New Experiences

Wow, we had quite the day here in Chicago! After a morning of sessions, we headed into the big (really big) city for a day of cross cultural experiences. Our day started at the South Asia Friendship Center where we learned some tips about languages, then learned a couple of phrases to try out on the local people in the community (Little India). We trekked out, battling our inner shyness at trying to speak a different language to strangers, but had a great time! (Okay, the group of us girls mostly just drooled over some incredibly beautiful saris) We also tried out some Indian treats, but not too many to wreck our appetite for dinner - Indian food, buffet style! Naan is now one of my favourite treats, especially when partnered with some spicy delicious foods like tandoori chicken, sag aloo, murg curry, matar paneer, and goat meat. Okay, so maybe not soooo fond of the goat meat, but sure glad I tried it. I really wish for the option of a rewind button for those kinds of meals so when you`re too full to try any more, you can start over!

Following the meal, we set out for some Chicago sight-seeing. I have to say, Chicago has a very beautiful downtown, the architecture of the buildings is a sight to see! We briefly checked out the cloud gate, the ``bean`` and the ice rink before scrambling indoors out of the cold. The Chicago Art Institute really impressed me. Not being very artsy, I wasn`t sure how memorable this stop would be, but soon found myself blown away in the section of Roman, Greek and Egyptian art. In that area, there are artifacts dating from the 13th century AD to the 14th century BC. BC!!! Insane! The artifacts were absolutely incredible, so beautiful, well preserved and detailed. From mummy head covers to glass bottles to coins to wall paintings to a mosaic floor piece, it was all fascinating. After that was a brief stop at the Navy Pier after a drive along Lakeshore Drive which gave us a fantastic downtown view on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. Now, I have to get to bed before I fall out of my chair. One more day of learning, then we are officially Africa-bound!