The American Dream Trip - The Midwest.

We made it to Chicago, people! 

After such a hectic travel itinerary in the West Coast, (there was definitely too much to see and we made so little time to see it all) our next flight took us to the Midwest. As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, I reunited with my baby sister here along with two of her friends from Uni. They had just returned from their summer break and there was a mess up with their temporary accommodation which meant they were bunking in with us and we would be making our way to Ann Arbor, Michigan with them a little later on - so much more fun eh. Every cloud has a silver lining! 

Chicago was a gem! It had all the makings of a small metropolitan with its tall skyscrapers and bustling sidewalks but with the added chillness factor! There was just something about Chicago that won me over and I wouldnt mind at all if I had to live here! 

Enjoy the pictures..

Cant get enough of my sister's face in this one. We were all really hungry and the deep dish pizza that came with its gorgeous melting cheese.... I'm salivating as I'm typing...

After spending about two full days in Chicago, we were set to take these kids hoMe to Ann Arbor, Michigan. We didnt really notice the 4-hour journey due to some very creative car games that the kids introduced. By the time we reached the small town of Ann Arbor, Michigan the sun was out... and so were the frat boys and sorority girls! The frat and sorority houses that lined the university avenue and the atmosphere of the small university town were so surreal, it felt like I had stepped into a classic American college movie! 

One the things I found to admire about when I was there was the significant University Pride and Spirit that everyone had. The University of Michigan's slogan is: Go Blue! and their nickname, The Michigan Wolverines. You just couldnt help but feel so united when strangers literally call it out whenever they see a fellow Wolverine. Kinda felt a little FOMO not having studied in the States to be honest! 

My sister gets the ultimate treat of living next to a Frat House! Yeay. Lol

And as a treat for us helping out with moving, my sister took us for some hearty Halal Beef Ribs in Dearborn, Michigan. Dearborn was about a 30minute drive from Ann Arbor and is known for its large middle eastern muslim community. Official verdict: DELICIOUS! 

It was a bit of a bummer that I didn't get to spend more time in Ann Arbor with my sister as we had to be on our way. But I left with so much pride. I got to see the cosy, small town my sister was residing in, her quaint university campus, and also meet some of her friends. The short stopover really made me appreciate how much my baby sister has flourished into such a fine young lady, able to take care of her own affairs and so mature - although, she did still need the manpower of Afiz and I to help with moving the heavy boxes! Lol. I'm definitely coming back baby! 

Mad love, 
Peja x