Traveler Spotlight

This afternoon was a pretty quiet one here at the hostel, but I was lucky enough to find Sarah taking a nice reading break from her busy day. She is here by herself seeing the sights of Chicago for one week and has loved it so far! Recently, she graduated from college with a degree in creative writing, and is using this time to take a well-deserved vacation. I had assumed that she was traveling around the U.S. for the summer like many other backpackers, but in fact she decided to come all the way from London just to visit Chicago. Sarah said she had always wanted to see the city, and what better time to visit than the summer?

The weather has been beautiful (lately), which makes for a great day at the beach. Sarah said she loves the lakefront and enjoyed swimming in the warm-ish water of Lake Michigan. Compared to London, which is currently experiencing nothing but rain and cold temperatures, Chicago has been very welcoming to her. She has also taken full advantage of the music scene here by going to Buddy Guy's to hear some blues, and the free jazz concert that took place in Millennium Park last night.

She only has a couple of days left here, but still has a few more museums and sights that she wants to visit before she leaves. And don't forget about our pub crawl on Saturday! Congrats on graduating Sarah, and I hope you enjoy telling your friends and family all about Chicago!

Staff Spotlight

Kat
Education and Youth Outreach Intern

I've enjoyed getting to know Kat this summer as we are both interns staying at the hostel and working in the office during the week. I figured I would use her for this week's staff spotlight so you could all get to know her too!

Kat is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is the Education and Youth Outreach Intern at HI this summer. She knew she wanted to live in a big city this summer and has always loved Chicago, so when she found this internship that was the perfect combination of her love of traveling and working with youth, she was sold!

As the Education and Youth Outreach Intern she works closely with Megan, our Education Coordinator. It has been a unique summer here at HI because of the IOU Respect program that has taken place at the hostel for the past two weeks. Kat has been heavily involved in the program, escorting the group around Chicago and planning fun meals and events for the young representatives of five different countries to enjoy. She has loved meeting people her own age from around the world, and considers the productive and fun program to be a "hidden gem".

The summer seems to have given Kat the travel bug, as she contemplates planning her next adventure. She hopes to go to Peru or Argentina next, perhaps this winter, to enjoy a new culture, and above all, new food!

Kat leaves us with some of her favorite things about discovering Chicago this summer:

• Favorite neighborhood: Lincoln Park 
• Favorite way to spend a day off: Second hand shopping in Wicker Park
• Favorite place to eat: Molly's Cupcakes (on Clark) Mmm! Check out the menu!

Written by Intern: Jess Scherer

My Dream Destinations

Interning this summer at HI Chicago has been a fun, educational, and frustrating experience. Why do I say it’s frustrating? Because it has me itching to travel! The symptoms of the travel bug have returned (although I’m not sure if I’ll ever be cured of this) due to being constantly surrounded by such an international environment consisting of people on all kinds of adventures. I find myself looking up flight prices and great vacation deals, all in the hopes that I might be going somewhere. However, if my bank account stays where it is now, that won’t be happening anytime soon. But hey, a girl can dream, right? That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my top three dream travel destinations. Believe me when I say that there are an infinite amount of places I would love to visit, but as of late, these destinations have been on my mind. 

      Costa Rica

Arenal volcano-view from the hostel!

I think my imaginary love affair with Costa Rica began after I saw some pictures of friends’ study abroad and volunteer experiences. There were pictures of them zip-ling through the rain forest, lying on a beautiful beach, eating delicious food, white water rafting, and posing with the cute, local children. Costa Rica offers something for everyone because of its diverse ecosystem. If you’re adventurous you can hike a national forest, go bungee jumping, surfing, and more. The activities are endless. If it’s relaxation you crave, there are some gorgeous, sandy beaches with crystal clear water on both sides of the country, as it is bordered by both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a popular destination for those looking to give back. Many non-profit organizations are stationed all over Costa Rica and offer a variety of volunteer experiences to those who are interested. I know that personally, I want to do all three types of travel. And even better, Hostelling International has three different hostels around the country. My favorite is the one located in La Fortuna. La Fortuna lies in the shadow of the massive Arenal volcano, part of Arenal Volcano National Park. This is where you can find many of the adventure activities that sound like an awesome time! However, it’s also not too far from the ocean. The hostel, a restored farm house, provides lots of information to travelers about what to see and do while surrounded by this beautiful landscape!

       Argentina

Whale watching in Puerta Madryn!

Once again, I learned about Argentina from a friend of mine, who I met while studying abroad. She’s from Buenos Aires and was more than happy to share her Argentine culture with us. Argentina is such a large country, that I know I couldn’t possibly see it all in one, or even two weeks. I would love to travel around the country for at least a month, experiencing the diverse landscapes- from the bustling cities of Buenos Aires and Córdoba, to the near arctic scenery of Tierra del Fuego. I could learn how to tango, eat meat and then more meat, and go whale watching. Lucky for me, HI has almost 50 hostels in Argentina! Hostel Puerto Madryn- El Gaulicho seems like a good choice! It’s in a central location of the cute beach town and offers great information about whale and dolphin watching tours! 

       Thailand

Floating Lantern Festival

Known as “the land of smiles”, Thailand seems like an incredible place to visit. I think one thing that is most appealing to me is the very unique culture. The majority of the nation is Buddhist, and with that comes many temples with golden Buddha statues and intricate deals that line the pointed, ornate rooftops. It would be unlike anything I have seen before. In addition to the amazing architecture, it has DELICIOUS food. Thai cuisine is one of my favorites and I would be in heaven eating from the various street vendors. I would also be able to have two incredible experiences: riding an elephant, and seeing the Floating Lights Festival. Trekking through the jungle on the back of an elephant and then witnessing the festival where thousands of lanterns are lit and launched into the air would make for one incredible trip. No matter where you want to go in Thailand, HI has you covered. Specifically, I think HostelSukhothai would be a great place to stay!  It’s a family run hostel situated in an old wooden building, which used to be where the family actually lived back in the day. And it’s in a great location for visiting the Si Satchanalai World Heritage Sites. 

Now are you convinced about adding these to your top travel destinations?

Comedy: An Intern's Insight

Now about a month into my communications internship, I can truly say that interning at HI-Chicago is great experience. From the staff I work with, the travelers I meet and the amazing city I get to be a part of, I couldn’t want any more out of a summer experience. Living my whole life in Ohio, I have been asked a few times, much like the travelers staying here, “what brings you to Chicago?” Aside from the rich neighborhood culture, amazing architecture, flourishing nightlife, delicious food, lakefront beauty, and endless concerts, festivals, blues clubs, etc. (yes, I really could go on), there is one thing that keeps the masses flocking: Comedy.

(http://www.secondcity.com/performances/chicago/calendarandtickets/)

Known for producing such household names as Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray (again, yes, I really could go on), the Chicago comedy scene has been entertaining travelers and Chicagoans alike, as well as molding the next comedic masterminds for years. The opening of Second City in 1959 opened the door for itself and other theaters like iO to provide an outlet for this crazy world to flourish.

http://ioimprov.com/chicago/schedule/0/6/2012

It was three years ago on a sunny afternoon, my first, as a college undergraduate, free to roam the student-covered paths of The Ohio State University’s campus. Pamphlets were being shot into my hands left and right…for the Salsa Dancing Club, I was too uncoordinated…for the Wine Tasting Club, I, unfortunately, was not old enough…for the Barbeque club, I, what? You guys have a club for that? Yes. (also - really, really could keep going)…and then…auditions for the 8^th Floor Improv Comedy Group.

Was I funny? Would I embarrass myself? Should I just go back to my dorm? All of these thoughts raced through my head as I walked the two blocks to the audition. As I approached the escalator to the second floor that held my fears and anticipation I suddenly reached a level of calm with one thought: This was my clean slate. This was my chance to really be myself. If others accepted me for that then great, if not, then…well, I didn’t have to worry about that because I made the group!

It is that experience of putting myself out there, throwing caution to the wind in hopes of a great experience that attracts me to the hostelling lifestyle. Yes, it is a great, inexpensive way to see the world. But it is also a way to become a part of a community, for however long you may be in one place. It is a way to meet people who share similar wants and drives with so many different backgrounds and stories to share.

I am currently taking classes at iO and am trying to see as many improv and comedy shows as possible. I hope to bring you more information on Chicago’s great comedy theaters and their histories, classes/workshops and current shows during the rest of my time with HI-Chicago!

Written by Intern Jess Scherer

Traveler Spotlight

        

I met Adi this afternoon on the elevator, and after a bit of chatting decided to do traveler spotlight on him for this week!

Adi grew up in Mumbai, India. While that is where his family resides and is what he calls his original home, he has been living in St. Louis for the past 5 years. He came to America to study and has since traveled throughout the country to places like California, Washington D.C, Wisconsin, and, of course, our own Chicago.

Chicago seems to have taken a hold on Adi, and I’m not surprised because I feel the same way about the city’s rich culture and inviting atmosphere.

“There’s just something about this city…” he started, before we went on babbling about the friendly people, ease of public transportation, and countless things to do like a couple of chatty school kids.

In fact, Adi has enjoyed his visits to Chicago so much that he has spent the last two weeks looking for work here. He hopes to find a job soon and be able to live in the city. He says even if it is a bit of a commute, he doesn’t mind. Adi is fascinated with the downtown area because of its vibrant social and business life and would like to find a place to live close to the loop – and our hostel!- or one of the nearby neighborhoods.

Good luck with your job search, Adi, I hope you find what you’re looking for! It’s always great to meet someone with the same passion for Chicago!

Written by Intern Jess Scherer

A Taste of Weekend Chicago Farmers Markets

Buying food from farmers markets is a great way to support the local economy and do your body a favor by eating some healthy produce! Skip eating out (saves you money!) and leave the quick, frozen meals for when you’re really pressed for time. Chicago has many, many farmers markets that take place every day of the week and all over the city. Here are just a few of the ones happening on the weekends! 

Friday 

City Farm Market Stand: This market is really interesting because it borders two very diverse Chicago neighborhoods: Cabrini Green and the Gold Coast, the former considered to be a very wealthy area of the city. The farm is known for having thirty varieties of tomatoes, along with beets, carrots, arugula, gourmet lettuces, herbs and more. “All produce is grown in composted soil generated from various sources, such as restaurant trimmings from some of the city’s finest kitchens.” 

When? Weekly every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

            Now-September 28, 2012

            1-5:30 pm

Where? River North area

             1204 N. Clybourn Ave

How do I get there? Take the Red Line to the Clark & Division stop. Walk west along Division until you see it on the corner of Clybourn & Division. You can also take the Brown Line and get off at Sedgwick. Walk south along N. Sedgwick St. until Division, turn right.

Saturday

Printers Row: This market is a great choice for travelers because it’s so close to the hostel!  There’s plenty of fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers to choose from. 

When? Every Saturday

            Now-October 27, 2012

            7am-1pm

Where? Printers Row Park

             Dearborn & Polk

How do I get there? From the hostel you can walk! Just make a left on State St. and then a right on Polk.

Green City Market: This independently run, year-round farmer’s market does more than just provide fresh food. It also promotes sustainability by offering educational programs and free resources to shoppers and farmers. The Chef demonstrations that take place every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 am are a market favorite. “Chefs from the finest restaurants in the city demonstrate how to prepare meals using locally produced, seasonal ingredients from our market farms and producers.” It’s free to watch, but it’s standing room only so it’s first come, first served. 

When? Every Wednesday and Saturday

            Now-October 31, 2012

            7am-1pm

Where? Lincoln Park

             1800 N. Clark St.

How do I get there? Take the Brown Line to the stop at Sedgwick, walk east on North Ave, and then north on Clark. Or you can catch the Red Line and get off at the Clark & Division stop, then walk north on Clark (also known as N Sandburg Terrace).

Sunday

Logan Square: The Chicago Reader named this farmers market “the best in the city” in its 6/12/2012 “best of” issue! This market offers more than 50 vendors and loads of food, music, flowers, and fun! There’s even live music on the fourth Saturday of every month until September. If you’re still not convinced, check out this video that gives you a virtual tour of the marketplace.

When? Every Sunday

            Now-October 28, 2012

            10am-3pm

Where? Logan Square

             Logan Blvd & Milwaukee Ave

How do I get there? Take the Blue Line all the way up to the Logan Square stop. Then just follow Milwaukee Ave. east until you stumble upon the market.

Pilsen Community Market: Here you can find a variety of fresh produce, arts & crafts, and music in what is considered to be Chicago’s Hispanic neighborhood. This market serves a diverse community because it connects to other local neighborhoods like the Near West and Lower West Side of Chicago. 

When? Every Sunday

            Now-October 28, 2012

             9am-3pm

Where? Chicago Community Bank Parking Lot

             1800 S. Halsted 

How do I get there? Take the pink line to 18^th and then walk east along 18^th St. until you come to Halsted. 18^th is the main road of the Pilsen area and is filled with history and a strong influence from the Mexican culture so be sure to take a look around!

If you won't be visiting Chicago over a weekend, don't worry! There's plenty of farmers markets that take place during the week. Here are a couple examples (and they're right in the loop, so they're very close to the hostel).

Federal Plaza Market: Your typical farmers market selling fresh fruit, veggies, plants, and flowers.

When?  Every Tuesday
             Now-October 30, 2012
             7am-3pm

Where? Federal Plaza
             Adams & Dearborn

How do I get there? You can walk there from the hostel! Just head north on State St., then make a left on Adams.

Daily Plaza Market: Choose from a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and more at this market in the heart of the city!

When? Every Thursday
            Now-October 18, 2012
            7am-3pm

Where? Daley Plaza
             50 W. Washington

How do I get there? Once again, you can easily walk! Just head north on State St, and then turn left on Washington.

*All farmers markets can also be reached by bus, so just ask the hostel information desk volunteer for more information*

Resource Links: Explore Chicago

                         CTA map 

                         

Traveler Spotlight

Eager to return home to Turkey, Diren was busy packing up her souvenirs and keepsakes when I sat down to chat with her. Istanbul, where she works, is one of my absolute favorite cities, so I was really excited to hear her story and thoughts on Chicago!

Originally from Ankara, Turkey she has a PhD in marketing and works in that field in Istanbul. She came to the United States a month ago to work with a professor in Nebraska and decided to do some extra traveling on the side. Diren has been in Chicago for a total of 9 days and has really enjoyed her time here. This was her first visit to the United States, but after our conversation, I think it's safe to say that it won't be her last!

When I asked her what she likes most about Chicago, she gave me the answer that I hear most often: the architecture. She said usually she doesn't like the look of skyscrapers, but here it just adds to the city's beauty. Specifically, she has loved taking black and white pictures of the skyline and the lake front. That's how you truly capture the beauty she says.

Because she was here for 9 days, she got to see and do a lot. She visited many museums, different neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, and took interesting trips like the Architecture Boat Tour. Coming from Istanbul, a city of almost 14 million people, she likes the size of Chicago and says that she prefers this type of quieter city (well quieter compared to Istanbul).

Last but not least, I had to ask her what she thought of the hostel. And just as I expected, she loved her stay here! Diren said that she likes how open it is and how the common areas really allow you to talk with other people and exchange ideas. Not all hostels provide that kind of atmosphere, so I'm glad we could do that for her!

Resource Links:
Chicago Architecture Foundation: http://www.architecture.org/
(hostel guests receive $3 off walking tours!)