BETH PALMER (journalism student) writes:
I once devoted entire moments to immerse myself in the intricacies of Chicago’s inner clock. I was a tourist. I sat on a concrete breaker located at Oak Street Beach and witnessed the moon rise as a college student sprinted toward Lake Michigan and lept into mid-air frontflips. His feet stomped craters in the sand.
The John Hancock building cast a shadowy presence on the beach. In the corner of my eye it took the shape of a giant rook piece from chess, towering over the bright neon-lit city night.
When I travel I usually go with what little history I already know. I skimmed a couple of Lonely Planet books before and during a trip through Eastern Europe in 2005. I am the type of learner who retains and is most excited by history when another person verbally passes the information. I compensate for knowledge I lack by noticing and committing to memory the nuances existent in daily life, like I did that one Oak Street Beach evening. My eyes the camera lens, I zoom in and zoom out, letting my mind fabricate theories about how each of those nuances play off one another, creating the culture, for example, in Guadalajara.
I have no fears about the trip; any mishaps will only further the adventure. I am excited about the blogging opportunity the trip provides and the multimedia nature of our homework and projects (We’re going paperless!).
I can’t predict what actually will happen during our stay in Guadalajara, but I can mention my probably wrong preconceptions: I visualize a bright color scheme in the clothing, painting, pottery, and upholstery. I envision the people glistening with sweat, always squinting at the constant sunshine. And, of course, I expect each meal to be subsequently the best meal I’ve ever had. Mexican cuisine es mi favoritio de todos. (Me hablo Espanol solo un pico – es mal!)
Adios, Chicago!
