Across the Street and Around the World on Chicago’s Devon Ave.

Our first full day in Chicago was a whirlwind! Not only did we learn how to use the public transportation there, but also about various different neighborhoods through a workshop on CHicago’s maps and growth. During the afternoon, we focused on a place known as Little India on Devon Avenue, exploring their religion, food, and clothing.

We started our food adventure in Devon Avenue with a place called Sukhadia Sweets & Snacks. This place contains a multitude of sweets but their sweetest snack by far is the Jalebi. One of the owners told us they have had customers from all ethnic and racial backgrounds as well as making sweets for the past 126 years. Aliah and I tried the samosas, which is a fried savory pastry; we do not have pictures of said food because we were enjoying it too much to remember to take one. Something that Aliah and I were both very surprised about this specific lunch place was how affordable it was. We both got the samosas for $3 each and with that price we didn’t expect much food. They were giant and definitely filled us up half way through the second one. We aren’t sure if that’s common pricing for this food or this specific place does their best to make their food affordable. (Kiara)

After lunch we began our tour with Ranjana, a desi woman from the area. As we walked to our first stop, an unexpected interaction occurred: one man was recording another holding a smoothie, talking about their new restaurant and menu items. As our large group came up behind them the man handed me the chocolate strawberry smoothie and asked me to try it. Then two or three more drinks came out and were passed around, the other students dramatically tasting them for the camera. We didn’t expect that on our first day, but at least the drinks were good! (Aliah)

We then arrived at a mosque, a place of worship for Muslims. After taking off our shoes the Imam, or prayer leader, talked about the customs and beliefs of Islam: one must clean themselves before entering the mosque and touching the Quran; women must cover themselves and worship separate from men, he emphasized not to demean them but to protect them; men cannot touch women unless they are related or married; and that there is one God. Because we were tourists, they allowed us to enter without washing or covering ourselves. As we entered the mosque, I was in awe—the room seemed to extend for ages, with soft patterned carpets and empty walls. I was shocked that there were no idols or extravagant decor. The Imam explained that they have no need for idols, for they have faith God exists. Kiara and I were intrigued to learn more about the Islamic faith, a topic we knew little about before that experience. (Aliah)

After the Mosque, we attended a Hindu Temple. Just like the Mosque, we were instructed to take off our shoes. We were requested to stand on these grass like mats, girls on one side boys on the other. The temple was more lavish when it came to appearance, it was bright white and had many idols in the walls. As well as the elephant idol in the front middle. We witnessed a ritual surrounding the elephant, it included music, offerings, the running water and it went on for about 7-9 minutes. After the ceremony, we were able to fan our faces with a fire’s smoke, we also were given an almond to eat. These things symbolized us being blessed – Ranjana assured us these rituals don’t mean you have converted to Hinduism. I enjoyed being in the temple, I felt comfortable and would have stayed much longer if able. (Kiara)

Ranjana took us on a small tour after the mosque and temple, one of the stops that stood out to both Aliah and I was the traditional Indian clothing store. We were shown around the two story building looking at traditional Indian bridal and groom wear. Once we got up to the top floor, they allowed three women and men to volunteer to try on sarees and sherwanis. This part of the tour really showed a theme of intercultural connection, they didn’t need to let us try on traditional clothing but still gave us that space to learn more about their culture. (Kiara) 

Kiara and I learned how to navigate Chicago, about the subcontinent’s multiple cultures, religions, delicious food, and beautiful clothing. The experience reinforced our love for learning about different cultures and showing that there’s always more to learn – even very close to home .