Along The Way...: 19 Days and Counting

Today I thought I'd try out my new Anker mini bluetooth keyboard (for use with my phone and tablet during weekend trips). This thing is amazing, my fingers feel like they're typing on a slightly smaller regular keyboard and everything is exactly where it should be (keyboard layout wise). I've given up on attempting to improve my French. I'm going to be there for 9 months so I might as well take this time to appreciate everything American and speak as much English as possible. In 19 days, I will be surrounded by foreigners (or, non-native English speakers). While I love my new roommates-one from Argentina, one from Germany, and one from Italy, it won't be the same.

Now onto the important things, Adler After Dark.

So, about two weeks ago I attended Adler After Dark's UFO Invasion themed night.

For those who are not familiar with A.A.D. it's where the Adler opens it's door to 21+ and you can drink the night away (if you want to spend $9 per cocktail, or $5 per beer). The theme dictates how the evening will go (other than seeing all the normal space shows and permanent exhibits).

August's theme was UFO Invasion, there were panel discussions and presentations about UFOs, what they are, do they exist, etc....these panels were quite informative.....and when I lost my friend due to him turning the corner and T-Mobile's poor reception in the Planetarium, I got to part take. Luckily, we later fund each other at space show I really wanted to see.

Our first stop was the Observation Dome (Doane Observation Deck), it's only open to the Adler After Dark Patrons, so we wanted to be the first in line to experience the giant telescope. It was pretty cool, I didn't see anything though but it was still light out.

We spent the majority of the evening making UFOs (see pictures below). They had a contest where you took a picture of your UFO amongst the exhibit for a chance to win 2 tickets to next month's Adler After Dark. Needless to say, my Biologist friend was all about making the best UFO and winning those tickets. I tried to enjoy my surroundings while he went snapshot crazy. After our space show we had half and hour to kill, so we got the drink special ("Beam Me Up") with light up ice cube (the best part of the drink). It was made with tequila and triple sec and I think lime juice (?) and A WHOLE LOT OF SALT. The bartender just threw half a shot glass of salt in my drink rather than rim the glass. It was one of the worst drinks I have ever had. But then we got beers (much better decision) and sat outside and enjoyed the gorgeous night with the Chicago skyline as our backdrop.