Imagine you listen to the song “Chicago” by Frank Sinatra, and you desire to go there on the weekend with your friends and relatives. Yet, it is not only imagination. It is a real trip spent with Community College Initiative (CCI) Program participants to wonderful places in Chicago on Nov. 4 – 5, which is well-arranged by the program coordinator.
The first day would be a busier day because all students and two staff members of Kirkwood, Elizabeth O’Brien, the coordinator, and Stephanie Nomura, needed to start the trip earlier around 6:30 a.m. from the Kirkwood Court.
It took about 3 – 4 hours to arrive in Illinois where they had their first stop at Aurora Outlets. They spent time there and had lunch from 10:30 a.m. – noon. After that, they visited the Museum of Science and Industry for two hours where it was so crowded. In the museum, they learnt about some exhibits such as The Blue Paradox, Whispering Gallery, Earth Revealed, Transportation Gallery, Science Storms and U-505 Submarine.
At 4:30 p.m., they arrived at the Freehand Hotel to check in for one night stay.
At 5:30 p.m., they had a walking tour in downtown Chicago and students got free time to explore downtown from 6 – 10:30 p.m. Students went to the river walk, Trump building, Chicago theatre, restaurants/cafes and Starbucks Reserve.
On the second day, they all had breakfast and checked out before 9 a.m. They had another walking tour to Hancock Tower where they went up to the highest floor, the 94th floor, and just chilled for two hours. Next, they walked to the lake and just had fun there.
Shortly after the lake, they came to Navy Pier where they just wanted to find a restaurant or a store to have lunch, enjoy the nice weather and go around the place. Nothing much that they could do because it was on Sunday and some attractions were not open.
Furthermore, they visited other CCI Program participants in the College of DuPage which is the special part because it is the first year to visit another college in the itinerary of the Chicago trip.
It took about one hour to get there. As they were at the college, they formed some groups and were led by CCI Program participants to take them on a short tour around the college.
Then, they had an ice cream social and just enjoyed their time by meeting and talking to their friends that are from the same or different home countries.
At the end of the trip, all moments are memories that surely will be remembered of how exciting the trip was.
Chicago will always be recommended to come and explore all fun places with families and friends.
Categories: Art & Life
