Neighborhood Spotlight: Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is Chicago’s beautiful and historic lakefront neighborhood, with something for everyone. In the winter, you can spend your time indoors at the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum (check out the butterfly room!) or the Chicago History Museum. Lincoln Park becomes a paradise of outdoor fun in the summer, with tons of activity in Lincoln Park, the gigantic park for which the neighborhood was named, and at North Avenue Beach, the city’s premiere beach. The neighborhood is home to DePaul University and exudes a college vibe, evident in the many options for nightlife along Lincoln Avenue. Whether you want to check out local nightlife, explore museums, get active outdoors, or just walk a quiet street admiring the architecture of beautiful homes, you’ll surely enjoy Lincoln Park.

KNOWN FOR: Collegiate atmosphere; beautiful parks; upscale retailers; sports bars; affluent residents

CAN’T MISS: Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N Clark St) which is free; Kingston Mines (2548 North Halsted St), one of the biggest & best blues clubs in the city; Steppenwolf Theater (1650 N Halsted St), Chicago’s world-class theater company; Chicago’s Dog House (816 W Fullerton) for a Chicago hot dog.

GET THERE: Take the train: Red Line (towards Howard) to Fullerton or Brown Line to Armitage.

Traveler Chat

HI: So where are you guys from?France.

HI: Oh okay! Great!
Yeah we got here yesterday and we are staying until Thursday. We got here by bus through the night.

HI: Ugh, sounds like you guys are tired then.
Yes! Today we went through the Loop and saw the downtown buildings.

HI: So what are you guys doing here in Chicago?
We started in Canada, we are students studying there. So we had holiday and we wanted to visit the United States and then more of Canada.

HI: Oh okay! That is great!
Yeah we are in Chicago for 3 days. Then Seattle for 2 days. And then the Vancouver Islands.

HI: Oh beautiful!
Yes. And that is it.

HI: How long are you studying in Canada?
1 year

HI: What are you studying?
We are taking MBA courses. In France we are in a business course.

HI: Oh okay. Cool! So did you guys know each other before you started studying in Canada?
Actually we have a friend in common. The three of us room together. So we met over Facebook. (pointing to each other)

HI: (laughing) That is great!
(laughing) Yeah. But we both k now the third person better.

HI: Did she travel with you guys to the United States?Yes. She is here, she is resting. She was very tired.

HI: Oh Okay. So what are you planning on seeing in Chicago? We saw the Loop today. We want to see the Art Institute, Sears Tower, the Magnificent Mile.

HI: Good choice
Yes. And Bucktown, and if time Jackson Park as well. We heard it was very beautiful. And also Navy Pier, Lincoln Park. And that’s it. In 2 days that’s all we can do. Oh and the Museum of Contemporary Art too.

HI: Wow! Yeah in two days you will be very busy! You will enjoy it though! Those are all really great things to see! When did you start your program in Canada?
We started August 9 and we are here until August. (referencing one girl and the other girl who was sleeping) She is leaving soon. (pointing to the other girl)

HI: So you are leaving early?
Yeah. May 10. I studied in Quebec so we are done earlier.

HI: Are you sad to be leaving?
Yes of course. But I am happy to see my family and friends too.

HI: Yeah, it is always good and bad. Well good luck! I hope you guys enjoy the rest of your stay in Chicago!
Yes thank you! Bye.

Chicago in the Summer Top 10 List

This week I would like to introduce you to four more "to-do" things in Chicago during the summer. Once again, they are listed in no particular order.

Visit the Art Institute-Since the World Exposition, nearly a century ago, the Art Institute has been compiling precious works of art from all over the world. The works at the Art Institute are primarily from the impressionist and modern era. The list of famous paintings at Art Institute of Chicago is endless and you are sure to find a piece of art by Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Cezanne, Degas, Gaugain, and Van Gogh amongst many others. Entrance is free on Thursdays between 5pm and 8pm, otherwise there is a $12 entrance fee for students. From the Art Institute take a stroll south to Millennium Park, or go north for shopping on Michigan Avenue also known as the Magnificent Mile.

http://www.artic.edu/

Attend a Street Festival – An activity that almost any Chicagoan will tell you is a must during the summer is attendance of one of the numerous Chicago street festivals. Nearly every weekend a different neighborhood of Chicago sets up a street festival drawing crowds of young Chicago residents. To enter the festival organizers often ask for a donation of about $10. The festivals are great way to mingle with the locals while enjoying the nice weather, beer and street food. Many festivals also feature live music which attracts large crowds. A festival worth looking into is the Old Town Street-fest on Wells, (between North and Division), this festival features local art-work, live music, and is one of the most popular festivals in the city. For more information about various street festivals which occur almost every weekend, visit http://chicago.metromix.com/events/article/chicago-festival-guide-2010/339943/content

Play Volleyball at North Avenue Beach – Us Chicagoans have long admired our beautiful lakefront. During the summers the beach is gathering place for young people looking to party, exercise, and people watch. One activity that is a must when visiting Chicago is playing volleyball at North Avenue Beach. Any day of the week, you are sure to find tons of people at the numerous volleyball courts set up on the beach. Although some courts are reserved for league play, don’t be shy about asking strangers to join in a casual game. Chicagoans are a warm bunch, and we are always happy to meet new people, especially those from out of town. After a long day of beach volleyball and sunbathing, you must visit “Castaways”, a bar/restaurant in a shape of a boat, yards away from the lake. At “Castaways” you will always find a crowd of young people, enjoying a few beers and live music. To get to the beach I recommend a 15 minute stroll from the Clark and Division Red Line stop. Walk East on Division until you are at the lake and follow the bike/jogging path straight to the beach at North Avenue, about half a mile north of Division Street. Bring your camera as the backdrop of the city skyline presents a great opportunity for picture taking. In addition, North Avenue Beach, is only a short walk away from Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest "free" zoos in the country. Lincoln Park Zoo is perfect for a leisurely stroll through the park and is a great opportunity to admire some of nature's amazing creatures.

Go to a Roof-Top Party-What I love about the summer nightlife in Chicago is the abundance of outdoor venues, and when the outdoor venue is on a roof many stories above the city, it has a potential to turn into a favorite of mine. Chicago is the home of the original skyscraper, so it is no wonder that such marvelous architecture is prevalent throughout the city. To get a great view of the city I recommend visiting one of the many roof-top patio lounges/bars in Chicago. The Wit Hotel, Vertigo, and C-View provide patrons with a great atmosphere, music, and of course a wonderful view of Chicago at night. Please note that due to city ordinances open air venues usually close no later than 12am, so make sure to visit these places early in the evening. For those of you considering a trip to the top of the Sears Tower or Willis Tower as it has recently become known, I would encourage you to visit the Signature Room at the top of the John Hancock Building instead. The Signature Room, at the top of the 4th tallest building in Chicago is a restaurant with an amazing panoramic view of the city. Although the price of a drink at the Signature Room might be relatively pricey, it will surely be less than the price of a ticket to the Sears Tower observation deck.

Next Tuesday, look for the conclusion to this brief series (items 7-10). Enjoy your stay in Chicago!

-Peter Razumovskiy, volunteer

Goodbyes

As the city heats up and the sun shines daily now, we are reminded that summer is finally on its way. The city lights up and we notice that Chicago really does have inhabitants. I love watching winter fade and warmer weather take its place. However, this year I welcome in the new season with mixed feelings. It is yet another reminder that my time at Hostelling International Chicago is ending.

Tomorrow I will spend my last day as an intern here in Chicago. Looking on to graduation that is rapidly approaching, excitement fills me. I am about to embark on a new adventure that has yet to take form. Regardless, it is an exciting point. At the same time, I am forced to look back on what I have learned and done this semester. Born and raised in a small town in Iowa, Chicago is definitely different than my usual atmosphere.

Starting at the end of January, small tasks such as managing public transportation seemed nearly impossible. “Which side of the tracks do I need to be on?” “How do I know I’m on the right bus? Where do I get off?” Even crossing the street was an educational experience! In my small town, the flashing orange hand means the light is changing, so stop. For Chicago that hand means, walk faster! After standing at a few corners way too long, a couple mistakes on the CTA, and pouring over maps, I finally transitioned. It quickly became second nature.

Aside from city life, Hostelling International Chicago also provided constant learning opportunities. Like many of you who stay with us each week, I knew very little about Chicago. For the first several weeks as I sat at the information desk, it felt like a crash and burn course on the city. So many random questions were thrown my way, and I hadn’t the slightest clue on how to answer them. Google was soon my favorite form of modern technology! HI travelers were always gracious as I explained that I just moved here myself and had no idea! I grew to love sitting down with a traveler and learning vast amounts about Chicago.

In addition to sitting at the information desk, I had the opportunity to interact with travelers daily. Attending hostel outings throughout Chicago, leading a walking tour every week, conducting focus groups, and eating lunch with groups of students all offered me the opportunity to learn so much. You as travelers were constantly teaching me new things about your own cultures and lives. One of my favorite parts of the internship was conducting interviews. So many of you were gracious enough to put up with my numerous questions and curiosities. It never ceased to amaze me the adventures you were on and the things you have seen! Through these interviews you also opened my eyes to Chicago. Without you I would have missed many of its treasures and quirks!

Interacting with so many different travelers throughout the semester also provided me with great amounts of laughter. There was always a funny story to be heard or hysterical situations to observe. If there was ever a slow day, I often found comic relief simply walking through the lobby. Whether it was making crepes with travelers in the kitchen, watching someone accidentally kick their flip flop in the fridge, or watching travelers dance to blues music, each has enriched my experience beyond words.

Over the past few months I have absolutely loved getting to know the heartbeat of Hostelling International Chicago. From the moment I interviewed for the internship, I knew I would love spending time here. A unique culture prevails within the beautiful downtown building. Staff members, volunteers, and travelers all create a great sense of community. So, thank you! Every one of you I have met these past months has contributed so much to my experience in Chicago. It will always be one of my favorite cities!

Best wishes on your own new adventures!
-Erika Ter Louw, HI intern

Traveler Interview

We met this traveler when he was coming through the free ice cream line. He was very excited, so we stopped to talk with him for a little while.

HI: What is your name?
My Japanese name or my English name? (laughing)

HI: Well both!
Jack is my English name yeah.

HI: What is your Japanese name?
Y as in yoke, A as in and, S as in sugar, U as in uncle, Y as in yoke, U as in uncle, K as in king, and I. (Yasuyuki)

HI: Perfect! So you are from Japan you said?
Exactly yeah.
HI: So what are you doing in Chicago?
Actually I’m here for pleasure. This is my first time in the States. Yeah. I will probably stay for 4 days, then I am planning to go to New York.

HI: How long will you be in New York?
I will be in New York for 5 days.

HI: Are you seeing just these two cities? Chicago and New York?
No probably not. Actually I did San Francisco. This is my second visit, Chicago is. Then New York, Canada Montreal. I can’t speak any French but its okay. Then Quebec City, then south to Boston. Then I will take the blue train from Boston to Washington D.C. This might be my last chance to visit the United States. So yeah. Probably for my final destination go to Vancouver. I already visited Vancouver though.

HI: Oh okay. 
Yeah long time ago though.

HI: Wow this is a long trip! 
Yeah it is. Yeah. I am a bit of a wanderer (laughing). I started to travel in my mid 20’s I had a walking visa. I went to Australia and New Zealand to study English then England. I go to English speaking countries to learn. The last 2 years I have been to South Korea to study Korean. Yeah. I am a language junkie. Next I want to study Chinese and visit China.

HI: Wow! That sounds great! 
Yeah. But in Japan I work at a hotel as a receptionist. So it is very good for me. I need to know languages. It is a great help for me.

HI: Yeah for sure. So what have you done in Chicago?
Just all touristy, I don’t know much. I need to stay and extra day to get to the suburbs. I’m a stranger by myself. I have a guidebook with me so I have been browsing around shops. I did the tour yesterday.

HI: Oh did you? The hostel’s downtown tour?
Yeah yeah. The tour with George was very helpful for me. It was really you know…George told lots about historic Chicago and culture. It was great help for me. Last night I went to the Jazz bar too.

HI: Yeah Kingston Mines! Was it good?
Yeah it was pretty good. There were lots of people, around 25. Unfortunately there was not enough time to talk to everyone. Yeah. Not enough time to talk to each person but it was a good time.
HI: Well I’m glad you liked it! Have you enjoyed your stay at the hostel?
Oh Yeah! Before Chicago I stayed in San Francisco downtown but yeah…no free tours for us and free ice cream. I was amazed at here. It is pretty good for me. I really enjoyed myself. I didn’t know but Chicago is famous for the windy city. I went to Navy Pier this morning and there were really gusty winds. Really cold.

HI: (laughing) Yup, it is usually like that.
I didn’t know that. It is still freezing cold.

HI: It is better in the summer. But you are right, now it is still pretty cold. 
Yeah yeah
HI: Well thanks for talking with me! I will let you enjoy your ice cream now! 
Yeah yeah thank you.

Summer in Chicago

Welcome to Chicago! By now, you probably have found out that this is a “City of Broad Shoulders”, Blues Brothers, Al Capone, Michael Jordan, and deep dish pizza. But besides these well known symbols of Chicago, what does Chicago have to offer to its visitors? The answer is everything!

One of the wonderful things that Chicagoans truly appreciate about their city is the broad range of activities that will suit nearly anyone. While there are many other cities in the world that are bustling with culture and round-the-clock activity, Chicago offers a wonderful balance between large city adventure and small town coziness.

As flowers begin to blossom and a new leaves spring up on trees, the entire city of Chicago awakens from its winter slumber. Although, our Chicago winters have been known to intimidate many, Chicago residents believe our colder season builds character, and forces us to truly appreciate our warmer months.

With that said, over the next several weeks I would like to share with you the top 10 activities to do in Chicago during the next few months, in no particular order.

Attend a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field - If you are visiting from another state, chances are that someone has already recommended a visit to Wrigley Field. This modern day shrine to baseball is the second oldest baseball park currently used in the Major Leagues. A trip to Wrigley, can easily transport a baseball aficionado to an era of baseball long gone. However, if baseball isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll definitely find a great party in the stands. Before and after the games, I highly recommend visiting the bars surrounding Wrigley Field, an area residents have come to call Wrigleyville. You will find bar after bar on Clark Street, making it ideal for pub crawls even on a day when the Cubs are not playing. The drink prices are quite affordable and the atmosphere is very casual. Best way to get to Wrigley is on the “El”, getting off at the Addison stop on the Red line.

For the Cubs schedule visit http://sports.chicagotribune.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=chicagosports&page=mlb/teams/002/scheduleCT.aspx?team=002,season=2010

Go to a Blues Bar – It’s no coincidence that the Blues Brothers films have been filmed in Chicago. Chicago has a long standing reputation of being one of the premier blues destinations in the entire nation. The multitude of blues clubs can be found throughout the city. For a unique night of true Chicago blues, the Hostel offers free tours to Kingston Mines nearly every Monday evening. Kingston Mines provides a very casual laid back atmosphere, inexpensive drinks, free entrance (to Hostel groups or students) and wonderful music played by some of Chicago’s most talented musicians. If you love blues, definitely check out the Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park (June 11-13), the largest outdoor blues event in the world. With good music and the amazing Chicago skyline behind you, you are sure to have a wonderful time.

-Peter Razumovskiy, HI Volunteer

Souvenirs from Mainland Southeast Asia

You have just spent one, two, or ten weeks in Southeast Asia; Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, you’ve traveled the roads, seen the sights and mingled with the people. As you prepare to take the long flight home, you might have trouble thinking of ways to take the experience home with you. Here are ten souvenirs that will remind you of your travels and impress your friends and family.


Cotton shirt

Where to Buy: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma
Best Place to Buy: Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Thailand
Price: $4-$12

Coming in a large variety of styles, cotton shirts in Southeast Asia are light, cheap and comfortable. Both hand-made and mass produced shirts are available and you can also find brand names from back home for dirt cheap. The real bargains are the shirts made for the sweat drenching climate of the region, which are light and breezy. Complement them with Thailand’s fisherman’s pants, or Burma’s longis, both perfect for hot climates. Unfortunately, these latter two won’t be the most fashionable back home.

Beerlao

Where to Buy: Laos, some tourist places in Thailand and Cambodia
Best Place to Buy: Vientiene, Pakse, or anywhere near Mekong River views
Price: $.70-1.20

One of the cheapest beers in Asia, Beerlao is also one of the best. Light and fresh, Beerlao lends itself well to hot Lao days. It also has a huge domestic following, having captured 99% of the Lao beer market. While it may seem silly to take a bottle home in your crammed baggage, the general consensus seems to be that Beerlao directly bought from Laos is better than the more expensive bottles back home (if you can find it). Beerlao isn’t just a great beer, it’s a life-style.

Paper Money

Where to “Buy”: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma
Best Place to Buy: Everywhere
Price: Varies

Perhaps the souvenir that is easiest to get your hands on is currency. The images on the paper money of Southeast Asia countries tend to be unique, well-drawn, and culturally instructive. Some examples are the portraits of the tremendously influential and respected figures King Bhumibol and Ho Chi Minh on Thai and Vietnamese money respectively, and the image of a mythical lion that covers all of the Kyat notes of Burma. Common motifs include contrasts between tradition and modernization (such as pictures of temples vs. those of new highways), and local history and legend.

Something Elephant-y

Where to Buy: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma
Best Place to Buy: Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Thailand; Luang Prabang, Laos; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Yangon, Burma
Price: $1.00-$12.00

Elephants are revered throughout southeast Asia with some examples of their popularity being the sacred white elephants of Thailand, the name of a former Lao kingdom, Lan Xang or “Land of a million elephants,” and Thailand’s popular Chang (elephant) beer. Traditionally used for both general labor and warfare, elephants are an enduring symbol of Asia. Elephant souvenirs are among the most common in the region, and include die-cast miniatures, wood cuts, embroideries, paintings, and any other medium you can think of. Elephant souvenirs are well beyond the point of being cliché, but this just means there is a larger selection to choose from, and who doesn’t love the world’s largest land mammal?

Hand-Rolled Cheroot

Where to Buy: Burma
Best Place to Buy: Inle Lake, Burma
Price: $0.50-$6.00 (for a pack)

If you’re the smoking type, consider the traditional cheroot of India and Burma. Some are rolled with paper and others with leaves, but either way, they’re dirt cheap alternatives to cigars or cigarettes. In Burma they are commonly hand prepared, and one can watch the whole process in workshops in Inle Lake. Extra bonus, the smoke of a cheroot works as an extremely effective mosquito repellant!

Tailor Made Clothes

Where to Buy: Thailand, Vietnam
Best Place to Buy: Bangkok, Thailand or Hoi An, Vietnam
Price: $8.00-$40.00 (shirts/pants), $20.00-$150.00 (dresses), $80.00-$350.000 (suits)

If you’re looking for tailor made clothing at a fraction of the Western price, look no further than Southeast Asia’s Thailand and Vietnam. Metropolitan Bangkok and the much smaller coastal Hoi An, are especially packed full of tailor shops. Quality and price can vary drastically from shop to shop, but in these two locations, vast competition has made the general price to quality ratio very reasonable. Before you go on a crazy shopping spree, remember these three guidelines; Shop around, inspect, and haggle. Make sure to look out for cloth quality, workmanship and price. Recommendations from other travelers are especially valuable.

New Light of Myanmar Newspaper

Where to Buy: Burma
Best Place to Buy: Yangon or Mandalay, Burma
Price: $1.00

The national mouthpiece of the military junta, the New Light of Myanmar would be a hilarious Orwellian parody if it wasn’t a legitimate attempt by the government to convey the news. The domestic news mostly comes from the state-run Myanmar News Agency (MNA), and international news is carefully selected and edited by censors before appearing in the bi-lingual daily. The result is domestic news of official inspections and general “progress” contrasted with mostly negative international news that would imply every country but Burma is falling apart. I think I remember a “scientific” article entitled, “Botox moves from face to brain.”

Cambodian Silk Scarf

Where to Buy: Cambodia
Best Place to Buy: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Price: $1:50-$15.00

If you’re looking for a cheap and beautiful gift for someone, seriously consider a Cambodian scarf. Commonly made from silk or fine cotton, many Cambodians wear scarves not to keep warm, but to keep out dust. The scarves are light and covered with assorted patterns and colors. There are a million varieties, so you’re sure to find something unique for yourself or anyone else.

One Crazily Marketed Product

Where to Buy: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma
Best Place to Buy: Who knows?
Price: Varies

Ever seen a product placement that just didn’t make sense? Maybe it’s just culture shock, but Asia seems to have a plethora of hilarious ad campaigns. Scour the shelves of stores, examine the newspaper stands; the gem you are looking for could be anywhere. My favorite discovery was a box of condoms covered in “scantily clad” humanoid fruit.

And There’s More…

If none of these ideas appeal to you, be creative! Check out ornate boxes, wall hangings, lacquer ware, even weird looking rocks. The key to a great souvenir or gift is to find something that will remind you of that “feeling of travel”.

-Ted Gault, former hostel intern