I cannot say enough about Marlin. He provided a private tour experience for my siblings and myself. It was our first time together at the same place and time in over 20 years. We enjoyed our entire four days together. That said, the highlight of our time together -- other than simply reconnecting -- was Marlin's tour of the Art Institute of Chicago.
My siblings and I were born and raised in Chicago. We had all been to the AIC at least once in our lives that we could remember. I have been there more than any of my siblings thanks to my Master's coursework at the University of Illinois Chicago in French studies. This included a number of courses in art history.
Thanks to Marlin's amazing skills of narrating a story and taking guests on a very unique journey, it felt like I was discovering the Art Institute for the first time. It gave me a brand new appreciation for the Institute and its collection.
One think that I particularly loved about Marlin is that if he did not know the answer to something, he admitted as much and committed to researching and providing answers in a follow-up email. This is an incredible testament to his integrity as a guide. Most guides would simply make something up. Not Marlin.
As others have commented, Marlin bends over backwards to provide flexibility to his guests. When he heard of our plans prior to and after the tour's scheduled times, he offered a variety of options (i.e., meeting us at our lunch spot) to meet us early or extend the time of the tour to enhance our experience. Who does that? Right! Nobody!
Two thumbs way, way high for Marlin and this tour.