And THAT, is something that we did.

On the 20th and 21st of March, we got to do a little learning during the 29th Maple Syrup Festival. It was held along the North Park Village Nature Center and you won't believe the sights and sound of people from all walks of life, be it tourists or merry holiday-goers, it seems like the whole world was there. The atmosphere was charged and the kids were laughing, giggling and having tons of fun too. Schools and colleges were bent on making the most out of the kids' weekends as the kids learned about the origins of and how maple syrup was made.

It sounds little childish but you know what? It was FUN! Admission was free and you don't need to register at all. All we needed to do was to get into the bus and head over.

The moment we stepped off the rented charter bus, we were instantly overwhelmed by the sounds, the music, the wonderful smell of pancake! It is a little bit like stepping out of a time machine, being transported into another place, another time.

The storytelling sessions were mainly carved out for the kids but I loved it. I learned about how tapping was done and then there was a short demonstration about how the sap was boiled. After that, right out of the pan, we get to sample some unprocessed maple syrup that tasted like Heaven. I think the highlight was the guided tour around what they called the 'sugar bush' and the folklore that came with it. You will have to organize your very own Chicago charter bus rental tour to hear it for yourself – I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

Along the Farmer's Market, we bought some hand-made soaps and they had all types of varieties, in different shapes and sizes, some fragrance-free and some sweet-smelling ones too. And you have to be made out of metal to not love the wonderfully creative dried flowers arrangements! They are just too good with that!

At the end of it all, when we were back on the bus, all of us agreed that we felt like little kids all over again. A truly satisfying trip, we have to say.