Trip

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Illinois - Day 14

As I move closer and closer towards the end of my journey I begin to miss my annoying children as I drive by the Baha’i temple, it is one of the only Baha’i temples in the world that are still left. it acts as a place for people to pray. On my way back home decided to look at a few more places, the Piece pizzeria and brewery being one of them because I heard from a relative that you cant go wrong with them. I have decided to staay for a bit longer though because I have no intention on going back to my children. One thing I noticed out of all the things I've seen in chicago that just as it says in on the road there are "hordes of hobos" on Madison street. just seeing this tells me that there are more things to learn of this region.

Chicago - Day 13

Finally, I’m nearing the end of my trip; I wish it would never end but sadly that is so. I arrive in Illinois and head to Chicago; the 3rd largest city in the U.S., also known as the windy city. I have always had an interest in freight trains growing up so when I stopped by the Burlington Northern Railroad I was pretty surprised to find out that Chicago is the nation’s railroad hub. I recall reading a poem by Carl Sandburg called Chicago, in the poem it referred to Chicago as “Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler” I don’t know how I recalled this for it was years ago when I was only a child so that also came as a surprise to me.

Ohio River - Day 11

As I was leaving Ohio, I got to take a passing glance at the Ohio River. The river runs along Ohio’s Southern Border but also passes though many different states. The river is large, and eventually leads into the Mississippi river. It’s also an important for the economy in the area since many cities run along it and rely on it for power and transportation. The river has mesmerized many who have seen it, and looking at it now I can see why. Thomas Jefferson once wrote about the river, saying "The Ohio is the most beautiful river on earth. Its current gentle, waters clear, and bosom smooth and unbroken by rocks and rapids, a single instance only excepted." Though I imagine the river must have looked much different back when he saw it, it still is a sight to behold. There are also many Native American Historical sites along the river, since it was a vital piece of their culture as well.

Ohio - Day 10

Today I passed through the city of Columbus, the capital of Ohio and located at its center. While the trip here has been though mostly fields, the city is large and populous, with many lights and sounds. There are many construction sites throughout the city with posters on their barriers proclaiming the newest high-tech building that we someday stand there. Despite the hopeful proclamations of the posters, however, many of the sites look like they have made little progress recently. I can only imagine how badly the recession has hit this area when I see so many of these lots. There are also many advertisements for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, an apparent hotspot for tourists. I’ve heard good things about it from reviews, and I may go check it out later if I find the time. All throughout the city there are skywalks, so I might take a short hike there.

Indiana - Day 7

Today, I'm in a very different part of Indiana. A very rural part of Indiana. I just drove on a dirt road with what looked like miles of corn fields to my left. Kind of reminds me of this poem I read a few years back, it was entitled "somewhere in southern Indiana" I believe. It talked about a boy that lives practically in the middle of nowhere and only has listening to his local baseball team as his way of entertainment. The poem itself isn't necessarily the reason why I’m reminded of it, it’s the picture that was included with the poem. It’s a picture of one car riding on a dirt road that grass has practically grown all the way through on. To the left of the car are power lines and poles with short groomed grass surrounding them. To its right are what I believe are crops. This has been a day I won't forget, so different from the rest of Indiana. Well, onto Ohio I suppose.

Indiana - Day 4

As I drive through the beautiful country side, everything seems different. I drive slow because I can't stop myself from enjoying natures beauty. I remember reading the Indiana state poem in grade school, and even though it was wrote in the 1960's, it still holds true. I ride by the Indiana dunes state park and can't believe my eyes. Its like the sand was positioned in a way that is meant to grab your attention. Speaking of grabbing my attention, I drove by the Indianapolis skyline about 3 hours ago. What a sight, all I could see was the georgeous buildings.

Wisconsin - Day 3

The state bird of Wisconsin, the Robin, is such a graceful creature. The beautiful colors on its chest, flying this way and that with its young. Teaching a new life, and keeping the generation going.

Of all voiced longing and all music heard.
I spread my net for Your bewildering wings,
But wings are wiser than the swiftest hands.
Where a bird sings.
-Celestial Bird, Jessica Powers

I think the robin shows how this beautiful region is like to the US. Just as the robin helps build up its young, so did this region during war times in the US. Many manufacturing happened here, including the auto industry. I don't think we'd be where we are today if it weren't for the physical hounds that built the US.

Source: http://www.spondee.net/JessicaPowers/celestia.html

Wisconsin - Day 1

I'm traveling through Wisconsin, oh how great the scenery is! I think of the poem, "For a Lover of Nature" by Jessica Powers. The first line states, "Your Valley trails its beauty through your poems, the kindly woods, the majestic river." How true this is! The rolling lush hills and the endless farms seem to integrate so seamlessly with the aura. The farms and pastures flow with no end, the epitome of great America.

Source: http://www.spondee.net/JessicaPowers/naturelover.html