Note from the Editor:
Happy Summer Solstice! And Happy Father’s Day to all those who father. June’s issue of been is dedicated to both themes.
Anyone else obsessed with seeing European tourists visiting U.S. cities and towns for the World Cup? I’m personally wishing they would fill out an exit survey to get the reviews of their time here. According to the internet, they are loving the concept of “free refills” while shocked by portion size and grocery selections. If it weren’t for the global sporting event, they may have never bothered coming here. This is the type of cultural travel experience I love to see.
This is kind of, maybe, the summer for America? With FIFA and the 250th Anniversary of the country’s independence, it’s all eyes on us! Terrifying or thrilling, you decide. There are good reasons to love parts of this nation and a city like Chicago has to be one of them. Chicago is an iconic American city from the history, the multi-cultural influences on cuisine and art.
Adrian and I met in 2015 in Gramercy Park in New York City after connecting through photo-world Instagram back in the day. His work as a photographer is always fresh and fun. I knew by the way he moves, creates community and enjoys travel as well as Chicago, he’d be the perfect person to interview. Bonus, he’s a dad with good advice!
Enjoy the read,
Mariah
CHECK-IN
👋 Adrian Octavius Walker
🎂 38
💼 Community Program Lead & Photographer
♊️ Gemini (Juneteenth Baby)
Hey there!
You’re reading been — a people-centered, culturally focused newsletter about the places we've been. Every issue brings interviews with interesting people and their takes on a destination they know well. Let’s go.
THE INTERVIEW
Favorite Travel-related Experience:
Carrying a camera with intention instead of pressure through cities like Paris, Chicago, and Mexico City.
Adrian with his family at home.
How did you find yourself in Chicago?
A past job landed my family and I here. We’ve lived in Chicago for about six years now.
How do you approach travel planning?
I approach travel planning by balancing structure with openness. Enough planning to remove stress, but enough flexibility to actually experience the place. Personally, I love traveling alone because I don’t have to worry about others or their whereabouts.
Fatherhood changes both travel and your relationship to a city because you stop moving through spaces thinking only about yourself.
What do you prioritize?
Packing as light as possible! Bring your favorite pants and swap the tops, workout clothes, my favorite camera, and many rolls of film.
Any tips on traveling with kids?
Don’t, lol, JK! Go somewhere fun with water. Kid-friendly environments make it easy. Get a suite or a nice-sized Airbnb.
How has fatherhood influenced the way you think about travel?
Fatherhood changes both travel and your relationship to a city because you stop moving through spaces thinking only about yourself. You start to notice safety, pace, access, community, softness, opportunity, and the kind of memories a place can hold for your children.