river tour in chicago

Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago River Tours | Fireworks Tours | Jazz/Cocktail Tours

River Boat Tours

Book your tour now, book by phone: (708) 488-6343, about the tours, chicago river boat architecture tours .

Welcome to Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours!  We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago.

About The Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours

Chicago is known around the world for its architectural feats, both inside and outside of the buildings. From the 100-year-old Art Deco, Neo-Classical, and Gothic Towers, to some of the tallest modern-day skyscrapers, Chicago is where old meets futuristic architectural endeavors. It has something for everyone in a way that no other city replicates today.

Why Tour Chicago’s Architecture with Us?

We are born-and-raised Chicagoans ourselves, passionate about the community that we know and love. That passion and desire spills into all of our tours, drawing on personal experiences for curating a tour that just can’t be duplicated by a book or a movie. We want you to experience everything firsthand. Why tour with us?

• Expertise: All of our tour guides are either architects, architecture students, or architecture historians, making for an in-depth and personally rooted kind of touring experience that covers all of the discreet details.
• Variety: We offer a variety of uniquely different tours that cover everyone’s individual taste. We offer the Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour that takes you down the famous Chicago River; there are several different options such as Architecture, History, Cocktail Cruises and Firework Viewing Tours
• Flexibility : We want you to enjoy your Chicago River Boat touring experience, which is why we’re happy to talk with you and learn more about how our tours can accommodate you, your party, or your corporate outing. Our tours run daily, with availability always posted on our website here.

Our Tours  

• Chicago River Boat Architecture Tour : When in Chicago, cruising down the Chicago River is  a must. Except with us, you’ll be taking in the architecture of the buildings that line the beautiful river. We provide detailed explanations of the construction and history of over 50 significant buildings, wrapping up at the end of the river.
• Chicago River Boat Cocktail Tour : Join us for this great Architecture Tour while sipping craft cocktails, beer or wine available for purchase at our bar on board!
• Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruise :  Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century. Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893,. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued a proclamation approving the use of fireworks to celebrate the World’s Colombian Exposition and to celebrate the nation’s 117th Independence Day. This fascination with fireworks, noise, and color continues today. The City of Chicago offers a fireworks show at Navy Pier on Saturday nights at 10:15 p.m. The Fireworks Cruise sails on both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan each Saturday at 8:30 pm.

Our Commitment to Your Touring Experience

We believe that tours should be entertaining, enlightening, informational, and perfectly organized, every single time. A tour shouldn’t feel laborious in any way; you should feel an effortless inclination to learn more about what we present at your fingertips. With our Chicago architectural tours, that’s exactly what we strive to provide, basing each tour from the perspective of an expert with the real-life example in the background.

If you’re thinking about booking a tour with us, know that our commitment to flexibility and accessible makes our Chicago Architecture Tours easy and convenient:

• 3 pm *Not Available Friday thru Sunday Summer Months*
• 6:30 pm (Jazz Band, Cocktail w/bar) *Sunday Only*
• 8 pm (Wednesdays)
• 8:30 pm (Saturdays)
• Seniors $48
• Youths $30 (7-12 years old)
• Children 6 and under Free

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Chicago river boat cocktail tour.

Join us in the evening to sip cocktails while cruising the historic Chicago River! Get the same tour just with a cocktail in your hand! Premium bar on board with craft cocktails, wine and beer available for purchase. Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat. Tour Information Pricing Adults $49… Continue reading Chicago River Boat Cocktail Tour

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Chicago river boat architectural tour.

Forming a length of 156 miles when combined, the Chicago River is a system of rivers and canals the characterize the infamous skyline of Chicago today. The river, running through the city, including the city center Chicago Loop, is evident of man made design and infrastructure when completed craftily. In 1887, the river was reversed… Continue reading Chicago River Boat Architectural Tour

Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)

Enjoy your favorite drink while gazing Chicago’s magnificent architecture and finish your cruise with fabulous light show, at Navy Pier. Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century. Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893,. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued… Continue reading Lake Michigan Navy Pier Fireworks Cruises (w/ Architecture Tour)

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Architecture Tour

TripAdvisor users rank the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady as the city's #1 boat tour.

There’s one sure recipe to make your business or social event even more memorable – just add water and Chicago’s First Lady!

Recalling the handsome elegance of 20th century luxury yachts, our vessels are sure to make an impression. Choose from seven perfectly sized ships for your private event.

Your wedding is the start of your lifelong journey together, so begin that journey in a truly memorable way - a wedding cruise down the Chicago River.

Evening River Cruise

Experience our renowned daytime CAC River Cruise in the glow of the setting sun. Take in the city’s magnificent architecture bathed in golden light as it begins its transition from day to night.

“The very best city tour I have been on in my life! We were in America for a month and this was our best morning.” - JurassicBill TripAdvisor, Dorset UK

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"What an amazing experience, this tour brings all the beautiful architecture and history to life.” - Rachel M Yelp, Arizona, USA

Tour the Windy City from the water

See the skyscrapers, hear the history, and take a tour of the incredible city of chicago with shoreline sightseeing., take a tour.

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401 N. Michigan Ave

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600 E. Grand Ave

124 N. Streeter Drive

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Your chicago adventure awaits.

Architecture River Tour

View over 40 Chicago landmarks on our Architecture Tour as you listen to our expert guides tell you how Chicago’s buildings and engineering made the city famous.

Skyline Lake Cruise

See the city of Chicago as you’ve never seen it before on our classic Lake Michigan boat tour that leaves from Navy Pier and offers majestic skyline views.

Fireworks Cruise

Throughout the summer months, enjoy the Navy Pier’s spectacular Firework’s show from the water with Shoreline. Tours depart every Wednesday and Saturday evening from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Sightseeing in Chicago? Chicago CityPass saves 48% on premier admission tickets  to Chicago’s top 5 attractions, including the Architecture River Tour.

The reviews are in

Now in its 83rd season, Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

(312) 222-9328 ext. 1 [email protected]

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Your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises

One of the best ways to see Chicago is from the water. The city is home to two stunning waterfronts — the Chicago River and Lake Michigan — and each offers plenty of cruise options. Admire the skyline on a lakefront cruise, learn about the city’s iconic architecture on a Chicago River cruise, enjoy dinner and dancing aboard an all-glass vessel, sip cocktails on a tiki-themed boat, paddle your own kayak — the options are truly endless. Here’s your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises, boat tours, dinner cruises, and beyond.

See it all with Shoreline Sightseeing

One of Chicago’s classic cruise options, Shoreline Sightseeing covers all the bases. Their ultra-popular Architecture River Tour takes you on all three branches of the historic Chicago River takes you past dozens of landmark buildings.

They also offer skyline lake tours, plus specialty cruises and holiday events. Hop on a boat at Navy Pier or on Michigan Avenue.

Dine on the water with City Experiences

City Experiences dining cruises are the perfect way to create a memorable moment in Chicago. Choose from a river or lake dining cruise, complete with delicious cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment.

Their glass-enclosed river vessel is particularly stunning. It offers passengers panoramic views of the city’s most iconic buildings as you glide along the Chicago River. They also offer lakefront brunch and dinner cruise options that depart from Navy Pier.

Entertain the family with Wendella Boats

For three generations, Wendella Tours and Cruises has been cruising the Chicago waterways. With its variety of tour options, cruise times and lengths, and a heated, enclosed cabin, Wendella is a great choice for families looking for flexibility. Choose from lake & river architecture, sunset cruises, and more.

Admire architecture with Chicago’s First Lady

Around the world, Chicago is known for its outstanding architecture, and it’s easiest to admire the city’s legacy from the water. By partnering with the Chicago Architecture Center , Chicago’s First Lady offers the most comprehensive tour of the skyline — docents must train 100 hours before they can lead tours.

Speed across Lake Michigan on Seadog Boat Tours

Are you up for a thrill? Race across Lake Michigan on SeaDog Cruises, featuring 30 minutes of high speeds and exhilarating twists and turns. Come prepared to get splashed.

SeaDog also offers lakefront speedboat tours and a river/lake architecture tour, featuring views of Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Museum Campus, and more.

Live it up on an Island Party Boat

Looking for a party? These tiki-themed boats are always a good time, offering drink packages, stellar views, and fun vibes. You can hop on an Island Party Boat at Monroe Harbor or the Chicago Riverwalk, which is also where you’ll find their beach-inspired bar Island Party Hut. Choose from a river cruise, lake cruise, tacky tour guide cruise, or even a dueling pianos cruise.

Go back in time with Chicago Fireboat Tours

Step onto a real, historic fireboat and get ready for a unique experience with Chicago Fireboat Tours . The river tours are given aboard a real piece of Chicago history — a retired fireboat that patrolled the Chicago from 1937 to 1981. Tours are led by expert docents and include historic and sunset options.

Splurge on a Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

Looking to splurge a little? These private yacht charters are the way to go. The spacious yachts comfortably fit up to 49 or 120 people, making them the perfect option for a large celebration or an intimate gathering. Premium bar and catering packages round out the experience.

Explore the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks

If you’re ready to ditch the captain and explore the water on your own, then it’s time to grab a paddle at Urban Kayaks . You’ll go through a brief training session before you hit the water, but you’re free to paddle the river or lake at your own pace. Or join in a guided tour to catch the sunset, fireworks, or historic highlights. Rentals are available at the Chicago Riverwalk or Monroe Harbor.

Rent an electric boat

Chicago Electric Boat Company offers fun and unique ways to get out on the water, including donut boats, retro boats, and even a bike boat that your group can pedal down the Chicago River. Rental locations include Marina City, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Rockwell on the River in Avondale.

See the skyline aboard Mercury Cruises

While Chicago’s summer fireworks are already fun to watch, it’s an entirely new experience when you’re on a 3D tour. Before the show, you’ll cruise around the lake and see some of Chicago’s famous landmarks.

Mercury Cruises also offer Urban Adventure, Canine Cruises, and Chicago by Night tours.

Check out Chinatown via Chicago Water Taxi

Hop on! The Chicago Water Taxi is a fun and cheap way to get around Chicago. The Water Taxi stops at Ogilvie Transportation Center, Chinatown, Goose Island, the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, and River North. Get a one-way ticket for $6 or an all-day pass for $10. Check their daily routes and schedules for more details. Cruises.

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Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline

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Urban Kayaks

River North

Wendella Tours & Cruises

The Magnificent Mile

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

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The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady is the city's official architecture tour!

Led by the Chicago Architecture Center 's knowledgeable and expertly trained docent volunteers abroad the city's most luxurious fleet, the cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago's majestic buildings in a way no other tour can.

Safety is our #1 Priority. Learn more about our enhanced protocols .

CAC River Cruise

Ticket starting at $48.18 (plus applicable tax) Upgrade ticket for $5 to include Chicago Architecture Center admission

This classic tour is a must for out-of-town visitors and Chicagoans alike. Chicago Architecture Center docents lead you on an entertaining and engaging 90-minute experience. Learn about the architects who created our city's magnificent buildings—and the stories behind them. View our route .

Get your river cruise tickets

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CAC Evening River Cruise

Tickets starting at $52.91 (plus applicable tax) Upgrade ticket for $5 to include Chicago Architecture Center admission

Have a magical experience as you cruise the Chicago River in the evening. You'll delight in breathtaking views as you discover the stories behind our glorious buildings. Limited availability.

Get your evening river cruise tickets

*CAC ADMISSION TICKET MAY BE USED FOR UP TO 7 DAYS AFTER YOUR RIVER CRUISE

Departure Location

Departs from northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, at 112 E. Wacker Dr., on Chicago's Riverwalk. Look for the blue awning.

Parking is available at 111 E. Wacker Dr., right next to the Chicago Architecture Center.

Children under 3: $23.62 (plus applicable tax) All passengers must present a ticket to board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the dock's wheelchair accessible entrance?

You can access an ADA ramp at Wacker Drive and State Street. When you reach the Riverwalk level, head two blocks east to reach the dock. For Riverwalk level drop-off location. Learn more here.

Where is parking available nearby?

Parking is available at 111 E. Wacker Dr., right next to the Chicago Architecture Center. Read more at cruisechicago.com/location .

Is there food/drink available onboard?

Yes. All boats have a full bar available onboard, as well as local, Chicago-area snacks available for purchase.

Is there assigned seating?

All seating is general admission. There are enough seats for all guests to have a seat outside, so you won’t have to sit inside unless you want to. Indoor seating is available for those who wish to stay out of the sun or adverse weather conditions.

What's included in a CAC visit?

A visit to the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) includes access to two floors of extraordinary exhibits. Admission is normally $15, but with the river cruise bundle, you get access for only $5! Learn more about the CAC at architecture.org .

The Center is currently scheduled to reopen to the public on May 22, 2021.

Can I rent the boat for special events?

Yes! Chicago's First Lady's fleet is available for groups of 2—250 to charter for your special events. You can find out more information by visiting cruisechicago.com/private-events .

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Advance reservations are recommended as many tours sell out during the summer season and on weekends. Also, the weekday 7:30pm tour often sells out in advance.

Nonprofit organization with tours, exhibitions, programs and events for all ages.

Chicago's finest fleet of cruising vessels accommodating groups up to 250.

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Shoreline Architecture River Tours

Take Shoreline’s award-winning 75-minute Architecture River Tour to discover Chicago’s renowned landmarks as presented by our expert and entertaining guides.

You’ll learn how Chicago rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1871 to become the birthplace of the skyscraper and a major influence on the school of modern American architecture.

Shoreline’s Architecture River Tour features commentary on more than 40 of the city’s most famous buildings as well as close-up views and excellent photo opportunities.

Shoreline also offers Spanish Language Architecture River Tours; see website for times and locations.

Tours depart day and evening from both the southwest corner of Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier and the northeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at the Apple store.

Discover why Shoreline’s Architecture River Tour was the TripAdvisor 2020 Travelers’ Choice #1 of the Top Ten Experiences in Best of the Best Award Winner!

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• Mon 9:30am – 8:00pm
• Tue 9:30am – 8:00pm
• Wed 9:30am – 8:00pm
• Thu 9:30am – 8:00pm
• Fri 9:30am – 10:00pm
• Sat 9:30am – 10:00pm
• Sun 9:30am – 7:00pm

124 N. Streeter Drive, Chicago, IL 60611

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Chicago River Architecture Tour with Small Boat Upgrade Option

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Welcome to Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours! We’re proud to present you with an in-depth, expert architectural-based river boat tour that delves into one of the most remarkable American cities today. Known for unique, daring, and historical architectural pursuits, it’s hard to cover all of the design and building treasures that make up the Windy City today. If you’re ready to learning more about the designs, people, and innovations behind these creations, throw on your captains hat and get ready to cruise along the Chicago River and see what architects from around the world travel to see in Chicago. Tour departures from 465 N. McClurg Ct.

Activity location

• Chicago, Illinois, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 465 North McClurg Court
• 60611, Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Thu, Jun 6 $49
• Fri, Jun 7 $49
• Sat, Jun 8 $49
• Sun, Jun 9 $49
• Mon, Jun 10 $49
• Tue, Jun 11 $49
• Wed, Jun 12 $49
• Thu, Jun 13 $49
• Fri, Jun 14 $49
• Sat, Jun 15 $49
• Sun, Jun 16 $49
• Mon, Jun 17 $49
• Tue, Jun 18 $49
• Wed, Jun 19 $49
• Thu, Jun 20 $49

River Boat Architecture Tour

• Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes 1h 30m 1h 30m

90 minute guided cruise down the skyscraper lined Chicago River

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Available for purchase onboard
• What's included What's included Local guide
• What's included What's included Bottled water
• What's included What's included Snacks
• What's included What's included Port pickup and drop-off
• What's included What's included Starbucks coffee provided free of charge

Know before you book

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult

Activity itinerary

Chicago river, navy pier (pass by), cloud gate (pass by), best deals on things to do, top experiences in chicago.

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• EDUCATIONAL

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Chicago River Architecture Tour

Chicago's Original Architecture Tour®

Departing from Michigan Avenue

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich history and architectural heritage features highlights from Wendella's full-length architecture tours.

Schedule & Tickets

• Adult: $28.00
• Child (4 -12): $13.00
• Under 4: Free (ticket required)

TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE BUT ARE TRANSFERABLE.

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• Mich Ave Location; 400 N Michigan Avenue Chicago, Il 60611
• Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
• All bags are subject to inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Outside Alcohol, Weapons of any kind (Firearms, Knives, etc.), Flammables, Explosives.

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Drinks & Snacks

Full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails, as well as an assortment of snacks, all for purchase. Pinkies up!

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Never boring, always entertaining.

No need to hold it. We have changing tables for the little ones who don’t know what holding it is.

Local News | OPRF’s Kaden Garland isn’t just a state…

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Local News | OPRF’s Kaden Garland isn’t just a state champion. He tops his father too. ‘What’s more to come’ at USC?

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Garland wanted to break his father’s marks in the shot put and the discus.

“I did feel the pressure, but I felt it was a good thing, not a bad thing,” Garland said. “I wasn’t sure I could break his record in my senior year. I had a lot of pressure to do it, but it also pushed me a lot.”

Garland’s father, Ty, was a track and football star in high school in New Jersey, where he was the 1993 indoor national champion in the shot put and set his school’s records in that event with a throw of 64 feet, 8 inches and in the discus with 191-0. Ty Garland also was a standout linebacker at Michigan State, where he competed in track for one season.

Kaden Garland, who placed fifth at state in the shot put and 11th in the discus last year, said he was slowly building toward topping his father in the former this season.

“A couple of weeks before state, I was hitting some pretty big numbers,” he said. “I was feeling up to breaking his record at state.”

Garland accomplished his goal at the state meet at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Field in Charleston on May 25. In the process, he became a state champion, winning the shot put in Class 3A with a personal-best 65-9.5.

Garland is Oak Park-River Forest’s first champion in the event since Joe Peterson won in 1947.

“It felt amazing, but it didn’t hit me right after I did it,” Garland said. “I was digesting what happened. It was a huge throw.”

Garland fell short of sweeping the two throwing events, earning a fifth-place medal in the discus. But his 15 total points played a pivotal role in the team standings as the Huskies shared the 3A title with Edwardsville. Other individual state champions for the Huskies, who won their first team title since 1987, were junior Caleb Schulz in the 100 meters and junior Kwabena Osei-Yeboah in the long jump.

“Kaden scoring 10 points in the shot put was massive for us,” Oak Park-River Forest coach Tim Hasso said.

He knows it was massive for Garland too.

“He didn’t want the silver medal (in the family) for the rest of his life,” Hasso said. “He spent three or four years going for his dad’s record. His dad still got him in the discus, though.”

Ty Garland, who coaches the Oak Park-River Forest throwers, said he was ecstatic to see his son not only win but also surpass him in the shot put.

“It feels absolutely fantastic,” Ty Garland said. “His potential is so much greater than mine. I’m super proud of him.”

Kaden Garland will try to reach that potential when he becomes the second person in his family competing at USC. His older sister, Reese, just completed her freshman season for the Trojans.

Reese Garland, who placed second in the discus and fifth in the shot put at the 2023 state meet, emphasizes the importance of planning ahead in college.

“I told my brother to stay focused and acknowledge your goals,” she said. “I think setting short- and long-term goals for the season and career has helped me form a plan and succeed.”

Kaden Garland’s sports resume includes more than throwing events. He was a standout two-way lineman in football. He was also an accomplished gymnast for many years until he decided to quit the sport in seventh grade. He can still create a stir among friends and teammates by doing a backflip easily.

“Gymnastics was basically my main sport until I got too tall and big for it,” Garland said. “The high bar was probably my best. I was good at floor too.”

Garland, who said he can play several instruments, also boasts about his ability to solve a Rubik’s Cube in “maybe 30 to 35 seconds, but I used to do it under 20 seconds.”

Is he the best athlete in the family? Reese Garland laughed at the question, joking that she’s No. 1. Younger sister Jaida, an Oak Park-River Forest freshman, could be in the running sooner than later. She’s a thrower too.

“My father would have to be the best athlete in the family,” Reese Garland said.

Kaden Garland said he’s looking at the bigger picture.

“I feel like I have a lot of potential left for my future,” he said. “I’m trying to carve my own path. It’s awesome to accomplish things my parents did not accomplish and throwing a longer distance than my dad. I feel very proud of what I’ve done, but I’m also ready for what’s more to come.”

Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.

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