Me-go: Around-the-World

Couchsurfing is a great way to meet people and experience other cultures. My first surfing experience, staying with David in Urumqi, was memorable. We’ve stayed in touch, talking via Skype, and he’s visited me in Chicago twice now—even couchsurfing at my apartment earlier this summer.

My long list of “posts to write” includes an introduction to the couchsurfers I’d had so far and all of the fun things we’ve done together in Chicago. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from blogging for nearly seven years is that you have to keep posting and you can’t wait to “catch up.” I’m finally taking some of my own advice and posting photos of my couchsurfer this weekend—a girl named “G” from Lithuania.

G flew in to O’Hare Airport around 5pm and made her way to my house by L train. This was her first trip to America and I was her first impression. Despite impending jet lag G wanted to head out that night so we took public transport downtown and had a look at the view from the lounge on the 95th floor of The John Hancock Building. It was too busy to find a seat so I showed G a secret—the bathroom. With floor to ceiling windows the view doesn’t disappoint. We began walking South along Michigan Avenue, taking in the city lights and beautiful architecture. I noticed it was almost 10pm so I finished our tour at ABC 7 studio, where we watched the news being filmed from the large street front window.

The following day G wanted to go for a walk so I decided to take her on an architectural walking tour of Lincoln Park neighborhood. We walked all the way South through the Lincoln Park Zoo, out onto the beach and down to the Loop for free. G was my 12th couchsurfer and although I try to tailor each trip to the person’s taste will usually end up at The Hancock and eating a hot dog and cheese fries at Portillo’s. As an ambassador to Chicago I feel it is important that I instill in my couchsurfers that the true king of Chicago cuisine is the hot dog (no ketchup), not deep dish pizza.