University of Chicago: 1989-1994

One of the best things about this haven for the the geeks of the U.S. (and elsewhere) is that it's located on Lake Michigan. My freshman dorm, (The Shoreland, a renovated hotel which had once hosted Al Capone in its penthouse suite) had gorgeous views of downtown Chicago and the lake. Sophomore year, my view was slightly less exciting -- the 'projects' to the north of Hyde Park.

This is a view of Chicago...

That's a sunset photo; lots of stunning sunsets. I'm an early-to-bed person, so I only caught sunrise twice. Once was my freshman year, after an all-night crying bout over Dean (an ex-boyfriend). The second time was my sophomore year, after staying up all night talking to Paul (the new boyfriend). The sunrise over the lake was gorgeous both times. The sun doesn't care if you're breaking up or falling in love...

Students often take their textbooks out to the lakeside intending to study and end up falling asleep on the rocks or on the concrete slabs that line a portion of what's known as 'the Point', an area where the parkland lining the shore line juts out into the lake.

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