Curiosity about President Barack Obama’s hometown will bring dozens of foreign diplomats to Chicago.
About 150 ambassadors will travel to the windy city May 12-14 as part of the State Department’s “Experience America” program, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The program gives diplomats the opportunity to step outside of Washington, D.C. and tour America first-hand.
Mayor Daley and his wife, Maggie, plan to greet the ambassadors and their guests at a reception in the Art Institute of Chicago, according to the Tribune. Also in the works, visits to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, University of Chicago, the Field Museum and even an architectural tour on one of those river boats.
In a statement, Mayor Daley tells the Chicago Tribune, “the well-being of cities like Chicago depends to a large degree on how we plan for and deal with global inter-connection.”
“Experience America” began in 2008 under President George W. Bush. Past trips include visits to New York City, Florida, California and Texas.
