Chapter 24
The title of this particular blog post is my, possibly extremely basic, way of saying that yesterday was my birthday! I normally am not one to go all-out to celebrate the anniversary of my birth, but things of different now that I'm out of college. I can do things my way and celebrate each trip around the sun how I see fit. Another year of successful life is definitely worth celebrating. It's like paying tribute to the past year whilst also proclaiming success into the new era to come, sort of like everyone'e very own subjective New Year's Day.
My original plan was to go to Michigan, the Upper Peninsula to be specific. However, we ended up having a wedding the day before my birthday that we simply could not miss. Michigan was, unfortunately, out of the question. However, this wedding would be taking place close to Chicago, a city that fate has seemingly brought me towards at least once a year for the past four of my existence.
Let it be known, I adore Chicago. The Windy Apple has a special place in my heart. It was my very first spring break experience. I saw Hamilton there, visited all the spectacular museums and have seen many a concert there. It is a fabulous city with an incredibly rich history, and I was in need of my yearly excuse to make the journey. I needed an excuse to finally see Navy Pier anyways, which I somehow had not done yet. I also wanted to experience one of Chicago's famous architecture boat tours that float guests up and down the Chicago River and to the cusp of Lake Michigan, pointing out the history of the Chicago skyline before one's very eyes. So that's exactly what we did to ring in my new year.
My other half and I walked up and down Navy Pier, marveling at Lake Michigan and the South Side of Chicago in the distance. We observed sailers, boaters, and tourists out on the blue-green water. It was a more beautiful day than we could have hoped for; warm and mildly cloudy. My lover took me to a beautifully hipster cafe nestled beside a dog park and Navy Pier, taking several photos along the way (my birthday outfit was simply everything). I felt so loved as I sipped my birthday Nutella latte in one of my favorite cities ever.
After our leisurely-paced brunch, we spent some more time along Lake Michigan. Another thing that I had somehow never experienced was the Buckingham Fountain, so we walked the entire way from Navy Pier to the famous fountain. It was beautiful, and I love that area of Chicago. It is near Millennium Park and many of the major museums and the Shedd Aquarium. I'm so glad we made the small journey before we had to make our way back to the heart of the city and the main branch of the Chicago River for our boat tour.
I want to refrain from talking about too much from the tour, as I would genuinely encourage anyone and everyone who visits the city to take it, soas to support the Chicago Architecture Center and honestly just experience it for yourself, It walks you through many of Chicago;s most noteworthy buildings and even briefs guests on major historical events (such as the Chicago Fire of 1871, which jumped the river twice to cause the destruction it did).
However, I will share a unique photo with you. The boat tours are known for going up alongside the Ogden Slip beside Navy Pier (and almost to the Chicago Harbor) for one of the most picturesque scenes of the Chicago skyline.
I mean, look at that! I've been to Chicago many times and have never snapped a picture that even begins to capture the magnitude of the city. This one does just a little more justice.
If you find yourself wanting a boat tour that actually goes out onto Lake Michigan, they have those too! They are on these large Sea Dog boats that go way out onto the lake to observe the Chicago skyline comprehensively.
But anyways, I spent my birthday with my absolute favorite person on the planet in a beautiful place. I felt beautiful, I felt special, and we rang in my New Year together.
I would not have it any other way.
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