Navy Pier and North Pier

While exploring Chicago you will come across so many kinds of people: those of different cultures and different life styles. At Navy Pier we observed many tourists. We asked a few where they were from. Some came from as far as Venezuela, and others from China. We also noticed how commercialized Navy Pier was. Inside were many quaint shops selling Chicago gear, chain restaurants such as McDonalds and Starbucks, and stands selling little nick-knacks. There was plenty to keep visitors busy: theatre shows, musical shows, shopping, food, tours and sight-seeing (Lake Michigan), rides (ferris wheel), and even a Kids' Museum. It made you feel like you were still in the heart of the city although you were on the outskirts of Chicago because of all the people and surroundings around you.

North Pier was not as fascinating to me as was Navy Pier. Our group was out looking for another shopping mall like that of Navy Pier's off of the lake, and while searching for the location we came to discover that North Pier had been defunct and is now a condominium building as well as a newly established art exibit. When attempting to locate North Pier many had no clue as to where or what it was. Even tour guides were unfamiliar with it. When finally arriving to to the destination we found that there was much construction bordering the rusty colored building. Examining the surroundings of the building, we also noticed that which was facing the main street (Illinois Ave.) seemed to have been recently remodeled and that facing the water had been untouched. There were not nearly as many people in this area either.

Our group came to the conclusion that the true feeling of the "Windy City" lied in the downtown area, not in the outer-edges. Much of what inhibits the outer-edges has many tourist attractions and is meant soley for the public. We also came to the realization that no matter where you go in Chicago you will come across a wide diversity of people. In addition to the diversity, all of Chicago is a constantly changing city; always making improvements and updating itself.