So, I was cleaning out my computer and I found a bunch of old pictures that I took from when I was in high school. As I scrolled down, I started reminiscing about all of the awesome people that I have met along the way and all the places that I have visited especially throughout my college years and throughout my move to Omaha from Los Angeles. As I looked through each photo, a memory popped into my mind. All I could do was just smile or laugh because it felt so real and because some of the pictures were pretty funny.
I don't know how long I have been taking pictures but I do know that it's been a while. I remember when I was younger my mom would take me after school to our neighborhood Save-On Drugstore, (now called CVS) to buy a disposable camera. Once my film was done, I loved seeing what my final images were going to look like when they got printed. Nowadays, I use a D-SLR camera to capture photos. I love taking snapshots of the different places that I travel to and also doing fun photo-shoots on friends!
Talking about traveling to new places, two weekends ago my boyfriend and I took a weekend trip to Chicago. It was our first time going and I was super excited because I had heard so many great things about it from friends and co-workers. I had researched on Yelp, asked friends for suggestions, and even read some local newspapers/magazines about sights to check out in the Windy City.
Below are some of the highlights from our trip!
This was a mural that I saw as we drove through one of the neighborhoods when we first arrived to Chicago.
During our trip we stayed at the Hampton Inn Chicago- North Loyola Station Hotel. I really enjoyed staying at this hotel because it was located right outside Loyola University Chicago campus. There were restaurants and other little shops that were walking distance, which made it super convenient. We also figured out that the train station was also walking distance. We purchased a CTA Ventra card which cost about $10-$28 depending if you want a 1 day pass, 3 day pass, or a 7 day pass. We decided to get a 3 day pass since that was about how long we were gonna stay.
Before we hopped on the train, we stopped by Giordano's Pizzeria to try out their stuffed, deep-dish pizza. My boyfriend and I ordered our own individual 6" pizza. My first thought when I first saw them was that they looked super cute because they were small but after the first bite I was pretty mind blown. The ingredients were super fresh and the taste was just so delicious! It was cheesy and rich in flavor. One individual pizza is definitely enough to fill you up and keep you going.
Had to take a selfie with my boo outside of the stadium! Making those memories last!
Our next stop was the famous, Arts Institute of Chicago. One of the things I didn't know about this museum is that it's mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret works of art from across the globe and that their collection comprises of approximately 300,000 works of art. Upon researching this place, I also learned that the Arts Institute of Chicago is ranked 6th in the "Best art museums in America", Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City ranked as number 1 on the list.
As we walked around the museum we passed through an exhibition that focused on Japanese print making and had sculptures of traditional, Japanese deities. From one room to the next there were giant displays of art work that focused on different cultures from around the world. I enjoyed learning more about the African culture as well as Native American culture. As we continued walking around the first floor, we passed by an area that exhibited different interpretations of Buddha that came from the Himalayas and South East Asia.
Although we didn't get to finish checking out the other two floors due to time, we both really enjoyed visiting the Arts Institute. This will definitely be on our "to-do" list the next time we go back.
Our last stop was Millennium Park. I had heard so much about Millennium Park previously from friends that it felt so surreal actually being there and taking pictures with the giant bean. At first I didn't know where it was but when I found it I screamed with excitement. ha-ha
I can now see why this is a "must do" whenever you visit Chicago. I mean it's pretty breathtaking even at night.
Cheesing it up in front of Cloud Gate (aka the bean)!
Once sun down hit, all the lights from the sky rise buildings started to illuminate the city. It was as if you were watching a light show and then suddenly everything just lit up all at once.
As we walked around town finding our way back to the train station, I couldn't help but stop and look up at the buildings. I had told my boyfriend to look up and see what I saw seeing. We stood side by side hugging as we enjoyed that precious moment.
Can't wait till we plan our next trip back to Chicago!
Have you been to Chicago? What was your favorite part of being there? Share with me on the comments below.
Until next time,
Fati <3
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