🫘 Imperfectly Perfect

Plus: US travel bans; Eminem & WNBA

Good morning, Cool Beans!

After spending last weekend wandering through the record shops of Pilsen—606 Records and Shady Rest Vintage & Vinyl—during an event organized by Salon Appetit, we couldn’t help but reflect on the unique power of vinyl and the deep emotional connection it creates. It led us to ask: does everything disappear forever, or is life just a constant return of things and situations? Is progress unstoppable, or do we always circle back to something with more depth—like analog cameras or vinyl records? Something real and authentic, like the connection between two strangers from different worlds—something expats might experience when living abroad—who feel as if they've known each other forever, even though they've just met.

“Listen, mate, life has surface noise.”
John Peel

Much more than a used Vinyl

Moving to a new city—especially a new country—feels a lot like switching from streaming to vinyl. At first, it’s jarring. Everything takes longer, requires effort, and feels frustratingly analog when you’re used to the smooth, instant convenience of home. But then, little by little, you start to see the magic in the imperfections—the warmth in the unfamiliar. That’s the thing about vinyl, too. It’s crackly, unpredictable, and totally impractical in a world of instant access. But for expats, for anyone searching for something real in an era of endless scrolling and fleeting connections, it makes sense. Because vinyl, like starting over in a new place, demands your presence.

And it’s not just nostalgic millennials hoarding records anymore—Gen Z is all in. A wild 76% of them are buying vinyl every month, proving this isn’t just a passing trend. In a time when everything is disposable, they’re choosing the weight of a record in their hands, the ritual of placing it on the turntable, the deep-listening experience that makes music feel like the moment instead of just background noise. Take Take Five, the 1959 jazz masterpiece—chaotic yet smooth, strange yet familiar. Just like moving abroad, just like building a life from scratch. Some days, it’s thrilling, like stepping into a record store and finding a rare pressing you never thought you’d own. Other days, it skips, it stutters, it makes you want to toss the whole damn thing out. But the ones who stick with it? They find the magic.

And maybe that’s why vinyl resonates so much with expats. It’s like that scene in The Shawshank Redemption, when Andy Dufresne blasts Mozart over the prison speakers—just for a moment, everything stops, and those men feel free. Or Christian Bale in Equilibrium, finally letting himself experience music, his world of control shattering as he realizes what he’s been missing. Vinyl is a tangible way to hold onto something real when everything else is fleeting. And somewhere in a Chicago apartment, an expat with a borrowed turntable just dropped the needle for the first time—unaware that what started as curiosity is about to become something much deeper.

Tell us what is your favorite vinyl and why!

• 🟢 The Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day, but did you know that it actually flows backward?

• 🍵 Matcha lovers alert: we are running out of the good green powder!

• 📚 U.S. student applications to UK undergraduate programs have risen by 20%, driven by the UK's focus on attracting international students post-Brexit. Factors such as concerns over U.S. student debt and the Trump administration's immigration policies also contribute to this trend.

• 🦖 Apparently dinosaurs' extinction was not the only one but something else happened 443 million years ago.

• 🫛 Turns out vegetables have many benefits and hidden talents, like making music.

• 🐋 We've always been told not to pee in the ocean, but whales do it—and it actually helps the environment.

• ✈️ The U.S. is reportedly considering a travel ban on 11 countries, citing national security and public health concerns. This potential ban may impact international travelers, particularly students and tourists.

• 🏀 Eminem is part of a Detroit-based WNBA expansion group, with Caitlin Clark’s rising star playing a pivotal role in the league's increased visibility

• 🍨 Do you always crave a dessert after a meal? Here’s why!

• This is how Chappell Roan became courageous.

• 🤤 If you are craving something new: Last weekend, we visited Charis, a new listening bar in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. Named after the owner’s mother (pronounced care-iss), it’s a warm, intimate space where music, drinks, and conversation come together effortlessly. With records curated by 606 Records, Charis sets the perfect mood with a carefully selected soundtrack, paired with craft cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere. A must-try is the Figurado—a mezcal-based cocktail served over a massive ice cube and topped with a delicate, flower-like garnish. We loved it!

• 🕺🏻 If your feet can’t stop (won’t stop) to move like Michael Jackson: On Saturday, the 22nd, DJ Tommaso will be spinning at Drip Collective, a unique café and art space in Chicago’s West Loop. We hope to see you all there!

• 🎤 If live music is your vibe: On Saturday, March 22, Mumford & Sons are playing at The Chicago Theatre and it’s going to be an incredible show. With their signature folk-rock sound, it’s the perfect setting for an intimate night of live music. Expect all the hits—I Will Wait, The Cave, and more—performed with the raw energy and emotion that makes their concerts unforgettable. If you’re a fan, this is one you won’t want to miss. Doors open at 8 PM, so get there early to enjoy the vibe before the band hits the stage! Click here to grab your ticket!

• 🛋️ If the couch is calling your name: This week we started to watch Valeria, a Spanish Netflix series based on Elísabet Benavent's novels. It follows Valeria, a writer in Madrid struggling with her career and marriage while leaning on her three best friends—Lola, Carmen, and Nerea. As they navigate love, heartbreak, and personal growth, their friendship remains the anchor. With a mix of humor, romance, and drama, the show paints a vibrant picture of modern relationships and self-discovery.

• 🤔 Still not feeling it? Check these others out:

  • West Town Restaurant Week from Friday 03/21 through Saturday 03/29.

• Check our IG page to see our March calendar or join our WhatsApp group (by demand) to stay up to date with what other members are doing!

• The second Intimate Dinner in March will be at Noble Thai on March 26th. Reserve your spot here!

• On March 30th we are co-hosting an event with Calco at Rockwell on the River. Join us for a fun afternoon listening to Brazilian trio Bossa Três featuring Heitor Garcia, Dill Costa, and Edinho Gerber. Tickets here!

Feeling nostalgic this week, we want to highlight a famous brand of analog cameras—Minolta. A Japanese brand, Minolta has been a staple in the photography world for decades, known for its innovative designs and reliable performance. In the 2000s, Minolta transitioned to digital cameras and eventually merged with Konica to form Konica Minolta. Despite being absorbed by Konica, Minolta’s legacy in camera technology continues to resonate with photographers today. Analog Minolta cameras can still be found on websites like eBay, in vintage shops, QVC, and more.

Guess the name of the Movie from the Emojis below!
👴🏼⌛️👶🏼

The answer to last week’s game was: Wicked. Did you guess it? Let us know!

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All typos are intentional, we are expats ;)

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