One of the best things about living in Chicago is you don’t have to leave the Windy City to interact with people and cultures from all over the world. For those of us who are cash-strapped or saving up those vacation days to use over the summer, here are some great ways to travel the world this month without getting on a plane.
ART
Take a trip across the Pacific and through time by visiting Bead in Hand for their Kumihimo Japanese Braiding workshop. Used by ancient samurais as a functional and decorative way to lace their armor, you’ll learn all the tricks and tips to make your own beautifully beaded bracelet or necklace. Explore the ancient art of stone carving at The Fire Arts Center of Chicago’s Beginning Stone Carving workshop, where you’ll learn the basic techniques for composing and carving small sculptures out of alabaster and other soft stones.
Travel back to mid-15th century Europe at Spudnik Press Cooperative’s Etching & Intaglio Printmaking class to create images using metal plates. This technique was originally found on playing cards made in Germany, dating back to the late 1430s, and would later be used by goldsmiths to decorate armor, musical instruments and religious objects.
Or get in touch with your inner Indiana Jones at The Oriental Institute’s Archaeological Reconstruction Drawing workshop. You can spend a Saturday afternoon creating a unique technical drawing of an ancient Egyptian pottery sherd from the Old Kingdom under the guidance of a resident Ph.D. candidate in Egyptian archaeology.
COOKING
Let your taste buds do the traveling at The Chopping Block Lincoln Square, where you can learn to perfect cuisines from Germany, France and Korea. At their Prost! Celebrating German Cuisine class, you can learn traditional German cooking techniques under chef Hans Mooser, who hails from Bavaria. Or their French Connection class will guide you through a refined yet hearty three-course meal, which will feel like a crisp night in Paris. Finally, you can explore Korea’s explosive flavors at their Touch of Seoul class. You’ll learn familiar Korean ingredients as you cook up traditional favorites such as bulgogi eggrolls, pork belly tacos and honey-sriracha chicken wings with sesame rice.
DANCE
If you’re looking for a night on the town, brush up on your moves with these international dance classes. At Dance Center of Chicago’s Waltz and ChaCha beginning class, you’ll learn the smooth and progressive ballroom steps to the waltz, followed by the cheeky, sassy and fast cha-cha.
Visit South America at Old Town School of Folk Music’s Brazilian Dance 1 class, where you’ll learn to samba and get your hips ready for next year’s Carnival. Or if you’re in the mood for a Hawaiian vacation, head to Hula School of Chicago’s Beginning Hula class to learn the tips and tricks from the city’s finest instructors.
CourseHorse is a RedEye editorial partner. For more ways to beat winter blues, check out redeyechicago.coursehorse.com.
