Independence Day/ Chicago Tribune/ Navy Pier

Yesterday was the 4th of July, the cherished American Independence Day. I went to see the fireworks with my roommates. Usually Chicago has one big firework in Grand Part on the 3rd of July. But this year, the city decided to do differently: that is to say: 3 smaller fireworks on the 4th. Why? because the city cannot deal with such an expensive cost first, and second of all, because it technically allows more people to be able to see it from 3 different places.
We wanted to go to the Navy Pier to have an amazing view but unfortunately we arrived too late and everywhere was crowded or cordoned off. Anyway we managed to find a spot on the street, to be honest, it was alright to see the fireworks but certainly not to take pics. There was 1 big lamppost in the right middle of the fireworks.
Whatever, it was fun to be there anyway! So many people again. I've been told that 2.3 millions people came to see it! I can now understand why they didn't do it in the park!

Today after I finished to watch the season 5 of HIMYM (which isn't lendendary by the way, I was very disappointed), I went into to town on my own in order to see the Navy Pier that I didn't have the chance to visit yesterday.
I can't remember who but someone showed me a few days ago the Chicago Tribune
(I actually took this pic before I even thought of walking in)


building, when I walked by it, as a future journalist I thought: " you can't just walk near such a newspaper without having a look inside". That's what i did, obviously we were not allowed to get into the building, but I asked the guys at the reception and said i was just being curious as I'm future journalist etc. , just in case. They said no and that visitors wasn't allowed since 09/11, and then we started to talk about my accent, and where I was from etc.
I left the building, thinking 'ah well'... BUT a i walked a few meters, stopped to take a pic of something and was about to carry my walk when one of the receptionist showed up behind me and said "we've discussed your visit with the other receptionist, and you can come in, I'll show you around!"
You can't believe how happy i was! All the building is full historical stuff,
and absolutely beautiful. We went to the 22nd floor where there is terrace and a incredible view of Chicago! I felt like I was on the top on every single building of Chicago, that was simply wonderful!!!
(I love this sentence, I believe it's what journalism is all about, and screw whoever doesn't agree with it)















Then, this receptionist, who comes from Kosovo and arrived in Chicago in 2002, took me to the outside of the building, to show me rocks that have been added to the building as gifts from different countries.














He told me some stories, about journalists who got shot a few years back in the radio studio of the building which is on the street, and where pedestrians were able to come and discuss some issues.

He explained to me that some of the ground floors level were dedicated to national newspapers and that all their articles were coming there first and then were spread around the country. That is to say, no access, even him has a time restriction if has to go there. I did ask, but unfortunately I couldn't, I would say fair enough!
I asked Tony, the receptionist, if he knew the editor and if he could introduce me to him, he said why not, but I'm not being to naive on this one, would be awesome but very unlikely!



After this wonderful and unexpected visit, I went to the Navy Pier, I have to say it was nice, but after the visit of the Chicago Tribune i couldn't focus too much.


For those who know me well enough, you can probably guess that i was on another planet dreaming of changing the world in one of those beautiful buildings or about to catch a plane to cover a war, or to be a guest at one very influential debate where everybody would be lapping up my says on the other side of the world! Yeah I have that high expectations, i better not screw up my professional life or it might actually kill me!



Back to the subject, the view on the Navy Pier is great (not as good as on the Chicago Tribune Roof though). I really enjoyed feeling the wind on my face and my hair, i loved to be able to smell the water, it's vivifying!






There is a full view of chicago on each side of the pier which is great!




































There are also loads of attraction for tourists and stupids shops that are overpriced and full of rubbish stuff.









I'm tempted to come back at sunset time and have a boat ride and admire the view.