mission: midwest-- illinois style

The epic adventure started off in traditional Cheryl-planned-trip form with a mob of friends who haven't seen each other in a while meeting up for amazing food, and a lot of it. Part Wolfpack reunion, part high school reunion, 5-9 of us met up for dinner, drinks, brunch, snacks, and any other food-eating occasion I could cram into the weekend. Everything we ate was absolutely amazing, thanks to stellar recommendations from a fellow foodie Gator from Chi-town.

Just a sample of the ridiculously amazing food :)

When we weren't out experiencing the culinary amazingness that was Chicago, we hung out in the warmth of our host's apartment getting everyone caught up on Mad Men. The whole group agreed that the food made the weekend, and the mini-reunions and Mad Men marathon were fabulous. Makes me happy when my coordinating gets rave reviews :)

Something else that got rave reviews: the view from the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the John Hancock building. This picture doesn't do it justice.

Part of Mission: Midwest was my campus visit for class, and since the Loop version of DePaul was anti-outsiders taking pictures or entering the building without multiple levels of security clearance, we tried where I knew the athletic facilities were, because I had people there. Kind of. She wasn't physically present since there were women's bball conference championships the same week and she traveled with the team, but still. So, while I was still in Chicago, I dragged the boys out in the snow/sleet with me to DePaul's Lincoln Park campus. Putting my charming ways (and networking) to good use, I got us in the athletics building to peek at their gym during practice and peruse the halls on my word that I wouldn't post any pictures on the internet. Since I never go back on my word, you'll have to use your imagination for the interior, but it was pretty sweet. Mission #1: accomplished.

Entrance to the DePaul Student Center at the Lincoln Park campus, sleet & all.

After the weekend, the group split to return to the real world and I began the massive road trip part of Mission: Midwest. The first stop was University of Illinois.

I actually had multiple people to meet up with here and got to trek across almost the entire campus (in the windy coldness. +1 for puffy jacket!) The campus was beautiful, and Champaign was really cute, though in the middle of a LOT of farm. I got a tour of the union and lunch with an alum from my program who is absolutely amazing! I wandered across campus after lunch to the athletics side and met with my contact there to get a look at Big Ten sports, which was also pretty awesome.

One of my favorite architectural things on campus: the library that was mostly underground. Love it!

Before we left Champaign, my friend and I grabbed a fantastic Mexican dinner with a new friend that will hopefully be a first year in my program this fall! Tons of nice people, Great visit all around. Perfect way to start off my Midwest tour :)