Chicago

If one pictures tells a thousand words, what do four say?

Debate 29: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

We spent the rest of Saturday in Chicago – checking out the preparations for the holiday lights illumination parade on Michigan Av. That evening after having enjoyed a very agreeable dinner -we met with two members of the Northwestern team who took us for drinks at a phenomenal bar that contained a bowling alley, basketball hoop and beach volleyball court!

As there was to be no debate on this stop due to Scott being unwell, we played pool against Northwestern instead and a two frame British victory ensued! We left the bar and took a cab to the famous Green Mill jazz club. Set in an old speakeasy with a truly authentic atmosphere. The band started at 12.30am, not only did they have a great name ‘Sabertooth’ they were in Alex’s immortal (Fast Show inspired) words ‘fab’...

The next day, Alex went for a jog along the north shore using his new Nike+ shoes, which talk to his Ipod to show how far he has been running and play motivational music at appropriate times. Alistair used the time to work on his CV and apply for jobs. That evening we had dinner at an Italian restaurant downtown with three more NW debaters. On Monday after a walk through the Chicago loop we took the subway up to Northwestern’s campus in Evanston. It is set right on Lake Michigan and has stunning views back towards Chicago. A party had organised for us with all of the debate team. We were cooked a delicious Mexican dinner for us all while we enjoyed Monday Night Football, Beer Pong, debate chat and a keg.

We would now be out of Northwestern’s care and as Thanksgiving was soon approaching we had some time off for the first time on the tour. We checked into another hotel and spent Tuesday sleeping in before Ali went to the Art Institute of Chicago for the afternoon (Alex who had visited previously ran around on a treadmill). That evening we went to a fantastic South American restaurant with an old friend from home Daragh Grant (more on him later).

Wednesday was spent at the Field Museum – sort of like the Natural History museum in London but with a greater variety of exhibits. We spent a great deal of time in the Evolution and dinosaurs exhibit. Alex wanted proof that evolution wasn’t just a crazy theory. We both thought the exhibits were very well set out with a good balance between interactivity (which appealed to our 12 year old nature) and detailed scientific explanation (for the Doxbridge academic in us). We were also able to see lots of stuffed animals and an exhibit about Native Americans before we were booted out at 5pm.