CHICAGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Imagine this in the voice of Trina from Victorious. You know, this clip.

Looks like I finally have time to write this blogpost about my INCREDIBLE time in Chicago. I can't express how grateful I am to the Janes family for this opportunity. I saw a beautiful city, I was spoiled like mad, and I spent some amazing time with some of THE GREATEST PEOPLE. I'll post a video about it whenever I have time. But let me talk about some of the stuff I did

• For the first time in my life, I got off the plane and went outside rather than immediately into the airport.
• We toured Columbia College Chicago, University of Chicago, DePaul University, and Northwestern. I have MISSED college tours. University of Chicago gave me a pretty nice tan haha. It was so amazing to see schools that actually had not only an appreciation but a love for the theatre. Very eye opening.
• We saw six shows. Between Riverside & Crazy at Steppenwolf, Fool Me Twice, Deja Vu at Second City, a burlesque show, Thaddeus & Slocum at Looking Glass, and two improv shows at IO, one of which was performed by their Shakespearean improv troupe. The improv was incredible and I laughed so stinking hard. The rest had some insanely talented performers and told some very important stories, both humorously and dramatically. I am always down for a good show. Especially one that gives me new quotes or makes me talk about it all the way home. And WOW how nice to be in a city where even people who know nothing about theatre still know how good their theatres are. I'd sooner move to Chicago than New York
• Horses and carriages made me happy
• BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE LITERALLY EVERYWHERE
• We went to a DOG BEACH. A BEACH LITERALLY MADE SO DOGS CAN RUN FREE AND HAVE FUN. Ugh there were so many precious puppies and they were SO HAPPY and wow I'm obsessed it's the only kind of beach worth going to, oh my goodness. I want them all to love me.
• Art Institute of Chicago was cool and inspiring. I wish I could go to museums more often. ALSO there was a modern art exhibit and one piece inside that was just a pile of candy? And the story is kinda sad but we couldn't find the little description so we just thought "okay art" as we did about most things in the modern art exhibit. AND THEN PEOPLE STARTED TAKING THE CANDY?! WHICH apparently is actually encouraged but we didn't know that so LENA AND I WERE VHELLA UNCOMFORTABLE it was a time.
• Had some BOMB Cinnamon Rolls. Like. Life changing. Thank you Ann Sathers.
• Also thank you Stan's Donuts for the BEST donuts I've ever had in my life. Do werk.
• Didn't go into the American Girl or Lego store but I SAW THEM IN PERSON WOW SO PRETTY
• Rode the train or bus everywhere. EVERYWHERE. Chicago is a public transportation friendly city. Like, seriously, you do not need a car. My kind of place.
• We went to the Lincoln Park Zoo and I saw a baby zebra and a baby camel and baby chimps, and cute, playful otters and some turtles. It's the only zoo I've ever seen with roaches as an exhibit but like.. kay. So freaky.
• Just a whole lot of good food. Like, Cafe Iberico gave me LIFE. I had some of the best pasta I've ever had in my life at that one Italian place. Food life is the COOLEST kind of buffet/food court. Jam & Honey is the cutest little breakfast spot.
• Soul Cycle sorta changed my life? I mean it wasn't life changing as promised. But it was cycling class and definitely a super fun way to workout. If I had more money and I were two inches taller (the minumum height is 4'11" and my groin confirms that the bike cannot be made any shorter and you will hurt if you are any shorter than 4'11") I would definitely sign up for a class here. The instructor was so sweet and supportive and she said she couldn't believe it was our first class. Eep!
• We walked through Millenium Park and saw the bean that everyone speaks of, which was pretty cool actually, AND a rehearsal for a music festival. It sounded so lovely. Also the face towers were super cool.
• Explored the gorgeous Navy Pier. I would love to spend a whole day there with the girls.
• Confirmed: Deep dish pizza is fantastic.

Tons more. Lots more. I loved the things as simple as shopping or just walking through neighborhoods. It was such a good experience. It was a much needed vacation. And while I spent most of the trip with my heart back home, I know that I'll have to make it back some day. You and I will definitely have to explore together. We'll add it to our list of adventures.

Best of all, I came back home after a long, tiring week of awesome and some stress, and the first thing I see is a letter from you. I promise I'll respond super soon and I'll let you know everything that has been going on. I know I've been a bit of a mess these past few days. I'll explain soon. Trust me, you are a major reason that I can keep going. Love you, best friend. Thank you for welcoming me back home.