Traveling for business can always be nerve-racking. Did I bring everything I needed? Am I prepared for my meetings? But on my first business trip with Global Traveler, all I felt was excitement. Traveling to a new city and meeting new people, what could be better?

Last week, I traveled with my colleague Dick Evans to the Windy City — when they named Chicago the “Windy City,” they really weren’t kidding. As we stepped off the shuttle outside of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, it was like stepping into a wind tunnel. My coattails flew up and my backpack fought against the wind as we pushed our way through the revolving doors of the hotel.

The Radisson Blu of Chicago has a gorgeous reception area, complete with high ceilings, plenty of seating and beautiful chandeliers. The elevator was equally as surprising, having only blue lights, making for an interesting ride to the 12^th floor.

After getting settled into our rather luxurious rooms, we decided to take a trip down to the hotel’s restaurant Filini for a quick lunch. A small menu accentuates the specialties of the restaurant, and Filini’s was no exception. On the menu were options such as fresh meats and cheeses, artisan salads and flatbreads.

I decided to order the burger, deliciously cooked with all of the accouterments. It may have been because I was hungry from my flight, but the burger was one of the best I’ve had in a while, and, of course, it came with hand-cut fries, which were phenomenal.

After lunch, I had free time to check out my living arrangements. I was staying in a beautiful room on the 12^th floor with a great view of Navy Pier, as well as Millennium Park.

Even after just one night, I was able to soak in the sights, tastes and culture of Chicago and I can’t wait to see what else is in store.

-Andrew Risch, digital coordinator