On my last day in Chicago I started off the morning on a solo stroll talking to locals. Many of the retailers at the Water Tower mall had never been to New York.

After my friends woke up we got lunch at Flaco Taco and dined inside Northwestern’s study area.

Then we walked a few miles along the Great Lakes to the Shedd Aquarium.

Where the water is still tinted green from St. Patrick’s day.

At the aquarium we saw some sea lions interact with their trainers before beating the crowds of children and going home.

We rewarded ourselves for our patience with some ice cream.

For my last meal in Chicago we finally made it to the Silver Palm. It’s a 1940s train car that has been converted into a popular restaurant. I wanted to cry when I had to leave my friends there and go home.