Today was our glorious first day in Chicago... and by glorious we don't mean the weather. But despite the wind and rain (it is the windy city, right?) we managed to grocery shop via public transportation, visit a museum, cross the city on foot multiple times (motivated by the promise of cupcakes), and take in some retail therapy.
We arrived yesterday evening, stuffed ourselves with some real Chicago deep dish pizza, and fell asleep content and happy... with plenty of pizza in the fridge to last the rest of the week.
This morning we woke up, experienced the hostel breakfast scene and then ventured into the city. We walked to the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College. We were expecting an exhibit about Ghana, but instead we found an intriguing exhibit presenting artist's views on climate change. It got us all thinking about the effect that we have on our small planet. The exhibit spurned interesting discussions about culture, race, sustainability and our place in all of it.
Then, it was time for the Cupcake Quest. In celebration of Ruby's golden birthday (20 on the 20th!) her parents ordered everyone cupcakes from a little cupcake boutique called Sugar Bliss. What we thought was going to be a short walk turned into a multi-block trek, but with a sweet reward! We got cupcake flavors that included: Irish Creme, Peanut butter chocolate, lemon coconut, chocolate milk chocolate, Texas red velvet, and chocolate hazelnut. YUM! Then... we trekked back.
(Our delicious cupcakes!!!!)
Our afternoon was spent on the Magnificent Mile: Chicago's equivalent of Oxford Street and the Champs . According to our pamphlet it is a "plethora of eye candy and the occasional bargain". After stimulating Chicago's economy (maybe some of that money will go to community arts??????) we headed back to our hostel for a delicious curry dinner.
After dinner we all got together and discussed where we all come from and our experiences up to this point. It was very interesting getting to know everyone else in the group on a more personal level. In the course of our discussion we collectively agreed on how important it is to have an open mind as we get to know the Chicago community, and how it is equally as important to never dismiss our experiences and those of the people around us.
Then we made our affirmation bags that will fill up with positive tidbits through the rest of the trip!
(Our affirmation bags!)
We are greatly looking forward to diving head first into our work with Little Black Pearl, visiting the cultural center, and having a workshop with a group called Beyond Media tomorrow. We will keep you updated!
~ Ali and Ruby
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