Lost in The Windy City- An Adventure Story

I have decided to start a mini series of posts within Little Thoughts, Big Ideas, called "An Adventure Story."  I've gone on several interesting vacations or just had some fun, memorable adventures in my short life.  So I decided to collect them all here, and tell them to you in a creative way.  At the end of each story, there will be an important, valuable lesson I learned on the particular adventure.  Enjoy part one of the Adventure Stories.  I present to you, Lost in The Windy City...

(Oh, I don't actually get lost it just seemed like it)....

Chicago, Illinois, is known for extreme winds that roll in off Lake Michigan, and lots of good food.  
I found that it also houses incredibly kind people, and is actually clean and safe... for a city, you know.  
I didn't know what to expect from Chicago.  Maybe it would be busy and cluttered like San Francisco.  I didn't know I was in for a treat.
As I saw Sears Tower (or Willis Tower, now) I was blown away.  I have and always will be fascinated by cities.  I love everything about them from the exciting sites to towering buildings,to the  mouthwatering food.
Chicago had it all.
As I wandered around Millennium Park, I saw the shiny Bean, and these incredibly interesting fountains that displayed Chicago residents' faces.  They would be "spitting" water.  I had never seen anything like it.
The weather was perfect.  It only rained on a day or two, but rain never harmed me.  I prefer to dance in it.
Lake Michigan waves rolled as seagulls crowed.
The Magnificent Mile stretched on; my mom and I ventured into every store.
The pizza was bigger and better.  Standing on top of the tallest building in America was exhilarating.  A boyfriend even proposed to his girlfriend on one of the lookouts of the tower.  It was a joyous day (and I also got pizza, so that contributed to it's happiness).
I walked up the streets eating a hot dog, or nibbling a doughnut.  It was every teenager's dream.

The most memorable man in Chicago was an older gentleman who painted in Millennium Park.  His canvases were scattered around the sidewalk, and curious passerby would peer at them and grab his business card.
My dad struck up a conversation with the man and they chatted for over half an hour I'd say.
I asked him why he left his painting laying on the sidewalk?  What if someone stole them?  He said he trusted people not to take them.  I was taken aback by his answer.  It is a city after all.  Who knows who may grab a painting and slide way!  He also said most people are good, and most people are honest.  It was something I needed to hear, as everyone should.  He also said how much he loves painting, and when people see that you are passionate about something, they respect you. 

I learned as I got lost in Chicago that the world is the world.  No one can change it.  Perhaps it will remain the same, and history will continue to repeat itself.  But out there in the world, there are good people.  Don't let the bad scare you.  Express your passions...even in the middle of a popular park, in the windy city.

Until next time xxx.