We kicked off our day with a quick bus ride from the hotel, watching the city roll by and feeling like adventurers en route to uncover ancient secrets. Our destination? Chicago’s legendary Field Museum—a paradise for anyone who geeks out over history, dinosaurs, and basically anything that existed before Wi-Fi.

The first stop: Evolving Planet. It’s like walking through 4 billion years of Earth’s story, from squishy sea creatures to towering dinosaurs. Every turn was wild, but the main event was absolutely SUE the T. rex. Standing beneath those massive teeth made me realize just how tiny humans are—and also that I’d last about 0.3 seconds in the Cretaceous.

Next up, we wandered through Travels of the Pacific, surrounded by vibrant culture, intricate carvings, and vivid displays that made us feel like we’d hopped between islands. The craftsmanship and stories behind each artifact were fascinating—it’s impossible not to be awed by how connected ancient traditions still feel today.

And then came The Ancient Americas. I could’ve spent hours here. The exhibits bring the stories of early civilizations to life—their cities, art, and traditions beautifully preserved. It’s like time-traveling without the risk of accidentally altering history.

By the end of the day, our feet were sore, but our minds were absolutely brimming with everything we’d seen. The Field Museum has this magical way of making you feel small in the best possible way—just a tiny part of Earth’s amazing, ongoing story.