I slept for ages. I was essentially a rock, my blanket the equivalent of a slow-growing moss. I malingered in bed until about 10:30. The last time I had stayed in bed that late was when I was hungover from a night out with my best friend Tamara and waiting on her to wake up and commiserate with me about the misery of imbibing in too many PBRs and cheap shots of tequila. (PSA: if we are ever out drinking and I say “TEQUILA SHOTS!” be prepared for a morning of pain). Alana had already left for the day, so I slowly woke myself up, made breakfast, and planned my day.
Although the highly recommended and rated, world famous Field Museum of Natural History is located in Chicago, it was simply a bit too expensive for my budget. Alana had mentioned the free zoo in Lincoln Park, a 15 minute walk from the Chicago History Museum. After investigating uber and ticket prices, I decided to double up on Lincoln Park and headed to the museum. I headed to the second floor and spent the next couple of hours immersing myself in Chi-town history. I learned that Chicago was a progressive city; spearheading the creation of birth control, nuclear power, and the skyscraper. They even created the forerunner of welfare; aiding single mothers whose husbands abandoned them and their children.
However, not everything was so progressive. Two World’s Fairs were held in Chicago, which excluded their large African American community, especially during the 1933-1934 fair titled “A Century of Progress.” This proved not to be the case when it came to race, though, as popular attractions touted “Real Savages from Africa!” Chicago also saw race riots, and the Haymarket Affair in 1886. Anarchist’s led a demonstration in support of the revolutionary 8-hour work day. A handmade bomb was launched into the crowd, killing seven police officers and three civilians. Learn more about one particular agent of change involved in the Haymarket Riot here.
It was time to stretch my legs. I picked up a coffee and strolled up Lincoln Park towards the Lincoln Park Zoo. I got there close to their closing time, so I prioritized the reptile room, which is always my favorite. I also saw their Children’s Zoo area because I had wanted to see the red wolves and the black bears. To my left, a group of women were whistling and hooting for the wolves to come closer to them. Not being a fan of the coercion of undomesticated canines, I continued my walk, and saw a zebra and a giraffe along the way.
I headed out of the zoo and called Alana, it was getting close to happy hour! We decided to meet up at Green Street Smoked Meats on the West Side. I walked about two miles through the Gold Coast neighborhood, enjoying more of Chicago’s architecture. I picked a spot at one of their communal picnic tables and ordered a couple of palomas while I waited for Alana (see, they were so good last night, I had to order more). After Alana arrived, we caught up and looked for a place to eat dinner. We headed a few blocks over to Aba for Mediterranean food on their rooftop lounge. Scents of sage and saffron filled our noses and we looked over the menu and decided on a bottle of Syrah from Israel and three shared dishes: marinated olives and feta, short rib hummus, and eplant-wrapped lamb.
Now, I am a simple woman. I like to keep a budget, and reserve my money for special things that enhance my quality of life. I generally find that falls into two categories: backpacking and fine food and drinks. Simply, Aba was worth the cash drop.
I was spoiled in Spain last winter by the aceitunas and tapas, these marinated olives did not disappoint. Alana, who was raised in a Russian Jewish community and frequently visited family in Israel, affirmed that the hummus was on par with the real deal. The hummus was also topped with meat which was new to both of us. And the lamb, in a savory tomato sauce garnished with dates, was perfect. I highly suggest this place if you can swing it for an evening, and maybe don’t mind getting dressed up a little. However, I turned up in torn leggings, a linen dress, Doc Martens, and dirty backpack after a day of sightseeing, so whatever works.
Sufficiently full and with a nice buzz, we ubered home. We grabbed a four pack of local beer and played card games until we succumbed to sleep. I woke up early the next day, loaded my bikes and my bags into the car, ready for the ten hour road trip ahead of me. Chicago was amazing and served as a reminder of the power of friendship and the magic of visiting a new city, and the enchantment of combining the two!
Punk Prana 
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