by Nikki Howard
Happy October, readers!
Chicago has had a very nice fall so far (with the exception
of last Saturday’s near winter temps), which has been pretty awesome. During
our orientation we were advised to do most of the tourist stuff first, so
that’s what a lot of us have done during our first month here. I’ve been to
Navy Pier, the Bean, Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, Buckingham
Fountain, The Field Museum, and the Art Institute to name a few. Even if
they’re considered things for tourists, they’re still a part of Chicago’s
history and it’s important for everyone to see and enjoy them! One thing I’ve
heard both tourists and natives rave about is the Architecture River Tour, so I
decided to try it out a couple weeks ago. The tickets were a bit pricy, but the
weather was gorgeous and perfect for a boat ride. After going on it, I’m so
happy I decided to take a risk. The tour has been of my favorite things I’ve
experienced so far. The city looks beautiful from the river and it’s really fun
to get to know more about the buildings you pass all the time. 
The coolest thing I learned: there’s one apartment building
that has balconies specifically designed to give you the best view possible.
It’s been named Aqua because of the wavy look the
balconies give it, and it’s just so interesting to look at. Also, it was
designed by a very talented female architect named Jeanne Gang, which is
awesome in its own way. I would attach a picture, but I was in too much awe to
lift my camera. I will include a picture of the Chicago Tribune building,
however, because it is such a classic Gothic style that was inspired by French
cathedrals. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Chicago, but I also love to look up
at that building and imagine I’m in France. 
Another big thing that just happened this weekend is a new
tradition called the Great Chicago Fire Festival. It’s a big celebration
created to focus on the rebirth of Chicago after the fire and a way to join
together the neighborhoods of the city. They had three sculpted buildings to
burn in the evening and fireworks to follow. Maybe I lost some of that
celebration spirit because I’m not from Chicago, but the idea kind of seemed
strange to me. I still wanted to experience it, however, and I wasn’t alone, so
a group from Chicago Semester got together to go. Unfortunately, weather wasn’t
on the city’s side. It was cold, rainy, and bleak that day, and that rain also
got on the sculptures that had been built. Instead of going up into a blaze,
they burned slowly in the interior and barely showed on the outside. We watched
them for about ten minutes before leaving because of the cold. While our
experience wasn’t the best, however, we were witnessing the first festival of
this kind to ever be put on. Of course there would be mistakes! If it wasn’t
for the rain, everything would have gone a lot better, and next year I’m sure
they’ll be more prepared.
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