SUMMER IN CHICAGO:
Topics: My First Impressions of Chicago/ Compare and Contrast
My Culture with US Culture
Photos by Pattanan Boonkong
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I Am Stuck Between Two Cities
I arrived in Chicago from Krakow at the end of April. It was very cold and
rainy. It was a long day for me, because of the time difference. I visited
downtown and I was very excited. I have lived here for three months, and I
like this city. One reason I like Chicago is because it is located on Lake
Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes, and I enjoy water and every sport
connected with it (swimming, sailing and diving).
Chicago gives me a great opportunity to study, rest, and have fun all in one
place. However; the things I most hate are public transportation and over
crowded streets. It takes too much time to get from place to place. So
maybe life in general would be easier in a smaller city. In my opinion, I
think that it is easer to live Krakow than Chicago.
Krakow is a very old city, much older than Chicago. It is a big city as well,
the second largest in Poland. There are not as many skyscrapers and other
taller buildings, but there are a lot of older ones. The entire Main Market
Square is listed in the UNESCO List of Word Heritage. This market is very
beautiful, and is the biggest market square in Europe. There are a lot of
pubs and coffee shops. The pubs are located in old buildings which are over
a hundred years old. There is a very special climate and culture, you can
feel the spirit of this town. Unfortunately, there isn’t any type of lake in my
city. Therefore; it is not easy for me to choose which city is better for me to
live in.
Rafal
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Manu said…
My Second Summer Class
I love the summer class; we always have something
to learn from them.
My first summer class it was beautiful, but this one
is was the best one the trip, the experience and the
new friend we meet. Every trip is was interesting,
full of color and emotion my prefer it was the
cancer park and the library of Chicago, two place of
sapience and quiet both they a lot in common, my
experience here in Chicago now is grow up, because
I learn to watch every thing whit different eye.
I always love understand the story of Chicago city
and now I know more it’s not a lot but I can start
something from this one, Chicago is a beautiful city
full of magic, and people a perfect combination.
But this experience is was more full because of a
special person travel whit me all-time, whit her I
see a lot of staff and know more about my new
house, I going to sad thanks to her and to great
teacher follow us in this beautiful summer class, I
want pass more time like this go around Chicago
and learn a lot of this beautiful city.
Thanks for everything Manuel Artiano Manu
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Una said…
My First Summer Class
This class is the fifth class of me in BIR. I found many things
different from another class that I used to study before. I can
join with another student in the group that the teacher
assigned to do the project together, and I got a lot of new
experience.
The first I can go out every afternoon class, so interesting
because of I have to go the place that I never seen before and
some where I never thought that I will go, for example, the
cemetary the place that made me think and relies about the
life, finally we will go to the same place. I am so sorry I had
missed the beautiful trip, Boat trip. My friends told me this
trip was very nice and they can see many place in Chicago.
But for me the most beautiful place is Garfield Park. I really
like this place because they have many beautiful kinds of
plant and sorce of them,especially I can see the plant that
came from my country, Thailand such as papaya tree, jasmine
and orange tree. The next reason, this class gave me the
freedom of thinking,I can write everything that I need and I
can show my inspiration in the space that I have to built.
All of them that I said were made the class colourfull, but
Lynne Sabas made the class perfect. I never scary for think in
this class. Thank you for teach and take me to know many
side of life. I like this class.
Sirilak Mongkolsri
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Slawek said… (
This class is my second in this scholl, so that means
its my first sommer in here…
I really like it this term because we travel a lot to
many diferent places where i never been before.
For example, the cemetary the place that made me
think and forgot about the life.
there was beautiful places that we went to, but the
most fun and relaxing trip was on the boat.
We travel around Downtown Chicago, toward the
lake michigan and back to city.
Last week we went to beautifut place called
Garfield Park.I really like this place because they
have many kinds of plant, especially I can see the
plant that are in my country too.
Chicago is a greate and beautiful city and place
where you can live and travel every day, because
there is so many places to see. i want to thank to
my teacher Lynne Sabas for all that she show to us
and teach in this beautiful summer term… Thank
You!!!!!!
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Go Go said… (
Pattanan Boonkong
My First Impression of Chicago The first impression
of Chicago for me is at O’Hare International Airport.
The first day that I arrived Chicago by plane, I
walked in the passenger path way, I was really
surprised because of the music mixed with lightning
show along the way. It means to me welcome to
city of art and music. I have never seen before the
city like this before. You feel relaxing after a long
flight. Chicago has the best environment. The great
lake, which names Michigan Lake, contains deepblue- clean- fresh water. The beaches along the lake
are beautiful, in summer time people do many
activities there such as swimming, walking, playing
volleyball, and so on. Chicago has another
interested atmosphere full of many skyscrapers. The
beautiful tall buildings are located along two sides
of Chicago River. Sear Tower is the most famous
building. Michigan Avenue is the most important
shopping street of Chicago, brand name shops such
as Gucci, Prada, Louis Voitten, Apple, ect., are here.
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Anna said
I came to Chicago with my future mother-in-law, and I was
very glad that I wasn’t alone. The main reason I came to
Chicago was that my boyfriend moved here. I was very
excited because we didn’t see each other one year. In the
plane I was thinking about everything but especialy about our
meeting. On the other hand I was affraid because I have to
live in new place and with new people:my future parents-inlaw. Also I didn’t know any English. But for my surprise many
Polish people have lived in Chicago. First day we went to
know our neighbourhood, and I recognized that I didn’t feel
strange in this city. Nearby our house are Polish stores,
restaurants, churches, travel offices. That means for
beginning I didn’t have to know any English. In Poland I had
lived in village and first things I could say about Chicago were
big roads, big trucks and lowly flying planes because we have
lived here near Midway airport. When I came to Chicago, I
heard a lot that life in Poland is better and happier than in the
U.S. In the U.S. everyone thinks only about money. I was
disappointed that everyone said this to me. In Poland, people
think the life in the U.S. is very good, people are happy here
and everything comes easy. In the beginning time in Chicago
when I visited some friends and family, the main topic of
conversation was job and salary. I could recognize what was
important for people in the U.S. Everybody said they didn’t
have time to visit friends a lot because they had to go to
work. In Poland it’s a little bit different. I can say that people
don’t live only for money. They have time to visit family
during the week, not only on Sunday.
Now that, I have been living in Chicago, I see that people
were right. I don’t have time to spend with my husband.
Maybe I have time, but he doesn’t have it.
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Mike said…
I came to Chicago on May 4, 2004. It was the biggest
adventure in my life because I have never been far away from
my home before. I remembered my first impression here was
the scene of the Skyline of Chicago from the airplane. I was
also caught of guard by el, brown line. I got on the train to
downtown to explore Chicago, it did not make me feel
disappointed at all. I experienced many beautiful buildings in
Loop, all of them are both tall and nice architecture.
However, I had to construct with many difficulties in Chicago.
As I described on the beginning, Chicago weather is not the
same as my home country. Thailand is the hot climate
country so I am familiar with summer at Chicago. On other
hands, winter is a big obstacle for me. The temperature in
Thailand is only 15 to 17 celcius degree while Chicago
temperature goes below 0 celcius degree, freezing point. It
took me many weeks to adjust myself to the climate.
Transportation is another major difference. Chicago Transit
Authority (CTA) makes my life easier than Bangkok. In
Thailand, I drove a car everyday, the traffic in Bangkok is so
jammed. At that time, there was no rapid transits like skytrain
and subway. In addition, the taste of the food is unlike from
my home country. Thai food is really spicy but the food here
is not spicy at all. There are lots of butter, cheese, and cream
in American food so it takes me a little while to familiar with
them. Finally, I am really glad to live in Chicago. I love many
things here, such as buildings, public transportation,
environment, etc. I would recommend that anyone who will
travel to the United States should make a stop at Chicago.
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Pae said…
Payungsak kiatruangkit (Pae)
My First Impression of Chicago
The impression of mine was the first time I saw the first snow.
Hornestly, snow is the reason that I decide to come to
Chicago. The first time I saw snow was very dramatic. On that
day I woke up because I heard my roomate shouting. He said
that it was snowing. Then, I looked out of the window. I saw
something strange fallen down from the sky. I ran out of my
room suddenly and stood out at the middle of the street in
front of my apartment. I felt something cold and soft touching
my skin. It was white and clean. I streached both of my hands
out and tried to catch the snow. It was unweight and tiny.
Ferw hours later, the path along the street, tree branches,
lofts of th the apartments bacame white.
It is different from my homeland, Thailand. We do not have
snow and we do not have to wear any sweaters or overcoats
to make us warm because it is hot all year. For me, I rarely
wear jeans. I usually wear shorts because it makes me feel
better and comfortable. The temperature there has never
belowed zero. It is alomost 100 farenheits or above.
Thus, it is truly that I am very excited about the first snow.
Moreover, I can say that I will never forget the impressive
moment that I see the first snow in Chicago.
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Om said… (05 Aug 08, looking at version 1)
My first impression of the city of Chicago was
cold weather. I arrived Chicago on January
2006 which was the coldest month of the
year. In contrast, it is never cold in Thailand.
At first I enjoyed the cold weather and
beauty of snow. However, I miss Thailand and
its hot weather after spending 2 years in
Chicago. Although Chicago has a long winter,
it is beautiful in summer. There are a lot of
events to join and lake are open to enjoy the
weather.
Chicago is a metropolitan city with a good
combination of quiet residential area and
busy downtown, unlike New York City which
is very busy city. Everywhere is crownded
with people and building. There are different
cultures and communities in Chicago, such
as, Korean, Latino, Chinese, Greek ans more.
People came from many countries which is
different from Thailand.
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Amal Kimawi said…
My first impression of the city of Chicago that it is very
big city.I rememberd when I went from the airport to
the downtown hotel that I got scared and was thinking
to move from Chicago to smaller place.Next
morning,when I walked down in the street,going to the
famous parks and getting help from many freindly
people to find my way,I changed my mind.Chicago is the
one of the biggest cities in the world.It has many
attractions and muesuems.It also has one best schools
and universities with all different branches.That why
many international students prefere to study
here.Chicago has all cultures and people here from all
background.There are many thing to do in this city .
There are more than 10 different big muesums and
parks. There are many resturants with foods from all
over the worlds.There are many attractions for children
to play like six flags and navy pier.Public atransportations
are excellent.I like every thing in Chicago except the
winter as a from the Middle East.Chicago other name is
The Windy City which I discover it later.Otherwise,the
summer here is the best and I hope it stay for longer
time.
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Kim Hyoseong said… (
I will discuss about people, places, things and things to do in Chicago. Also, I will
compare with my country about those.
At first, I think about the people in Chicago. What I thought about is that most of
people are very kind and friendly. For example, when I arrived at the O’Hare airport,
one guy was waiting for me. He was very nice and kind but he let me take wrong
place. I was afraid because I did not speak English fluently as well as now.
Fortunately, one woman who was in front desk of a dorm that I was helped me very
kindly. Although it was very small thing, I was impressed because as you know it is
very nervous to be unfamiliar place alone. In our country in general, most foreigners
said that Koreans were very unkind when they meet them at first but after they
spent time with them they could find the fact that Koreans are not unkind and they
really want to try to give foreigners real love not just kindness.
At second, I think about the places. When I saw the skyline of Chicago at first time, I
just could not stop being admired because it is very beautiful and elegant. I would
tell the skyline of Chicago is the best in the world and each building has their own
character such as European style and Egyptian style. If you are an architect, you
should visit Chicago. Contrary to capital of Korean, the buildings in Chicago are more
cultural and elegant than Seoul’s. In Seoul, the buildings do not reflect our
traditional culture. They have quite differences, I think both of them are very nice
though. Moreover the people in Chicago can enjoy the arts, for example, Chicago
has a lot of museums and galleries. Furthermore Chicago has a huge and clear Lake
Michigan. It looks like a sea. When I went to the lake, I was impressed because of
size and clearness. I heard the government try to keep the lake clean and has a law
about banned the pollution by ships. I think it is very good attitude for environment.
So it makes people can enjoy playing and swimming in the water. Also in Korea we
have a lot of beautiful places in nature. We have a lot of mountains and lakes.
At third, I think about things and what we have to do in Chicago. As you know,
Chicago has a lot of festivals in the summer like Jazz festival, Taste of Chicago, etc. I
am very lucky because I can enjoy and be part of them. In Millennium Park it has a
big stage. So a lot of musicians come to there and play music or held concerts. We
can rest on the grass peacefully with music. One thing I was surprised is Rainbow
festival. It is for gays and I heard this festival is one of big one in Chicago. I wanted to
go there but I could not. Why I was surprised we do not have any chance like this
festival. Even though the thoughts about gays are changing now, we still mind talk
about gays. For example, one actor in Korea came out that I am gay but people did
not like him. As a result, he could not act not any more. I think it is sort of freedom.
Fortunately these day people are respecting others’ thoughts.
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yan said… (05 Aug 08, looking at version 1)
Different Education
The education in the United States is very different
form China. I had experenced the two kinds of
education Firsthy,in traditional Chinese school,the
schedule is really long a day.we usually take eight
enen more hours’ study each day. Unlike in China,I
just take three hours’ class a day in the United
states. It sounds easier than before? The answer is
exact mot.This is the cecond difference. From
primary school to university, we always have two
semesters a year. There are two big exams of each
semester.We donot have pressure about study. How
ever, there are four quarters a year in the United
States and we have exams , tests everyday even
every class. So I think we have more stress with
study than in China.
Teachers is another way to defime the two
education. Chinese teachers dress fomal, students
feel a little scared all the time. In contrast to China,
teachers in the United States just lide our
classmates, dresses are same to us. Furthmore,we
will have fun together. Two countries’ educationn is
completely different, but each one has its special
way ,its good or inferior way.
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JEEJEE^_^ said… (
My first impression of the city of Chicago was the
weather. When i first got here, it was freezing.
There was snow everywhere. It looked beautiful. I
was home sick because it was too cold to go out
anywhere at that time. It was sooooo boring to
stuck at home. I really wanted to go back home.
Now,i have more friends and have more things to
do. I do miss my family and still want to go back to
Thailand. However, it’s not in the mood to go back
at this time, i still want to learn more things about
cultural and people of this city,Chi-Town. I think that
Chicago is the good place to study. There are lot of
good schools here.
Most of the people here are nice if comparing to
New York. It’s not too big and not too small.I’m still
not sure if i will apply for MBA here or not becauce i
can’t stay cold for too long. I don’t know what it’s
going to happen and how long im going to stay
here. I like changing. At this time, Chicago is just
“PERFECTO” for me. Thank for reading guys. Enjoy _
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Nonnie said… (
My 1st impressions of Chicago
I’ve been here about 8 months. The 1st day i was
here is 12/06/07. Yes, it was winter which means
that it’s my 1st time that i saw snow,and i think it’s
too much snow. I was very excited and cold. My
host family “Kelly” picked me up @ O’hare airport.
While we was in the car driving to her house, it was
a lot of traffic jam that made me feel like i was in
Bangkok. I though that it’s no traffic jam in Chicago
but it’s not. A couple days later, i went to Water
Tower.
It’s crowded. I think that people in here is so nice.
They are always smile to other people, even they
don’t know each other.
About the city, I think it’s not too big which i can go
around the Loop in one or two days by walk. It’s a
lot smaller than Bangkok and also a lot more
beautiful. I think it’s good for me to stay here
because it’s a good weather(not too much pollution
as Bangkok), but I still prefer to stay in Bangkok with
my family. Moreover,I hope one day my family could
be here with me.
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Tukta said… (
My First Impression of the City of Chicago.
I come to Chicago because I went to study English
language, work, travel and exchange culture. I just
come here for 1 month so I went to some place but
it wasn’t many place. My favorite place which I
most like is Lake of Chicago because it looks like the
sea but it isn’t salt. Many times, I go to the beach,
some times I go to the beach alone but some times
I go to there with my friends. The transportation is
comfortable, I can go to anywhere by trains and
buses. The people in Chicago are friendly, they are
say “Hi, How are you?” with everybody. The
buildings are beautiful especially the buildings are
in downtown. When I took the bus in the night, the
light from buildings is wonderful. The difference
between Thailand and Chicago is the weather. The
weather in Thailand is so hot about 35 – 40 degree
C and it is hasn’t snow. I never see snow. I hope to
see it here.
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Shuang Gu said… (
My first impression of the city of Chicago
I have been in Chicago for a half year. Now I love
this City more and more. It was the winter season
of 2007 when I came here. The first impression is
cold, more snow. It snowed one time in ever week.
Although it snow frequently, the city is beautiful!!!
The city after snowed likes a world of fairy tale. The
white is so shine, also and fresh air. Except snow,
the Chicago also is windy. Native American calls it
“windy city”. So windy is a mark of Chicago.
The Chicago people is nice group. In public, when I
looking for some location on the map. you may
accept some help form some persons. As a alien, I
felt warm in Chicago. Chicago is a famous history
city in USA. A lot of famous historical architectures
in Chicago, the noble Chicago museum, the
extensive Michigan Lake, the thriving business
centre, Sincerely Chicago is a big Museum of
architecture. When people talk about Chicago, we
can not ignore Michigan lake. the most excellent
printer can not draw its scenery.
Comparing Chicago with my home city, Beijing, the
environment is better but much colder. Anyway I
like this city and the people who lives in Chicago!!
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seul gi gu said
5 oct 06. I arrived in U.S.A.
It was a my first visiting time in U.S.A. So
everything was a marvel for me. First time, i
lived in virginia with my aunt, uncle and my
cousin. When i arrived Washington Dollars
airport, my feeled little afraid because
everything was new and i couldn’t speak in
English. Also, people were different to me.
On my way, i was looking around. It was so
clean, silent and peaceful. Until so far,
virginia is a good place in my memory. And
then after 1 year, i want to live by my self. So
i moved to chicago. That day was a night time
and snowing. So outside was too dark and so
cold. Next day in the morning i went to the
downtown and i saw the big and beautiful
buildings. It looked like my country. Ofcourse
smaller then there. But anyway it seems to
be Korea, so i love chicago.
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Thoucharin Ruttan... said…
My first impressions of the cityof chicago.
I came to chicago on January. When I got
here it was so freezing and the snow was all
over the street,the backyaer and the house. I
couldn’t go out side for a week because I
hadn’t gotten use to it. Most people are
really nice to me, may be they think I’m a
tourist. Everyone keep telling me the
summer is so nice, I can’t waitting to see it,
Until today I love summer really much, it’s
similar to Thailand but feel different. I have a
lots of things to do on summer,I can bike,
going to the lake, swimming and barbeque.
Chicago has many Thai restuarants and that
makes me not miss home so much. The thai
food here is tast good and similar to my
home. I love chicago because the places are
beatiful,people are relly nice and the food is
so good.
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Punpid Khomhomrune said…
My first Impressions of the city of
Chicago. Chicago is a beautiful city. It
has a good transportation, tourism
location and also it is a economic city.
I like how they do the city planing.
They have a tourist attraction in the
city and also the big company all over
around the city too, so it is
advantageous for Chicago tourism
business.
I like the weather here in Chicago.
They have winter activities and also a
lot of summer activities that you can
do many kind of activities. For
example: you can do Ice skating in
winter, riding a bike on Summer etc.
Chicago is very lovely city, I love
Chicago.