for my graduate seminar. The Johns Hopkins University Master of Arts in Museum Studies program requires all students to complete a two-week intensive seminar near the completion of the program. During my time in Chicago, my class visited all of the major and some of the not-so-major museums. We met presidents, directors, directors of education, directors of exhibits, directors of communication, and many other people. At each location, I had the opportunity to learn from each of those prominent people and pick their brains. So much insight and so many great connections.

Places we visited for school: Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Jane Addams' Hull-House, National Hellenic Museum, Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, and Ryerson Woods.

During the evenings and on the weekend, I played super tourist and spent time with Nate and Amanda, his girlfriend. The two of them were so kind to let me stay with them. Thankfully, they have a very comfortable couch/futon. I also got to meet a few of Nate's high school friends and get a great glimpse of where he's from. I also toured downtown, went up the Sears Tower, and went to Chinatown.

The best/worst part of the trip: a great job offer. Unfortunately, I couldn't take it because of my commitments and responsibilities here in Texas. It would be great to live in a city like Chicago though. There are so many fun things to do and see there. Lots of restaurants of every type too. If only I could combine the opportunities of Chicago with the natural beauty and location of Seattle.

My travel bug was cured for just a little bit...

Inside the famous Field Museum -- that's Sue the T-rex in the background!

Yes, we took a yellow school bus to Openlands Lakeshore Preserve.

The class at Openlands Lakeshore Preserve

That's Lake Michigan! It's so blue!

Part of the downtown skyline.

Inside Shedd Aquarium -- they have 2.1 million visitors per year!

We also visited a Pop-up art gallery.

American Gothic! (at the Art Institute of Chicago)

At the Art Institute of Chicago -- my mom's favorite painting.

Cloud Gate - aka "The Bean"

Polar bear at Lincoln Park Zoo

 

Inside the Museum of Science and Industry -- my favorite museum!

I went to the top of Sears Tower! I think a had a mini-heart attack too. 

Nate and I on my last morning in Chicago.