Friday brought one of the most memorable, and coldest, experiences of the trip. We started the day with an architecture river tour through Chicago aboard Wendella Tours & Cruises. Although it was very cold and windy out on the water, the experience was well worth it. As we cruised along the river, we learned fascinating facts about Chicago’s architectural history and the stories behind many of its iconic buildings. To help stay warm, we were able to purchase hot chocolate on board, which made the chilly ride much more enjoyable.
After the tour, we had some free time to spend the afternoon however we chose. Some students explored more of the city with friends, while others took the opportunity to return to the hotel and relax. It was a nice balance after a busy few days and gave everyone time to recharge or discover new parts of Chicago on their own.
In the evening, we got ready for a special dinner at Chicago Cut Steakhouse. Everyone dressed elegantly, and we were seated in a private room overlooking the city. As the sun began to set over the Chicago skyline, we enjoyed a great meal together in a really memorable setting. During dinner, we also played trivia, which brought out a fun (and slightly competitive) side in everyone.
To end the night, we walked back to the hotel, reflecting on another full day and getting ready for what the next day would bring.