My sophomore year at university, I got this itch to go on a study abroad trip for May term (one month either spent traveling or in class) to Asia, though I’m not sure what possessed me seeing as my family had never traveled outside of the country. After having convinced my parents that China was where I wanted to go, I spent a month with my fellow classmates traveling the country. Within 24-hours of being in Beijing, I knew that I was going to live in China someday. And at the end of my years in college, I applied to a school in Shanghai but ultimately decided it wasn’t the right time for me.
My college travel buddy and me in HK in 2004
Instead of a big move to China, I decided to take a job offer to teach at a rural school in Illinois about an hour away from my hometown. After having failed to leave college with a single friend thanks to a drowned relationship, I was excited at the prospect of meeting new people. My school was an absolute gem and my coworkers were friendly and fun, yet I was still having troubles making friends with my same interests. The teachers were all married, and many of them had kids in that small town sorta way. I went to yoga a few times a month, spent Saturday nights grocery shopping or at my parents’ house, and diligently set my VCR any time I had a school function after hours. While I loved reading and drinking tea, preferably at the same time, I cringed at the thought of going to the book store or coffee shop alone. I wouldn’t have dared to go to a restaurant by myself, and a solo trip to the movie theater was out of the question. Sad and lonely, I clung to the job I loved, spending hours planning lessons and decorating my classroom.
Restaurant for Two: a feature where I bring a friend to a restaurant and we write a review together. Coworker and friend, L’Oreal, and I loved everything we ate at Osteria La Madia! She’s a blogger, too, so she helped contribute to this post.
I have had the pleasure of going to over a dozen restaurants to write reviews and it’s rare that I say this: I loved everything I ate at Osteria La Madia. I’ve had brunch here before (check out my review), so this time L’Oreal and I noshed on all things Italian for lunch/dinner. It’s a carbo-load but, like, the best carbs you’ll ever eat.
Offering an Italian spin on the traditionally Swiss fondue, Osteria La Madia has two options: Spinach & Taleggio, White Truffle Fondue and Tomato & Bufala Mozzarella Fondue. Both are served with pillowy perfection that is Sardinian bread. From the moment our waiter brought out the spinach / taleggio / fondue option, we knew we were in for a treat. While the kelly green fondue may be a bit off-putting to some, it was nothing short of delectable.
Whether you’re stopping through Chicago on a long layover or driving through on the way to a nearby state, there will definitely be more than enough to keep you busy. Below is a list of how to have a rockin’ time in the Windy City for 24 hours with options depending on what you want to get out of your experience. Despite choosing some touristy things you just can’t miss, I’ve also added a resident-twist to it.
This post tackles the Loop and River North, the most touristy parts of the city. The Loop is also the business district, so it becomes a ghost town on the weekends and after about 7pm. Look out for future posts on the rest of what this exciting town has to offer!
Morning
Breakfast
Do-Rite Donuts – Not the healthiest or most filling option around, but donuts are a staple breakfast item in Chicago. And Do-Rite does it right. I’m a huge fan of the gluten-free cinnamon & sugar option. I’m not a coffee drinker, but there’s always a line of people waiting to get a cuppa.
Corner Bakery – Need more substance? Like chai latte instead of coffee? Then head next door to Corner Bakery on Randolph St.
10am-12pm: Tour
Free Tours by Foot – City tours are a great way to get a lay of the land somewhere new, and this company offers theirs as pay-what-you-like. To be a true tourist, sign up for the North Loop and Millennium Park Tour and make sure to take pictures of the famous “bean” and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at the park.
On the eve of my 33rd birthday, I look back and reflect on the 365 days before me with gratitude:
Received a promotion at work
Moved to a new ‘hood with a new friend
Traveled to 4 countries and went on 6 other vacations
Had the honor of serving as the maid of honor in my cousin’s wedding
Attended two yoga retreats
Made new friendships and strengthened old ones
Wrote a multitude of articles for new publications
Deepened my yoga practice and started my meditation practice
Volunteered countless hours to organizations to which I’m connected
When I turned 31, I cried and cried about my birthday. I felt like I hadn’t accomplished anything because I couldn’t hold a relationship, let alone get married and have babies. I was – and have been for many years – consumed with having a family as my purpose in life. On past birthdays I’ve wished for love, a husband, marriage, a family, but this year I wish for continued happiness.
More times than I can count while living in Hong Kong, people told me that Americans were a hard group of people to truly like*. Non-Americans complained that Americans were loud, wore inappropriate clothing, and acted entitled. I’d go to a museum and hear the Americans coming. I’d walk into a store and see a line of Americans complaining. It was embarrassing. I am proud to be an American, certainly, but I wasn’t proud that a select group of Americans were worldly enough to hop on a plane to Asia, but were not cultured enough to know how to assimilate, or at the very least, not stand out.
Restaurant for Two: a feature where I bring a friend to a restaurant and we write a review together. This time around, I joined a group of fellow writers for breakfast at Luella’s Southern Kitchen.
Serving quintessential Southern breakfast with a twist, Luella’s now offers weekday breakfasts from 8-11a.m. Monday through Friday. Chef/owner Darnell Reed uses locally sourced or authentically Southern ingredients as much as possible.
I tried five different meals while at Luella’s. The buttermilk blueberry and brown butter pancakes were definitely my favorite. Order the sorghum and toasted ancho chili bacon or the boudin breakfast sausage patties for the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
New City Life Adventure 