Boats, robots, and clean lines

We've had a busy two days since hitting the ground in Chicago! On Sunday, we did the architecture boat cruise to orient ourselves to the city. Thank you to friends for helping make that happen. It was truly beautiful and a lovely day on the water. We've been especially lucky to miss the heat wave here in Chicago, so far... (ninety degrees expected today).

Yesterday, we visited Rush Medical Center which was amazing. It was the only hospital I've visited that didn't really feel like a hospital. They are extremely patient and family-centric with beautiful new facilities that include family resource rooms, quiet rooms, outdoor garden space for families and patients, and careful design to ensure patient privacy. In the bowels of the basement were robots that move on their own. They are machines that drive themselves to and from deliveries and pick ups. They warn you to get out of the way if you are in front of them. It was totally creepy to see these robots just start up on their own and "drive" off somewhere for a pick up!

We ended our visits yesterday with a trip to the International Interior Design Association HQ. As you might imagine, they have beautiful offices with cool design. I'd like someone from there to please visit my house in DC. Special thanks to Miss Andrea (from Seattle/Portland youth trek) for arranging!

Big day today, headed out shortly to the Chicago history museum.

Jessica

Pics

Check out new pics from trip @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/youthtrekglobal/!

My goal for this week is to learn about different thing like famous buildings and different careers. Also to meet new people learn a and find something nice to do for a living.-Kayla W

Some of my goals for Youth Trek this week are to become more social. Chicago is a wonderful place and I would love to explore as much land as possible. So far we have only done a limited amount of travel and I am already very tired at night. Last night I was so tired it hurt. This only means one thing… I am going to be hurting a lot this week. I looked over our itinerary and saw that yesterday was just a preview as to what we were going to be doing this week. I am extremely excited about what is ahead and will always make sure to get a good nights’ rest and talk to my friend later.

- Leeya

My first impression of Chicago is different. I think it’s different because everyone has their own style unlike back in D.C. everyone dresses alike. We are hoping Ms. Jessica allows us to go to Forever 21. Also the weather is pretty nice .I wouldn’t mine going on vacations to Chicago. Those vacations would have to be during the summer time because I know in the winter it can get extremely cold.

Kayla B

I enjoy traveling by foot and rain because we get to site see and interact with the people of Chicago.  Travel by foot has disadvantages because our feet start to hurt from all of the walking but that’s why we have the train. :) It does most of the dirty work for us. I also had fun at the Lou Malnatis last night. The food was delish!!! Chicago has an interrusting way to make there pizza. They put the salsa first then the toppings and then some more salsa. I had two slices  I couldn’t finish the last one. It was so much. Most of us couldn’t even get through the first one. 

--Tenaj

On my first flight I was a little nervous by it was ok. The takeoff and the landing were a little shaky but we were safe.  I felt that the plane ride was boring and took a long time .it took from 5:30 to 10:40 to get to Chicago. But so far I think it’s a nice place good food and fun things to do. - Kayla W

My favorite way to travel has to be by foot. I like to take the time to see everything and everybody and in my opinion, walking is the best way to do that. When you visit a place, you really want to experience it like the people who live there and by walking you can do that. I won’t lie, walking can sometimes be tiring but we are here to really discover the city of Chicago and get the real “Chi-town” experience! Lol :)

-Tierra

Although our flight was delayed and we encountered some people who weren’t the friendliest. Chicago is a beautiful place and that is only one of the many words used to describe it. This city has some similarities to others but you can definitely point out the differences. Everybody has their own style, the pace is fast but not too fast, and the hotels are extravagant. I am absolutely positively in love with this hotel. I like to call it “The Hotel for Girls.” The colors are bright, gorgeous and the entire hotel has a beach theme. The rooms are very spacious and I couldn’t help but unpack and take lots of pictures the first day. – Leeya    

One of my goals for Youth Trek this week is to learn more about the community, careers, and culture.  So far we have learned about the architecture buildings. Also, we went to Lou Malnattis. The pizza was amazing; the tomatoes sauce was under and on top of the cheese. The restaurant had wonderful waiters. I can’t wait to learn more this week!   - Kaylah =))

What is my first impression of Chicago? Hmmm, where to start? Well, I must say Chicago is a beautiful city! The people are beautiful, the buildings are amazing and the people just really seem to be very nice. Who would have known that Chicago would attract so many tourists? We have met people from all over the country just in the one day that we were here.  We have seen people from California, Seattle, New York and much more. One other major thing I noticed about Chicago how similar it is to New York. The people are similar and the subway is similar. The people are all unique. No one looks the same. Everyone has their own style and no one wants to look like the other.  All in all, my first impression of Chicago was a good one! :) Tierra

Hey, Hey DC this is Tenaj checking in!!! :) I’m having a great time out here in the Midwest.  One of my goals for this week is to get to know Kaylah better and to make her feel welcomed. I’m look forward to going to the Medical center today because I’m getting really interested in the medical field. 

I LOVE IT!

So its our second day here and I LOVE IT !!So far since we’ve  been here in Chicago we have went to chipotle, on a boat ride and to this amazing pizza place called Lou Malnatis. On the boat ride we saw these buildings taller than the Statue Of Liberty! Some buildings had 60 plus floors. The people here are so different, I really like where were staying because it reminds me of a downtown New York. I wouldn’t mind living here and could see myself living here.  My first impression of Chicago was as I stated earlier, just like a New York. The people are fast pace, everyone looks like they know where there going so if you don’t know you better get out the way lol One of my goals for Youth Trek this week is to at least visit a Forever 21 because I would like to see how the Forever 21 in Chicago is different from the one back home, also I would be interested in seeing if the prices are cheaper or more expensive. Overall I would rate my first day day here, on a scale of 1-10…10!! We have a lot in store for today so I would love to keep typing but I gotta go lol :) ttyl

- cierra

Here We Go!

I can hardly believe we're preparing for Year 3! In one week, Youth Trek is off to Chicago with 6 girls from Washington, DC. We've got a great trip planned thanks to amazing friends and partners throughout the country. Looking forward to taking this trip and adventure with Anna. More from the road soon...

Jessica

Big trip!

On this trip to Chicago, I will feel a sense of nervousness. Not traveling with Youth Trek only because this is my first time! but this will be my first time on an airplane, going to another state without my parents by my side. I am sure this is just as difficult for them as it will be for me. I will soon overcome my nervousness knowing that my parents trust me and I am very responsible and independent. Once I arrive in Chicago, I will look forward to seeing the Sear's Tower and many other major buildings there. I am also looking forward to developing a deeper relationship with the other Youth Trek members. 


Leeya

Chicago, here we come!

No, this is not my first Youth Trek trip but, I am just as excited as my first time. We are going to Chi-town this time! How exciting? Here I come deep dish pizza and world famous Chicago dogs! Chicago is full of exciting things and people. It is the home of my President and one of the most economically stable cities in the United States. Hopefully, I can get a chance to meet more people who studied political science and or journalism because that is what I want to study. I am very interested to see the many new careers I have yet to discover. I am very, very excited for this trip and I cannot wait until Sunday!! Chicago, get ready for Youth Trek!


Tierra

Sightseeing

I am really excited to attend another Youth Trek trip. I'm looking forward to experience the Shoreline sightseeing. Also I am excited to visit the Obama Campaign HQ. Those are some of the places that seem like a lot of fun. I can not wait for this experience.

- Kayla B

One Week!

One of the many things I'm excited about is just traveling without my parent. I've never been to Chicago period and having the chance to experience it is just exciting in itself. Also since I am a Derrick Rose fan and he plays for the Chicago Bulls, I always wanted to go to Chicago. I'm also excited about eating there, I wonder what type of food they eat there and I'm determined to try a pizza place there since Chicago is known for their famous pizza.

- Cierra

Excited!

One of the things I'm excited about is going on the plane. I'm also excited about going to Chicago for the first time. I'm also looking forward to working with Ms. Jessica. I also look forward to going to the Chicago Children's Museum.
- Kayla

One Week to Go!

I'm excited to go to Chicago because on the first trip we just stopped at the airport now we are going to visit. It's going to be great! I'm looking forward to visiting Ms. Karen at the bank. I'm really excited to be visiting Rush University Medical Center. This will help me because I want to be an Obgyn.
Tenaj