I heart Chicago (plus, it doesn't smell like piss)

So, I really liked Chicago. Honestly, I was a little surprised. I am a bit of a snob (shocking news to all, I'm sure) and have a strong anti-Midwestern bias. I had heard that Chicago was pretty fun but didn't think that I would like it SO much. It has beautiful architecture, plenty of parks, lots of stuff to do, affordable housing and well, it doesn't smell like piss. Also, shockingly, I spent nearly 5 days downtown in a major metropolitan city and no one asked me for money. I chalk this up to long, Arctic-like winters that make it an unattractive homeless destination spot.

I had a great time. I feel like I was so busy with work that I didn't have as much free time as I would've liked. Jen came up for a mini-vacation and that made it all the more fun. We hung out with my coworker Linh and went to the Field Museum (an awesome time for fellow bio-nerds and home to the coolest souvenir that $1.50 can buy), the Shedd Aquarium (where I mocked a 10 year old that can't tell the difference between a starfish and alligator) and we got a random mini-tour from an Obama-lovin' alderman. She helped us find the Field Museum and told us where he lives, but I forgot.

Chicago is a great city. I almost wanted to move there until I realized that it would mean living in the Midwest. I am hoping that I will soon be able to upload our pictures to my Picasa page which I can link here.