Emily

Emily, 56, is an Egyptologist at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute.  A Chicago resident for about 20 years, she is married and currently in Hyde Park. 

First, can tell us a little bit about your your job as an Egyptologist at the Oriental Institute?
The Oriental Institute is one of the world’s leading research centers for the ancient Middle East. It is crawling with archaeologists, Assyriologists, Hittitologists, Egyptologists, Demoticists, and it has a great museum. It’s an exciting place to work.

What neighborhood do you live in?
I live in Hyde Park. I love this neighborhood because it is so diverse. There are people of all ages, races, backgrounds, professions, and all walks of life living in the same place. It is also a beautiful area–trees, gardens, houses–and is not as congested as some other parts of the city.

What are your favorite things about Chicago?
The Lakefront. There are few cities that were smart enough to keep the lakefront so free of development. And the museums. This city is full of great museums that cover every possible interest-and the professionalism is very high.

What is your favorite neighborhood?
Hyde Park. It is a great neighborhood to walk through, with lots of bookstores, the University of Chicago's faux Gothic towers, and some great Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and the Point.

Where are you originally from, and do you miss it?
I grew up in Seattle and had never been to Chicago. When I came here for graduate school at the University of Chicago, I was in shock. It was a big change for me and to get over the transition I became very interested in the history of Chicago architecture. I took courses at the Chicago Architecture Foundation and spent a lot of time in the Loop just looking at buildings. It is an endless fascination, and the richness of it all is unique to this city. I am pretty much over missing Seattle.

Where do you like to go for fun?
Free concerts in Millennium Park. I cannot believe the range of programming and it is free! I have heard some incredible music.

What is your favorite restaurant?
Tough call- this city is so loaded with good restaurants. Probably Bin 36, or MK, or West Town Tavern on Burger Night.

Favorite pizza place?
The Medici on 57th Street.

Cubs or Sox?
Come on. I’m in Hyde Park. Sox.

Favorite season in Chicago and why?
Spring. To see the plants come up and the trees gradually come to life. All a symbol of rebirth. It must be the Egyptologist in me, you, know, life after death.

Favorite Chicago tradition?
Chicago 16-inch softball games.

Where do you like to bring visiting friends or out-of-town guests?
The Oriental Institute Museum of course, but other than that, the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s boat tours, their walking tours and the Art Institute.

Where is the best view of the city skyline?
From Promontory Point. Spectacular!

Favorite hidden spot?
There is a circular garden at the corner of the Midway Plaisance and Stony Island. It is beautifully planted and maintained by the city. In spring and summer it is a symphony of greens and bright colors. Although it is just off a busy intersection, you would never know it is there. It is a nice place to just sit and think.