Five things I did this summer

Linking up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for the Friday Five.

This week's topic: Five things you did this summer.

The topic implies summer is over, which makes me sad. Indeed, this summer has felt like the shortest one, ever. Between June being extremely rainy and cool combined with this week's onset of fall-like temperatures, I feel like summer only lasted about three weeks this year. It's definitely a hint to take full advantage of any good weather remaining!

That being said, let's get to my five things. (If you follow me on Instagram, you'll recognize some of these photos.)

1. Ran the 606
The 606 is a new 2.7-mile elevated bike/pedestrian trail converted from an old railroad line. I went to check it out, armed in my running shoes. Wow! It gives such amazing views of so many different neighborhoods!

Source

It's too bad the path is a little inconvenient to both public transport and to any Divvy bike stations. Otherwise, I would be a regular traverser.

Incidentally - I ran into the Nesquick Bunny.

L to R: Me and the Nesquick bunny

Talk about randomly meeting icons, right? He even gave me a very well-appreciated bottle of chocolate milk! =)

2. Visited Argyle Street and the Argyle Night Market
Argyle Street is the site of a prominantly Vietnamese neighborhood in Chicago. Every Thursday during the summertime, they host an outdoor night market. It's reminiscent of the markets you'll see in Asia, albeit on a much smaller scale.

My friend Rose and I went to check it out one night.

Afterwards, we wandered around the neighborhood taking in the atmosphere. I enjoyed seeing all the beautiful murals adorning the streets.

We stopped at a local Asian bakery, then had dinner at Pho 888. So much delicious food! I've already got recommendations for more Vietnamese favorites to check out in the future.

I absolutely love wandering through Chicago's various ethnic neighborhoods. It's such an incredible way to see the true locals living their lives.

3. Ran the Morton Arboretum
I have heard amazing reviews of the Morton Arboretum in west suburban Lisle. It is reknown for its natural beauty and well-maintained running/biking paths. It plays host to lots of weddings and other special events.

One Saturday, I hopped in the car and made the trek out to experience it for myself.

I logged an enjoyable 10-miler, then had lunch at one of their outdoor seating areas. The premises are ENORMOUS. Despite my lengthy run, I barely scratched the surface of all the Arboretum has to offer.

This is another place to which I wish I lived closer!

4. Went to the Zoo
In June, Adam and I went to an event at the Lincoln Park Zoo called Adults Night Out. It takes place after normal operating hours, and features special animal discussions, concessions, and entertainment.

Unfortunately it rained the whole night we were there (as it did for most of the month of June, really). Therefore, we spent much of the event exploring the indoor exhibits.

I was terrified by the Madagascar hissing cockroach exhibit:

[Shudder]

I hope the zookeepers keep that exhibit well secured. In my worst nightmare, those roaches escape and wander into some radioactive nuclear plant, expanding to 350 times their normal size and eventually taking over the world. (There's probably a sci-fi horror movie depicting the whole storyline in all of its grisly detail.)

Anyways, I digress. The event was a lot of fun and a great way to experience the zoo without all the usual packed crowds.

Since I can't possibly leave you with just that one cockroach picture, here is a much more pleasant image!

Giraffe taking a break between dinnertime bites to gaze at its observers

5. Ate lots of non deep-dish pizza
Neopolitan pizza seems to be a growing movement, even in a city reknown for its deep-dish. As sacrilegious as it may be, I've had fun trying out several different new-to-me joints. These include Pizzeria del Mercato, Spacca Napoli, and Sono Wood Fired.

Spacca Napoli

I'm not even close to being done with my non-deep dish pizza exploration. I still want to try Coalfire, Forno Rosso, and Pizzeria da Nella Cucina Napoletana, amongst many other places.

Yes, I'm going against my prior proclamations of all deep dish, all the time. I will call it expanding my appreciation of the diverse pizza world. =) But I still do think deep dish pizza is the best!