with the bold text in the example below: The Skychi Travel Guide : January 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

Shrimp and Grits at Pierrot Gourmet of Chicago Peninsula Hotel

Shrimp and Grits at Pierre Gourmet
Shrimp and Grits at Pierre Gourmet

Chicago Peninsula Hotel
Chicago Peninsula Hotel 

Chicago winters can be very cold so you should sustenance to help get you through the Chicago windy weather. The Peninsula Hotel is located one block west of the Chicago Magnificent Mile. The Pierrot Gourmet is located on the street level next to the Peninsula Hotel entrance. It is an upscale European-styled cafe utilizing the freshest ingredients which serves salads, sandwiches, tartines and desserts.

During my visit I dined on the Shrimp and Grits which is southern comfort food. The Pierrot Gourmet Chef prepares a delectable rendition of this southern classic dish.  I recommend this Shrimp and Grits as a hearty dish to warm your body and soul.



Chicago Peninsula Hotel 

Pierrot Gourmet Restaurant 

108 East Superior Street

Chicago, IL 60611

www.peninsula.com/Chicago

Blues and Barbecue at Slim Chickens


Barbecue Chicken wings, Fries, Toasted white Bread and Sauce
Barbecue Chicken wings, Fries, Toasted white Bread and Sauce



Slim Chickens Address: 2002 S. Promenade Blvd., Rogers, AR 72758
Slim Chickens
Address: 2002 S. Promenade Blvd., Rogers, AR 72758

Blues Music plays in the background. Guitars adorn the walls.
Blues Music plays in the background. Guitars adorn the walls.

Slim Chicken Icon
Slim Chicken Icon




Interesting Blues and  Barbecue  Themed Restaurant

Slim Chickens

Address: 2002 S. Promenade Blvd., Rogers, AR 72758

http://slim-chickens.com



I thought the icon Slim Chicken was a Black man from a distance. That is what drew my attention to the restaurant. Once I got closer to the sign I realized that the icon is a chicken dressed up like a Black man. He is wearing a hat cocked to one side like a soul brother. The restaurant plays blues music. It is an attempt to mainstream franchise the chicken shacks from the Black Community. The food was good but not authentic.
There is a Blues musician from Chicago known as Mississippi Slim. I am not sure if there is any association to this restaurant chain.



Anyone know if this is related to Mississippi Slim the Blues Man from Chicago?

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Visit Buxton Settlement of Descendants of Freed Slaves

Buxton National Historic Site and Museum
Buxton National Historic Site and Museum


As we sat in the in the cabin listening to Bryan and Shannon share their history
of the Underground Railroad, our minds grappled with the story that was being told to us.

Shannon Prince demonstrating the slave collar.


Shannon said "Yes, Patricia. You have questions? I can see the wheels in your head churning."

"One More River To Cross" written by Bryan Prince is based on the life of his Great Grandfather Issac Brown, who was a slave.




Patricia replied, "It is just that we haven't heard this before. It was always Harriet Tubman makes it to Canada; end of story, end of movie, cut." We all giggled at Patricia's description of the Hollywood storybook ending of the escape to freedom. 

Inside view of the log cabin.
Inside view of the log cabin.


Patricia aptly summed up what we Americans were thinking about our new history lesson.

Our TBEX FAM trip Follow The North Star Tour had brought us to Buxton Township of the Chatham-Kent area of Ontario, Canada. 
TBEX FAM trip Follow The North Star Tour
TBEX FAM trip Follow The North Star Tour 


 We, TBEX Travel Bloggers/Writers were chosen to explore Canada's Black Heritage. Our diverse group of women travel bloggers included Jennifer Huber of Solo Travel Girl from Florida; Steph Spencer of A Nerd At Large from Ontario Canada; Alouise Dittrick of Traveler Ahoy from Nova Scotia; Melissa Hogan of Suitcase and Heels from New Foundland; Patricia Patton of Boomer Wizdom from New Jersey; Chelle Roberts of Brown Girls Fly from Chicago; Michaela Hall of Awe Inclusive from New York; Roxanne Scott of Who's World from New York; and myself Janice Temple of The Skychi Travel Guide of Chicago.

Bryan Prince, Author and Researcher lectures about North American Black Heritage.
Bryan Prince, Author and Researcher lectures about North American Black Heritage.


Now you are probably wondering what truths did we uncover about The North Star Trail? Well, we learned that the story did not end with Harriet Tubman reaching Canada. As a matter of fact Harriet Tubman never made it to Buxton in Chatham-Kent which is located one hour from Detroit, Michigan. The history of freedom is a Black and White story shared by both people. The presence of the Indian is just a myth in the lineage belief of poses sing Indian blood. It is more a story of the blending of the White and Black people.

Bryan and Shannon Prince are descendants of freed slaves.
Bryan and Shannon Prince are descendants of freed slaves.


Today Buxton is a town of 500 people of which the majority are descendants of former  slaves. It was one of the most successful planned settlement for runaway slaves. It was started by a white man named Rev. William King in 1849. 

This 1861 Schoolhouse educated students until 1969.
This 1861 Schoolhouse educated students until 1969. Bryan and Shannon are former students of this school.


The Buxton Nation Historic Site and Museum curated by Bryan and Shannon Prince houses a 1852 log cabin, a 1861 school house, 1858 mission church, 1975 Railroad station.

This log cabin was built in 1852.
This log cabin was built in 1852.


The Buxton Museum hosts an Annual Homecoming every Labor Day Weekend. It is a 90 year old tradition that includes a History & Genealogy Conference, Family Feud Baseball Tournament, Dance Party in the park, Church Services, Living History, Parade, Sports Events, Classic Car Show, Championship Games, Children Activities, Craft Tables, and exhibits.

Buxton National Historic Site Picnic Area
Buxton National Historic Site Picnic Area


Visit Buxton National Historic Site and Museum

North Buxton, Ontario, Canada



Have you ever thought about connecting with your Canadian cousins?


Friday, January 3, 2014

Field Museum Chicago - Africa Exhibit feat. Senegal


Welcome to Senegal and Dakar the gateway to Africa
Bienvenue au Senegal  et a Dakar  porte de L'Afrique
Welcome to Senegal and Dakar the gateway to Africa

Leopold Sedar Senghor, First President of Senegal
Leopold Sedar Senghor, First President of Senegal

Welcome to the Suburb of Grand Yoff!

Ville de Dakar, Map of the City of Dakar
Ville de Dakar, Map of the City of Dakar

Have some Tea

We look our best during Tabaski
We look our best during Tabaski

How big is Africa?  12 million square miles
How big is Africa?  12 million square miles
Africa could hold the land occupied by China, India, Europe,Argentina, New Zealand, and the continental United States with room to spare!


Looking for travel inspiration? Look no further than the Field Museum of Chicago!

 This Africa exhibit begins with a journey through Dakar, Senegal. This amazing exhibit introduces you to a Senegalese family celebrating the  holy Muslim holiday of Tabaski which is the Wolof word for sacrifice. About 90 % of the Senegalese people practice the Muslim religion. According to Muslim tradition, Abraham was asked by Allah to sacrifice his only son Issac. Abraham was disturbed by the request but decided to obey God anyway. In the morning God provided a sheep  as a substitute for the Abraham's son Issac.  Every family sacrifices a sheep in memory of Abraham's sheep sacrifice to  Allah in place of his son Issac.

Tip for visiting this African exhibit: One should sit at the transport bus and watch the film beefore exploring the exhibits. The film prepares you for your walk through Senegal.This is an interactive exhibit so you are allwed to take phots and touch the exhibits.

I made the mistake of watching the film last, I believe you will receive more context and understanding of the Senegal exhibit if you first watch the film.

The Africa exhibit has not been updated sine 1994, but I was impressed with storytelling of the journey. It  made me want to actually go and visit Senegal, so the goal of the Senegal Minister of Tourism has been achieved I would agree.


Has a museum exhibit ever inspired you to travel?