Welcome back, salutations!
Back from Chicago, and what a experience it has been.
I find myself looking back now, and realising how fast and what a blur it was.
There was a moment when I woke up on the returning flight,
questioning myself "How long more till Chicago."
Chicago, is perhaps one of the best representation of a modernised state of America.
A state in which freedom is of upmost importance,
regardless of the different pros and cons we can discuss,
what we can do is just learn, recognise and be grateful for what we have, wherever we are.
Chicago is a fascinating city with much history.
Art so well respected, tourist flock from all over the world.
Recognising that Chicago is a booming place for art.
I constantly find myself comparing the hustle and bustle of Singapore
to the relaxed and serene attitude the folks there had.
At night, after dinner, my host family would take us out of dessert.
Walking to town and selecting a suitable sit down for a heart to heart chat.
Without worries or questions about business, no money talks,
no life lessons to be heard, just dessert with friendly faces.
Of course my curiosity of politics in America would kick in,
and a flow of perspectives sink in as I sunk my teeth into ice-cream.
I might be all wrong about Chicago and America,
after all, all I saw was one side of it.
It was pretty scary at night, and I did miss the protest that happen whilst there.
The side only a few lucky individuals will ever get to experience.
And by luck I mean safety in blessings.
All around I see poverty,
whether it is driving through run down neighborhoods,
to giving spare change to beggars or artist.
I find it hilarious when I rather give my money to beggars than the man who was making my ears bleed with his sax.
The poverty really hits you hard,
and strengthens my grateful heart.
Now after writing this blog post,
I realised I've not mentioned much on questions many people would have.
Food? People? Students? Art?
Not that those aren't important but,
what I cherish most out of the trip is the bonds I've made,
not just with my comfortable home, but with my friends.
And the knowledge I've gained the past 10 days.
God Bless,
Bur.
Labels: Overseas Immersion Program
* Yours Truly Wilbur * ---- Thursday, October 20, 2011 12:02 AM
