Earlier this month, I celebrated my birthday weekend with friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is about an hour and a half from Rockford, so it was an easy trip to make. There were a lot of highlights throughout the weekend, and I'm looking forward to visiting again soon!

On this trip, I really fell in love with the city's charm, especially when we explored by boat on the Milwaukee River. Despite some rain, the city views were stunning from the water. My friends and I rented a boat from Milwaukee Duffy Boat Rentals, and we didn't let the weather stop us from having a good time. With a birthday cake, snacks, and drinks on board, it turned into an unforgettable afternoon.

Whenever I travel to a new city, I try to find the best local spots to eat. ​Milwaukee's restaurant scene is diverse, and I enjoyed each and every meal during my stay.  On Saturday morning, I met a group of friends for brunch at Sabrosa. Almost everyone indulged in a different mimosa. I enjoyed a mango mimosa to start the day. Before we ordered, I was surprised with a special tort treat for my birthday. Our service was fantastic, and we all commented on how great the food was.

​The Milwaukee Art Museum is always a must-visit for me. I love strolling through the museum to enjoy their permanent collection. I like to stop by contemporary artwork by Kehinde Wiley, Nick Cave, and Sam Gilliam. Marc Chagall and Hans Hoffman are two modern artists I enjoy seeing when I visit. On this trip, the "50 Paintings" exhibit and "Idris Khan: Repeat After Me" left a lasting impression. The Milwaukee Art Museum always offers something new, making it a constant source of inspiration and wonder.

​Milwaukee has a lot of great festival events, particularly this summer. Summerfest and Art64 are just two examples of fun opportunities to visit. Attending Pridefest was a highlight for me, to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. The turnout was incredible, with activities, vendors, and entertainment that showcased the city's inclusive spirit. While other cities host Pride events, Milwaukee's celebration really went all out with its weekend-long festival.

​Staying at the Saint Kate Hotel was a unique experience. This arts-themed hotel was my first, and it didn't disappoint. The attention to detail, in-house galleries, and artist-in-residence features added an exciting dimension to my stay. It was like having an art gallery right in my hotel!

After the excitement of Pridefest, we headed to POP! for drinks. The friendly staff, great drinks, and a perfect mix of today's hits and Pride anthems created a vibrant atmosphere that capped off an already memorable night. We even stopped by the next day and enjoyed music videos at the bar.

​Navigating Milwaukee was really simple. We used my car to drive around because unlike other cities where parking can be a nightmare, Milwaukee offered easy and affordable parking options. I didn't have to worry about learning a new public transportation system or spend money on rideshare apps. This made exploring the city hassle-free and enjoyable.

​Milwaukee's residents were incredibly welcoming. Whenever I shared my impressions of the city with locals, they were quick to offer suggestions for future visits and highlighted upcoming events. Their friendliness added a personal touch to the trip.

​Pridefest was an absolute blast! From legendary drag queens to iconic performances by Icona Pop and Mya, the festival was packed with entertainment. It was a celebration of love, diversity, and music that I was thrilled to be a part of. I immediately felt comfortable and welcomed because of the city's visible LGBTQIA+ presence and appreciation. 

​Reflecting on my trip, I'm so glad I celebrated my birthday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Surrounded by friends, we ate, danced, and explored all weekend. The stay at Saint Kate Hotel, with its art concept, added a special touch to the trip. I can't wait to return and create more memories in this amazing city.

Happy Pride!

This month I've decided to share a piece of my journey as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Flashback to 2009 – I had just started my master's program in art education. In the middle of my first semester, I found myself at an LGBTQIA+ Career Panel. The panel was asked for advice to aspiring educators. Their response? "Change your major."

Then, in 2012, I became a teacher in a conservative area. Despite several supportive allies, whispers of gossip and discrimination reminded me that I didn't belong. I continued to work in this community for 8 years. I witnessed a gradual shift in perception of the LGBTQIA+ community at my school and across the country. As time went on, I found others to support advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion.