A view of the Allerton mansion across the reflecting pool.

Allerton Park is an estate west of Champaign which was donated to the University of Illinois by the heirs of Robert (?) Allerton, an eccentric millionaire. With his companion, he developed the estate in the middle of nowhere. Around the huge mansion are different-themed gardens filled with beautiful plants and sculptures. The woods around the estate are good for hiking, for spotting deer and for general nature-tripping. There are well-defined paths along the woods which are punctuated by massive sculptures.

The estate is now used as a conference and retreat center and the gardens are open to the public - for picnics, kite flying, walking and other outdoor activities. Cross-country skiing is also a huge activity during the winter.

oo00oo

Joey Balmaceda was a grad student in math who is one of the pioneer Filipino grad students in UIUC. He paved the way with good reputation allowing many Filipino students to get assistantships. His then-girl friend Marlu (now his wife) finished her graduate work from Purdue University in Indiana and was in Champaign working. I believe they are now back home in the Philippines ALTHOUGH the last time I heard, they were in Japan. Tina was also a graduate student in Math and went home after finishing with a master's degree.

L-R: Malu, Tina (behind) and Joey.

The meadow across the mansion.

Cavorting in the meadow.

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