Week Two: The Place and the guys

This is our place:

These are the guys:

“Nate-Dogg”

Nathan. A chess grand champion, Nathan is undefeated this semester with a record of 11-0 in inter-house contests. Nate attended Davenport Central in Iowa before attending Calvin for Business and Marketing. He is very protective of his groceries (especially American cheese singles.) Nate is interning at a small marketing firm in the loop.

“The Skeve”

Steven. Ten years from now Steven hopes to be pitching for the Cubs. “I know my break will come soon… I’m just waiting for the call.” Along with the Cubbies, Steve very much enjoys assorted juices, such as (but not limited to) grape juice, orange juice, iced tea and lemonade. He was a construction worker for Halloween. Steve also has an internship in advertising.

"House"

Justin’s favorite thing to eat is macaroni and cheese, and egg sandwiches with Nate’s American cheese singles. Justin’s claim to fame is that me met Lil’ Jon AND the east side boyz in an Illinois mall. He is an avid texter and a movie quoter extrodinaire. He’s working with a trading company in the Mercantile Exchange.

Me.

Kyle. I like vegetables, books, ethnic food and traveling. I am in the very (very) beginning stages of training for the Chicago Marathon. I love my internship at World Vision.

Next week: Chicago Culture and World Vision.

Week One: Our Adventure at La Bruqueña

Week one is over… I can finally take a deep breath and relax. The semester started out fast – orientation, interviews, weighing my opportunities and then making an almost impossible decision between three amazing internships. I interviewed with three not-for-profit organizations that specialize in microfinance, holistic development and work to alleviate poverty. I was so impressed with each organization: they were different in their approaches and marketing strategy, yet they all are doing wonderful work to bring hope and opportunity to their clients. Two of the organizations were faith-based and predominately focused on international growth; one was a local lending institution. I am grateful for the time I spent in conversation with representatives from each company.

I took an afternoon to think, pray, nap and absorb my parents advice and I made a decision just moments after 5 PM on Friday. I will be interning at World Vision! My responsibilities involve press releases, print design and creative marketing. The semester will be changing and rewarding.

Last Tuesday (the night of the blizzard) a large group us went out to La Bruqueña, a “Puerto Rican Eatery” in Humboldt Park. Things started out great – delicious food, good conversation and wonderful service. The vegetarian menu was impressive; I had the garbanzos con arroz. Their signature dish is Mofongo con Carne Fritas (mashed plantains with fried pork) and is highly recommended by the staff. Make sure to try the fried plantains. An average meal is $8-$12, plan on more for seafood.

The real fun started after we left the restaurant… and promptly returned. In what comes as no surprise to people who know me, I forgot my bag (or purse as Joel the waiter called it, haha). Meghan and I walked a half mile in the white out blizzard before breaking down and anteing up for a taxi. We walked into La Bruqueña a half hour after we left, only this time we were frozen stiff. Joel made us drinks (on the house!) and we ended up talking with a few local guys for hours. We chatted about politics (they like Obama), Puetro Rico, Chicago, and social issues affecting the neighborhood today, weaving in and out of Spanish and English. A patron graciously drove us back to the hotel and we promised (and plan to!) return very soon.

La Bruqueña
2726 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

From the Loop take the Blue Line North to Division.
Grab the CTA Bus #70 Westbound to Division and Washtenaw.