Checking Into Ferris Bueller’s Room At Virgin Hotels Chicago

Ferris Fest starts today and to kick it all off, I went to Chicago’s Virgin Hotel to check out the re-creation of Ferris Bueller’s bedroom. The room was meticulously created by Toronto artist, Sarah Keenlyside.

From the band posters and records, to the IBM computer XT and textbooks, to the synthesizer and fender bass amp, even down to the baseball cards and the worn copy of novel, Town and the City by Jack Kerouac, the room was purr-fection. The attention to detail, stunning. There was even snoring sounds coming from the sound system.

It was a total labour of love. And because of that, myself and all the other visitors were completely in awe and borderline reverent when checking out Ferris Bueller’s room.

After some breakfast at Miss Ricky’s , I headed off to my next destination – the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s not only one of the oldest zoos in the country, but also one of the last ones to not charge admission. Though small compared to other well known zoos, it is considered a leader in ape research.

The zoo was undergoing renovations, so the polar bear pool and sea lion pool were closed. But that was okay, because that gave me more time to spend at the Regenstein Centre for African Apes and the Kovler Lion House.

I do feel conflicted about zoos. I go to see the animals – especially ones that I have never seen before in person. However, a part of me is sad that these animals are not living their lives out in their natural and wild habitat. But I also want to protect them and conserve their species from all the gutless hunters and poachers out there.

The animals at Lincoln Park Zoo do look to be healthy and happy (as much as they can be in captivity) and well cared for, and so I tried to focus on that.

After a brief stop at Oz Park to check out the various Wizard of Oz statues, I headed back to my AirBnB to chill, before heading out to the Ferris Fest Shermer High School 1986 Dance Party. Way the ‘eff out in Northbrook, a 45 minute train ride from Union Station.

It wasn’t fun getting out there, but once I got to the Athletico Centre where the welcome party was held, it was alright. Apparently the event organizers shit the bed with shuttle service/venue changes and thus, a lot of people didn’t make it out. It was still enjoyable for me. People dressed up as John Hughes characters or in 80s gear, dancing their faces off to 80s music – well, that was fun to watch.

There are indeed perks when traveling alone, but sometimes, especially at social events, I do wish I had someone to accompany me and share in the enjoyment. I did feel a wee bit like Pretty in Pink‘s Andie at the prom (without Duckie Dale).