This is Chicago! Part I

This last weekend, my 20th Century Architecture class took a weekend field trip to Chicago. We all woke up at 4:45 in the morning [unless you're me...] and drove in two vans to the city of beautiful architecture.

My van family was ze best, and my breakfast of champions from McDee's really fueled me for what was to be a very fun field trip. 

Here's evidence of our elation in the city - we were like curious children all weekend :)

First thing we did was take a tour to check out the Rookery Building which was unbelievable - everything, from the gilded walls, skylight, marble, ironwork, mosaic floors, and Frank Lloyd Wright lights, was stunning, especially in those moments when the sun would come out from behind the clouds and light up the place like a box of gold and jewels. 

It was very fun, and the topper was that we ate in the Potbelly's in the building - how lucky was that!? 

Next, we got personal and went to Oak Park to see Franky boy's Home and Studio

Even though it was rainy and getting quite cold - our entire group was stoked to be there. Plus our amazing tour guide from the Rookery met us here to give us yet another tour! He was so lovely, like a  old-time movie star, Charlton Heston type - with the greenest eyes any of us had ever seen. He liked our group and we loved him! 

We also got some free time to wander the streets of Oak Park to look at other Frank homes and those that tried to emulate him or put buildings near him that were "worthy". There were loads to look at. It was like a small New England town in the midwest - everything had such character. 

We were also able to check out the Unity Temple, take some silly pictures....

"For the Worship of God 

and the Service of Man"

Lets see a close up:

Kristen is worshipping, and Cameron is helping me out - just like the building says! 

Then I ate ate Pad Thai at Penny's Noodle Shop [though I was incredibly distracted by the Giordano's sitting across the street].... Someday!!!

Followed by some dreamsicle fudge from next door. MmmMmm good times :)

We then checked into our Hostel in Greek Town Chicago

Here was home for two nights...

and since this post is LOADS longer than I had anticipated, I'm gonnu slap a Part I onto that title up there and make you come back later to see that rest. Here's a teaser: IIT campus, Robie House, Art Institute - you WANT to come back for that :)