2 May 2008
CHICAGO – Big City Life by Zlatimira Colova, Bulgaria
Posted by Up With People under: Uncategorized .
Chicago is the third biggest city in the USA and the home of the largest Bulgarian community. I have to point this out since I am Bulgarian. “The Windy City” is the largest in the Midwest. “The second city” is not only an alpha world city for its economic influence but also the birthplace of deep dish. Upon arrival our cast split into Cubs and Sox fans or in other words Northsiders and Southsiders. Upon arrival we visited the Navy Pier and the Ferris Wheel and than headed to the Copernicus Theater, where our performance was. Chicago was expecting us together with numerous Alumni who devoted their time and effort to make us happy and feel welcome. I personally was most excited when I found out that our sponsor PTA had an Alumni representative who was related to Beyonce Noels. We had to give back to the community and thereafter we had a 3-day school marathon doing the project “Stand for Peace” and delivering our message to middle and high school pupils. While impacting the community and leaving our mark, we devoted our time and volunteer work to El Valor – a Hispanic community center, Gaia Movement – a recycling center, Share your Soles – a place for packaging old shoes for distribution to developing countries around the world, CI Interfaith House – a recovery home for homeless women and men. Apart from being community dedicated and proactive we had a little intermission by Hawaii Pacific University presentation whose representative introduced us to the university life as well as asked some funny trivia questions about the Aloha State. For example, the “Father of Modern Surfing” grew up in Waikiki, the tallest sea cliffs in the world can be found on Molokai’s north side, Kileaua Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island is the world’s most active volcano. Of course, I forgot the most interesting one which was the funny name of a fish but it is worth knowing it so you better try to find out. On the weekend we took part in the Parent Summit (by giving the parents time, free of responsibility for their children for a couple of hours). We acted as chaperones for the children, whose parents were attending the summit. We entertained the kids by showing them the Field Museum. I found myself even more excited that the children, I was responsible for. After we were done and were able to spend our free however we want, I went back to the museum and spend my entire day being overexcited by dinosaurs and the different exhibitions around. During our last host family day the St. Patrick Street Parade was taking place in South Chicago. Many UWP participants took part in it and the rest spent time doing the activities their host family had organized for them. I personally would be excited to spend even more time in the city that has to offer so much in terms of multicultural, political and sightseeing experience. I would like to write a bit more but I have to go to bed.
Go cast head to the next challenge on the road. Yours truly, Zlatimira Colova
4 Comments so far...
Rafael Cardoso Says:
2 May 2008 at 3:57 pm.
Nice post! I’ve been around waiting for news! Keep them coming!
keith west Says:
5 May 2008 at 11:56 pm.
Hello webmaster I ran across your site while searching for project where actors and your post regarding CHICAGO – Big City Life by Zlatimira Colova, Bulgaria caught my attention .. Good info thanks Tuesday
Jim Calderwood Says:
29 May 2008 at 9:06 am.
The name of the Hawaiian fish is HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUA’A. Pronounce it slowly with equal stress on each syllable HOO MOO HOO MOO NOO KOO NOO KOO AH POO AH AH Aloha!
Jim Calderwood Says:
31 May 2008 at 12:10 pm.
Remember me? I gave the speech on immigrati9n in New Braunfels.