My last day in the Windy City started with a delicious breakfast crepe at Meli Cafe, with plenty of sugar to power me through the famous Field Museum on Museum Campus. Right next to the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum was a massive 3-level building, with a 3D theater and several visiting exhibits. Walking in, the first thing I saw was Sue, the largest, most complete T. rex discovered. I ran upstairs to the Evolving Planet exhibit, where I took a walking tour though the history of the earth and life on the planet. Of course, I spent most of my time in the Dinosaur Hall, nerding out over all the cool fossils. On the opposite end of the hall were two small rooms, filled with jades and gems. I didn't even realize the exhibits existed until I stumbled upon them by accident, The Hall of Gems was filled to the brim with cases of previous stones, my favorite of which were the beryl and benitoite crystals.
The main level was filled with the special exhibits on the Vikings and Vodou in Haiti. The Viking exhibit told the story of the Norse raiders from their lives, ranging from home and traditions to mythology and burial rituals. Tiny symbols of their gods were scattered through everyday household items, jewelries, boats, and ceremonies. For women, running a household was an important and well respected role, and they would carry around their keys as a symbol of their status.
Across the main hall were the famous natural habitat dioramas, some dating back to the Great Depression. Any bird, reptile, amphibian, or mammal imaginable was represented in the winding hallways of the exhibits - some grouped with related species, others presented in the habitat dioramas. I was visiting the museum on a Thursday afternoon, so much of the exhibits were empty of other visitors. Standing in the dimly lighted maze of taxidermy gave me a strangely mixed feeling of awe and goosebumps - strangely fascinating, yet slightly scary.
The main level was filled with the special exhibits on the Vikings and Vodou in Haiti. The Viking exhibit told the story of the Norse raiders from their lives, ranging from home and traditions to mythology and burial rituals. Tiny symbols of their gods were scattered through everyday household items, jewelries, boats, and ceremonies. For women, running a household was an important and well respected role, and they would carry around their keys as a symbol of their status.
Across the main hall were the famous natural habitat dioramas, some dating back to the Great Depression. Any bird, reptile, amphibian, or mammal imaginable was represented in the winding hallways of the exhibits - some grouped with related species, others presented in the habitat dioramas. I was visiting the museum on a Thursday afternoon, so much of the exhibits were empty of other visitors. Standing in the dimly lighted maze of taxidermy gave me a strangely mixed feeling of awe and goosebumps - strangely fascinating, yet slightly scary.
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I had to have deep dish pizza one last time before I returned to the world of thin pizzas that never have enough toppings, tomato sauce, and cheese. This time, we chose Uno's, close to the north end of the Magnificent Mile, so that I could take one last trip throughout downtown to see all the night lights. We made a stop at Millenium Park again, walking past the Bean to the Pritzker Pavillion, changing colors with the skyscrapers in the background. On our way back, we happened upon a filming for Chicago PD on the bridge to the Art Institute, and crossed our fingers that we made it into the shot as we walked under.
Leaving the next morning was bittersweet - I was in desperate need of rest, but I hated leaving the Windy City. In just 5 short days, I had fallen in love with the incredible city - it's massive museums, beautiful parks, efficient public transportation, and of course, the stunning skyline. Thank you Chicago for such an amazing trip, and I hope to return soon!
Smile c:
~michelle
Smile c:
~michelle
