Blaxit? But Chicago is in the U.S.!

Here is the story on how my Blaxit began. It doesn't have to start abroad.

Although I had traveled out of the country “before” the travel bug bit me, it was my first SOLO trip that started me on this journey. Life circumstances brought me to a place where I had a flight credit that was about to expire, but I did not have sufficient finances to take a vacation. It is these interesting predicaments that sometimes start out as a ‘perceived negative’ that ends up “working out for your good”! (Did you catch that? Divine intervention). I was not going to let my hard earned money go to waste! So I decided to choose an American city that I had not yet visited and take a bare bones extended weekend trip. Let’s just say it was one of the best trips I have had. Why? Because I learned to create a Champagne experience on generic Beer budget. I got out of my comfort zone and met locals who taught me how to have new experiences. I landed in Chicago, Illinois.

Most people stay in hotels. Instead, I booked a room in a hostel, which was my first experience with this time of lodging. There are mixed reviews on the safety and comfort level of hostels, but my experience was great. Hostels have lockers for your expensive items, and have 24 hour security for building access, so safety was not a concern. It was clean, gave me a place to leave my belongings during the day and a comfortable place to sleep at night.

My goal was to explore the city all day, so I treated it like a college dorm and took off!

Chicago was a great first solo trip because of my love for museums and architecture. Take a boat ride on the Chicago River, look upward and you will see the most vast array of architectural design. Chicago has every type of structure. And the museums are fantastic. When you visit, the DuSable Black History Museum is a must-visit. Also, stop by the Obama’s home in the Kenwood/Hyde Park area. During my visit, President Obama was still in office so Secret Service kept a strong perimeter around their block. I think I caught a glimpse of the chimney! LOL. I also enjoyed the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. During my visit, they had a “Low Rider” exhibit! It brought back great childhood memories.

I met some fun people during my trip. I learned that Chicago is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) city. I had never heard of such a thing. One evening I got off of the “L” train that loops around the city, and started searching for the restaurant I would dine in. As I walked, I noticed a group of festive people walking in front of me, carrying bottles of wine. No bags, just out in the open. I thought it was strange. What became even more strange, is they walked right into the restaurant I was looking for. Who does that?, I wondered. Well, I soon learned that it was legal and normal, as long as the restaurant allowed it. After receiving my food, I found myself ‘ear-hustling’ as the group poured, drank and had a good time. They began to talk about a favorite TV show of mine at the time. Someone mentioned a funny episode and I laughed out loud. The table went dead silent and they all turned my way. Oh shit! There goes anonymity. One of the guys yelled out, “Hey, do you watch the show?” I smiled and answered in the affirmative. He said, “Grab your food and get your ass over here with us!” Next thing I knew, I was laughing, eating and drinking with a group of old college friends who were having a mini-reunion in their old college town.

Good times!

Believe it or not, this trip is what started it all. There have been many solo trips within the United States, prior to my first SOLO international trip, but they all prepared me in different ways to broaden my travel horizons and I am better for it.

And you will be too! Can’t wait to hear about your travel journeys…your path to your Blaxit…or even seeing you out in these international streets!

Stay tuned. We are in for an amazing ride!