Features

Bulldog Breakout: Chicago Edition

Sarah Babitz and Paloma Mariategui|March 8, 2023

The seniors take a photo of their reflections at The Bean attraction in Chicago, Illinois; picture taken by @23niorsdigital on Instagram

Every year, Riviera’s high school students travel to different destinations across the United States during Bulldog Breakout Week. This year, the seniors went to Chicago, Illinois. Activities ranged from visiting museums to watching shows like Cats the Musical and even seeing the Blue Man Group.

Seeing a variety of museums is vital to any school or educational trip. Museums enhance the students’ overall experiences in a foreign location and allow them to learn more about the country. This year in Chicago, the seniors visited the Science Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, the Adler Planetarium, and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Other activities included touring Soldier Field Stadium, where seniors received an exclusive view of the Chicago Bears’ home grounds. Seniors learned of the stadium’s history, visited the locker rooms, and sat in a private suite. Towards the end of the trip, seniors traveled to Skydeck, where they experienced unmatched views of Chicago from 1353 feet.

The seniors also saw the Blue Man Group and the musical Cats. The Blue Man Group’s show is hosted by three mute men who dress in all-blue attire, from their clothes to their skin. Though not a common experience, many enjoyed the Blue Man Group’s interactive performance due to its incorporation of music, comedy, and even obscurity in the shows.

Chicago is also known for its special deep-dish pizza, which is baked in a deep-dish pan, contributing to its thick and crunchy crust. The seniors had the chance to enjoy eating at Gino’s East Restaurant. There were different types of deep-dish pizzas with a variety of toppings.

The trip concluded with a visit to Chicago’s famous commercial district, the Magnificent Mile, as well as The Bean. Seniors had a blast with their friends eating lunch, shopping, and visiting many attractions in the famous shopping district.

Overall, the class of 2023 had a great experience in the Windy City. It’s safe to say we were blown away by our experience!