‘Eventually, I think Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world’ - Frank Lloyd Wright

Since the greater Chicago area is home to over 100 houses and other buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright’s own design, this comment could be viewed as more than a little self-serving.  On the other hand, when it comes to city-scape, who would know better than America’s most storied master architect. More than a collection of impressive structures, America’s Second City has carved out a niche as one of the most iconic locations in the heartland.  From music and cuisine to architecture and art, today’s Chicago is a midwest Mecca of culture, inexplicably perched on the soggy shores of Lake Michigan.

However, that isn’t all that comes to mind when someone mentions the Windy City. Also known colloquially as ‘The Dark City’, Chicago has historically been associated with grittier aspects such as pollution-causing industry, animal processing plants and poverty.
 
Inseparably linked to villainous icons like Al Copone and John Dillinger, Chicago has also developed a reputation as a dangerous hub of crime, both organized and sporadic. In lieu of trying to bury or ignore these sinister facets, proud natives seem gratified to have forged a great metropolis out of some murky material.

Rather than try and tease out the truth between these two contradictory Chicago narratives, I want to focus on a few points of light in this town that still holds onto its own darkness. In this cultural guide to Chicago, let’s bring the dark city to light by exploring the architecture, cuisine, music and fine arts.

Traveling is one of the best things that people can do to educate themselves, create unforgettable memories, and make new friends. It is essential to go to the countries with entirely different culture since it is the only way to see the world from another angle. 

African countries are on that list of the places that can leave you speechless. Africa is the vast continent filled with wildlife, natural wonders, rich cultures, and history. There are 54 countries, and each of them has a lot to offer. You’d need to spend years to see everything. If you don’t have that many vacation days left, check out the list of the best countries to visit in Africa.

​Many people go on cruises every year. There are tons of cruise lines around the world to choose from, and the idea of having a huge ship to explore can be romantic. 

Even if you book a trip that seems like it has everything you want, it can still be an overwhelming experience. That's why many avid travelers turn to small ship cruises instead.
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If you've never been on a small ship cruise, it's time to check one out. Here some of the unique things you could discover.