Wednesday, September 5, 2012

A Few Photos of Downtown Chicago





Public Transportation, The Ukrainian Insitute of Modern Art, and Hope for the Future


        On August 27,  my roommates and I all arrived in Chicago to begin our adventure together. We received tons of warm smiles and gracious hosts from all over the city throughout the week.  I must say, city folks are not mean or scary like the media portrays them. Everyone I have met in this city has been kind and greeted me warmly, even when I looked like a goofy lost tourist. The only real challenge that I faced during the week was the public transportation system, and by challenge I mean figuring out which bus or “L” to take, when to get off, where to sit, how not to disturb the vicious looking drug dogs hanging out in the tunnels, and trying not to sing along when an Acapella group busted out into “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye (Let’s be honest, the city of Chicago isn’t ready for my superb singing abilities and glorious free style lyrics just yet).

I have to say that the highlight of my week came on Tuesday. During our orientation week, one of my roommates and I went on a scavenger hunt through the city. One of the places to go was 2320 W. Chicago Ave. At the beginning, it seemed like just another random address, and I, with my “I’m too cool for school” attitude, walked straight up to the door and pulled the door handle without reading the sign. “CLOSED on TUESDAY” As my roommate and I stared at the hours of operation like two small children deciphering a 100 piece puzzle for the first time, a man walked to the door and asked if we wanted to come in. We declined at first, not wanting to impose on his only day off, but after he insisted we walked in very meekly and thanked him graciously. He explained in his lovely Ukrainian accent explained The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art then turned the lights on as we signed in and began exploring. We worked our way through the whole museum that he had opened to us, and in that moment I felt pretty awesome! Here I was a southern girl from North Carolina wandering through all these beautiful pieces of art. Talk about random luck.

            All in all, I must say that my first week in Chicago went smashingly! Exploring the city, making new friends, and not getting hit by oncoming traffic were all a part of my magical adventures, and I feel pretty confident in my ability to thrive here. This week I will start my job at Little Brother Friends of the Elderly and I am really excited to establish myself within the non-profit organization. I will update everyone on how my training goes and all the wonderful things that happen. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers and have a marvelous week!