Tour guide in Chicago J. Michael S

Welcome to Chicago and to Illinois! I am originally from Chicago and have lived in Illinois nearly all my life. I am also a veteran traveller, having spent significant time in all 50 states, plus in 15 countries throughout Europe, Central America, and Asia. I have major travel experience in Canada, Guatemala, Israel, Palestine, China, the Philippines, Great Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and brief experiences in Jamaica, Switzerland, France, Mexico. I believe travel is about discovering stories and finding awe and beauty—everyplace we go. My best travelling experiences have come from discovering locals who can tell me the stories and show me the sights—out of their own joy and enthusiasm. As a part-time tour guide (for 20 years) my single aim is to share hospitality with those who have come to visit. Travellers are my guests. My hospitality consists of providing practical information—answering guests questions and meeting their needs while visiting, providing overall orientation, supplying transportation, sharing inside tips, customizing tours, and telling all the stories and anecdotes needed to make the places we visit come alive. When not giving tours, I am a writer (of humor) and a consultant to help non-profit organizations think strategically. My particular interest is history, particularly U. S. presidential history & sites, as well as migratory history. I am a curious guide; my academic degrees are in psychology, history, and religion. One of the greatest benefits of travel comes from finding common ground with people of differing beliefs and cultures. Chicago and its surrounding region is rich in both local and national history. The stories we share about our town and state help us understand the bigger pictures better—U. S. history, international migration, religious and cultural changes, economic progress and tragedy… I am eager to meet you, assist you in your visit, and exchange our stories and curiosities with each other. Bachelor's Degree in History (Southern Illinois University) Masters in Religion (Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington D.C.) Member of Chicago Tour Guide Professionals Association Published author (humorous memoir) Organizer of Church tours to Civil Rights Sites Hospitality Church tours for International Scholars (University of Illinois) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Springfield Extensive travel in each of the 50 states in U.S. Organizer of International hospitality trips to Florida, Arizona, Yellowstone, California coast, New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia (from University of Illinois and Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church) Operate a Consultation Business: strategy for non-profits. Drivers License from State of Illinois No restrictions for Chicago or anyplace in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, or Iowa.