Fernando's Adventures: Nice Spring weekend in Chicago

I started Friday morning by going to teach a Junior Achievement economics class. The students at this school were made up of 99% Hispanics. I really enjoyed teaching these kids and felt a common bond with them. We are both first generation here in the USA and trying to make the most of our opportunities. I hope to continue this type of service as I move on to the next city.

After completing the class Tanya picked me up and took us to a new Peruvian restaurant called D'candela. This place was a complete letdown. It was recently highlighted by the Chicago Tribune and thought it would be nice to try. I've should've noted more strongly the red flags and bailed out of this place ASAP. First flag-not a peruvian name for its restaurant, Second Flag-it was empty during the lunch hour rush Third Flag-their Chica morada drink was completely watered down. I felt ripped off and very sad when leaving this place.

We then went home and relaxed the rest of the afternoon.

On Saturday I took the family to the Brookfield Zoo. This is a zoo located in the suburbs of Chicago. I must say that this was a very nice zoo. The buildings that surround the zoo grounds are very plain and discreet. But once you enter a building you are amazed at the exhibits, surroundings and animals. I would very highly recommend this zoo to any residents or visitors.

On the way home we stopped to pick up some pasta at Pasta Fresh. This place is owned by a local family that makes their own pasta and sauces. We purchased the spinach and ricotta filled ravioli and the crab meat filled ravioli. This with a couple of their sauces and some wine makes for an amazing dinner.

Before getting home we rented The Iron Lady. This movie is about Margaret Thatcher's early life, rise to power and entering into old age. It is sad to see how old age can take an affect on great people. The movie shows that Thatcher still wants to work in the public sector but is very limited by her health and state of mind. I wonder how many people in the world feel the same way at this very moment? This is a feeling I'm sure to encounter as my life continues and just hope to handle it well when that time comes. It was a good movie but Tanya and I were amazed by Meryl Streep's performance. The Oscar she received for this role was completely justified.

On Sunday the family and I did our weekly grocery shopping. In the afternoon we had our friends, the Spamers, over for a late lunch. Tanya bought some Barbacoa from Lindo Michoacan for all of us. Lindo Michoacan is definitely the place to be on Sundays. Every time we go there to buy Barbacoa there is a line around the store. But needless to say it is worth the wait. Everyone enjoyed their meal and we all had a great time together.

It was a nice weekend and I now feel ready to conquer the week.