text: Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's royal spouse, wrote truly in one of his poems now little known,
  
  "'Tis of the peasants, hardy stock, the race of giants are."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "Follow me, follow me, please," the guide says, and leads the tour to the west.
  
  > Go west
  You are standing at the southwest corner of the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building. The corner pavilion consists of two huge outer arches, and four smaller, inner ones. Together these archways support a dome, painted with figures representing war. Standing in front of the pavilion is a tall, rostral column, on top of which stands a figure of Neptune, clutching his trident. A wide road heads east, toward the front entrance of the building, and west over a bridge. To the north, a road squeezes between the canal and the side of the building. The basin is to the south, and beyond it you see the impressive Roman facade of the Agriculture Building.
  A guide is here, leading a tour group through the grounds.
  
  North Canal Bridge, Looking West. 
  
  "And now," the guide continues, "if you will follow me, we shall be crossing the north canal bridge, so much like its counterpart we crossed such a short while ago on the south side of the Basin." He continues to the west.
  
  > Go west
  This magnificent bridge is guarded on either side by bold animal sculptures. On the west end of the bridge stand two polar bears, looking towards the Electricity Building, while on the east end stand two grizzly bears. Beyond them, further to the east, is the monumental Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building. The canal passes under the bridge into the basin to the south; while some distance to the north you can see it widens into a lagoon.
  A guide is here, leading a tour group through the grounds.
  
  North Canal Bridge, Looking East. 
  
  "We have one more building to look upon, and then I shall leave you to your own devices. This way, please," the guide says, heading west.
  
  A ferry glides northward under the bridge.
  
  > go west
  The North Canal interrupts the Court of Honor here. A bridge
  crosses the canal to the east. To the north, a wide road goes between the canal and the side of the Electricity Building. The main entrance to the Electricity Building is to the west. You also have a clear view of the MacMonnies Fountain, in the basin directly to the south.
  
  A tangle of ugly pipes marks the location of one of the electric fountains, which stay off during most of the day. Next to the fountain stands a rostral column, at the top of which stands a statue of Neptune.
  A guide is here, leading a tour group through the grounds.
  
  Electric Fountain. 
  
  "Here we have another of the Electric Fountains, quiet by day, but at night, bursting forth into myriad jets of jewelled water, shot through with all the colors of the rainbow, now green as any emerald, now red as the burning heart of a ruby, then a delicate sapphire, changing to the liquid yellow of the topaz, and again glistening like molten silver to change, as with the touch of a magician, into the varied hues of the diamond."
  
  > look at Fountain
  Which fountain do you mean, the MacMonnies Fountain, or the electric fountain?
  
  > examine electric Fountain
  The electric fountain is a tangle of unsightly pipes. It doesn't run during the day.
  
  "And now, if you will follow me, we shall look upon the Electricity Building, and marvel." the guide continues to the west.
  
  > Go west
  Court of Honor, South side of Electricity Building
  You are in a grand plaza. Directly to the north stands the Electricity Building, its portico and entryway illustrated with sculpture groups which seem to promise to reveal the discoveries of modern science within. In front of the Electricity Building is a tall, bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin.
  
  An octagonal bandstand sits in the plaza here. You can see its identical twin to the south. The plaza continues to the west, east, and south.
  A guide is here, leading a tour group through the grounds.
  
  South Entrance of Electricity Building. 
  
  The guide pauses. He clears his throat. "The great Electricity Building is before us, its numerous towers rising above the corner pavilions and the entrances. Forty years ago such a building would not have been necessary. Then the telegraph was still young, a giant at play, hardly yet harnessed to the chariot of progress. The electric pulse did not yet beat beneath the broad bosom of the Atlantic, and men would have laughed at the idea that the time would ever come when the submarine cable would divide the world thrice, and leave something over for a good start on the fourth. Then cities were lighted with oil-lamps, or gas of hardly greater brilliancy, and men never dreamed that streets, churches, theaters, offices, hotels, and private houses would be brilliantly lighted by touching a button. A man would have been called crazy who asserted that human speech could be carried 1000 miles on a wire, and messages in plain tones delivered hundreds of miles."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "That old world seems very far away now," the guide continues. "How bewildered our grandfathers would be if they could rise from their graves and see how business is now done; how cars run without horses, turning as by magic and stopping instantly as at a word of command; how rooms are kept cool by electric fans, and servants called by electric bells; how diseases are cured by electricity, and how it is made to do the will of man in thousands of ways! Our poor ancestors would wish to retire hastily from a world that has gone so far beyond them. Edison, whom we revere as the modern wizard, would not receive from them the golden medal of well-earned fame, but rather the chill dungeon, or even the fate of the martyr."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "So many thoughts surge into our minds as we gaze on the wonderful building before us. What mysteries it contains, what wonders are yet in store for us! Once the lives of men were flat and tame as the prairies we saw from the roof of Manufactures, now through this great agent, as the building has sprung up from the level plain, our hopes for humanity are constantly up-springing, for we feel that God would never have given us this great power in charge if He did not love His people." The tour guide takes off his hat, and pauses in reflection, looking onto the Electricity Building.
  
  Then -- "And now if you will follow me, ladies and gentlemen--" he says, and heads off to the south.
  
  > Go south
  You are in the Court of Honor, on a grand plaza which surrounds the Administration Building, which here opens up to a glorious vista the likes of which you have never seen nor imagined before. It is a great city which stands before you, each building of monolithic size and classical design. The buildings of this great city surround a man-made basin to rival the size of some lakes. This is the fabled 'White City,' built a mere twenty years after the tragic Chicago Fire left the city in ruins.
  
  The Administration Building takes a commanding position at the western end of the Grand Basin. Standing directly in front of the eastern entrance to the building is a statue of Columbus, in whose honor the fair has been dedicated. Directly across from him, an elaborate fountain rises from the basin waters, dozens of figures standing, sitting, and rowing in a boat the discoverer himself would have been proud to command. At the other end of the basin the emblem of the fair stands: a gilt sculpture of a woman, fair Columbia, climbing magnificently to a height of sixty-five feet above the basin waters. The plaza continues to the north and south, toward more monumental buildings.
  A guide is here, leading a tour group through the grounds.
  
  Looking East onto the White City. 
  
  "One last sight is worthy of mention before we conclude the tour, and that is not another building, monument, nor sculpture, but the people who walk among this new city." The guide smiles as he continues, "We are a motley crew, surely, who wander through this Elysium; the sturdy cowboy jostles the Russian nobleman; the sallow Turk shoulders the fair-haired Swede; the lithe American damsel walks side by side with the burly English soldier, and the soft-treading son of Japan finds himself pushed by the impatient Westerner. The French have often been called the most polite nation in the world, but France must surrender the palm to America. There is no quarreling here, no loud talking, no profanity nor rowdiness; all is peace, good-will, and kindliness. No multitude on earth could be assembled elsewhere with so little friction as here."
  
  > examine the crowd
  You scan the crowd for suspicious characters.
  
  "Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our tour of the Court of Honor. I hope you found it an hour well spent. There is far more to see -- the interiors of the buildings we looked upon, for starters. Then, to the south, past Agriculture, another group of buildings where you can find Ethnographic exhibits, the largest cannon ever made, from the Krupp family business of Germany, and a replica of the convent where Columbus first contemplated taking his historic voyage. To the north, wonder upon wonder awaits, with grand exposition buildings dedicated to Transportation, Horticulture, Fine Arts, and more. Far to the north you should find and visit the building erected by your home state. And to the northwest, be sure to walk the Midway Plaisance, which has not inaptly been called a great kindergarten for grown-up people, and where many side-shows of the Exposition may be seen, some of them more than common excellence, and all of them of refreshing interest as well as instructive to the curious who take delight in strange people and their odd manners and customs."
  
  > Time
  The time is now 12:28 p.m. on Monday.
  
  > go north
  Court of Honor, South side of Electricity Building
  You are in a grand plaza. Directly to the north stands the Electricity Building, its portico and entryway illustrated with sculpture groups which seem to promise to reveal the discoveries of modern science within. In front of the Electricity Building is a tall, bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin.
  
  An octagonal bandstand sits in the plaza here. You can see its identical twin to the south. The plaza continues to the west, east, and south.
  
  South Entrance of Electricity Building.
  
  > Go west
  Court of Honor, North side of Administration Building
  The plaza continues to the east and west. Directly to the south stands the grand Administration Building. To the north, a road cuts between the Electricity Building to the east and the Mines and Mining Building on the west.
  
  Looking North Between Mines and Electricity Buildings.
  
  > Go north
  buildings. To the west stands the Mines and Mining Building, its mix of architectural styles contrasting somewhat with the clean lines of the Electricity Building, which stands to the east. The dome of the Administration Building is clearly visible to the south.
  
  Road, Looking South.
  
  > Go north
  The broad road splits here at the edge of a great lagoon. To the west, the road goes across the northern front of the Mines and Mining Building, to the east, the road goes across the front of the Electricity Building, and to the south, the road cuts between the two, toward the triumphant dome of the Administration Building. A bridge spans a narrow part of the lagoon to the north to a large wooded island. The bridge is guarded on either side by dramatic moose sculptures.
  
  Looking out over the lagoon, you are awestruck by one of the best views of the fairgrounds. From here, you can see almost all of the beautiful and monumental buildings that form the Northern Court. The Northern Court buildings are not arranged around a carefully constructed basin, but instead around this rough and pleasant lagoon. In the center of the lagoon is a large wooded island. On the west side of the lagoon, you can see the Transportation Building, and further north, the Women's Building. In the far distance behind the Women's Building, you can see Ferris' Wheel slowly spinning. On the east side of the lagoon is the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, and north of that the U.S. Government building. More buildings are directly north of the lagoon, but they are mostly obscured by the trees of the wooded island.
  
  Great Bridge.
  
  > go west
  Mines and Mining Building, North Side
  You stand on the northern side of the Mines and Mining Building, at
  an entrance somewhat simpler than that on the southern side, but no less grand. The road here passes across the front of the building, heading east and west. To the north is the weedy shore of the lagoon.
  
  Looking West towards Transportation Building.
  
  > Go north
  You are standing on the southernmost part of the Wooded island. A small log cabin sits here, quaint in comparison to the great buildings spread over the rest of the grounds. A great bridge spans the lagoon to the south, while the main part of the island is over a short bridge to the north.
  
  Log Cabin.
  
  > go north
  This area of the Wooded island is devoted to a rose garden--the largest rose garden you've ever seen. Roses of every color and description are blooming along the pathways. To the north, paths lead into the woods. To the south is a short bridge and to the west is a longer one, crossing the lagoon to the Horticulture Building, of which this garden is considered a part.
  A boy is rushing about here, getting into all sorts of trouble.
  
  Rose Garden. 
  
  The boy is pulling petals off the roses.
  
  > go north
  You are on a quiet, contemplative path through the woods, a welcome respite from the overwhelming mass of buildings, exhibits, and people. Paths head northeast, northwest, and out of the woods to the south.
  
  Wooded Path.
  
  > Go northwest
  You are on a quiet, contemplative path through the woods, a welcome respite from the overwhelming mass of buildings, exhibits, and people. Paths head northeast and southeast.
  
  Wooded Path.
  
  > Go south
  This area of the Wooded island is devoted to a rose garden--the largest rose garden you've ever seen. Roses of every color and description are blooming along the pathways. To the north, paths lead into the woods. To the south is a short bridge and to the west is a longer one, crossing the lagoon to the Horticulture Building, of which this garden is considered a part.
  
  Rose Garden.
  
  > go to the west
  You cross the lagoon on a wide bridge.
  
  The road splits here, and a wide bridge crosses the lagoon to the large wooded island to the east. The road continues north, where it fronts the Horticulture Building, south fronting Choral Hall, and west, between the two buildings.
  
  Horticulture Building, Looking North.
  
  > Go north
  Horticulture Building, Main Entrance
  The Horticulture Building stands directly west. Flanking its
  entrance rest two beautiful sculpture groups by Lorado Taft in flowery splendor. Its central pavilion is capped by a glass dome 187 feet in diameter, and the building's facade is done in a Venetian Renaissance style. To the east is a boat launch, where gondola drivers are selling their services to fairgoers. The road continues north and south.
  
  Horticulture Building, Main Entrance.
  
  > Go north
  The promenade continues along the lagoon's edge. Here, between the Horticulture Building to the south and the Women's Building to the north, stand some smaller buildings and pavilions, extending in a row to the west. First is the round pavilion of the White Star Line. After that stands the Puck Pavilion, from the famous New York magazine of the same name. Another building stands next to that, further to the west.
  
  White Star Line Pavilion, Looking Northwest.
  
  > Go north
  Woman's Building, Front Entrance
  Standing to the west is the two-storied, Italian Renaissance villa style Woman's Building. The lagoon opens up to the east. The road continues north, where in the distance you can see the dome of the Illinois Building, and beyond that the Palace of Fine Arts; and south, along the edge of the lagoon.
  
  Woman's Building, Front Entrance.
  
  > Go north
  You are standing at a crossroads. A road leads west, toward the glorious and exciting Midway. In the distance, you can see the great wheel slowly spinning. Another road leads east, towards the golden-dome of the Illinois building. To the north, you can see what looks like a Spanish mission, and numerous smaller buildings after that. Southward lies the Women's Building, then Horticulture, and so on, all the way back to the Administration Building.
  
  Crossroads, Looking North towards California Building.
  
  > Go west
  Woman's Building, North Entrance
  You are on an east-west road which cuts across the northern wing of the Women's Building. A small entrance into the north wing is directly to the south. To the east, the road heads toward the lagoon, and the golden dome of the Illinois Building. To the west, the road leads toward the Midway and Ferris' Wheel, looming in the distance.
  
  North Entrance of Woman's Building, Looking South.
  
  > go to the west
  You are standing at the entrance to the midway. To the east is the regal, formal fairgrounds. To the west, the wild and exotic midway beckons. The one side is planned and structured, the other haphazard and chaotic. It is hard to say which fairgoers appear to be enjoying more. On the threshold stands the Woman's Building, directly to the east. Roads wrap around it to the northeast and southeast. Another road heads south towards the Horticulture Building. Stairs lead up to an Intramural Railroad platform. To the west is the midway.
  
  Midway, Looking east towards Woman's Building.
  
  > Go west
  the world for the next two years, visiting each exotic port of call, you would still not see the variety of cultures and people as are here on the Midway Plaisance, and looking around you now, you can well believe that this may be the truth. The Midway is a hive of activity. Among great crowds of fairgoers are merchants, hawkers, musicians, barkers, and palanquin bearers; some shouting, some singing, some lounging in indifference. The midway continues to the west, toward the Ferris Wheel, or east, where it spills into the exhibition proper.
  
  To the north stands the Libbey Glass Company Pavilion, a solid structure with a domed central roof and corner towers. A gravelly walkway leads into the pavilion, along which delicate glass works are displayed in cases.
  
  To the south is Hagenbeck's Animal Auditorium. In front of the Auditorium is a sign, declaring showtimes to be every hour on the hour. A barker stands in front of the Auditorium, collecting tickets.
  
  Hagenbeck's Animal Auditorium. 
  
  The barker shouts, "Step right up, step right up, have your tickets ready!"
  
  > go to the west
  The Midway continues to the east and west. The roadway is filled
  with noise and energy of a kind you have never seen. Not even the most metropolitan of cities could ever boast the great mix of peoples, games, and attractions that can be witnessed along this single avenue. To the west, the great Ferris Wheel slowly spins, easily the match of Eiffel's tower.
  
  To the north a rustic bamboo archway leads curious spectators into the Javanese Village.
  
  To the south is the Turkish Village.
  
  Entrance to the Javanese Village.
  
  > go to the west
  Midway, by the Ferris Wheel
  You stand in the center of the Midway, before Ferris' gigantic
  Wheel. A long line has formed, in a zigzag pattern, beside the wheel. The line goes up a short flight of stairs to the boarding platform. The Ferris Wheel is absolutely swarming with people. The sheer size of the structure is almost overwhelming. Its great cars are filled with dozens of people each. You can just make out the excited faces of the people in the lower cars, before they disappear into the sky.
  
  To the north you can enter into the winding and narrow Streets of Cairo, while to the south a Moorish Palace invites entry. The midway continues to the east or west.
  
  Moorish palace and Ferris Wheel.
  
  > enter Line
  The line is so long you might be waiting all day before getting on the ride.
  
  > 1893-1
  Restored.
  
  Midway, by the Ferris Wheel
  You stand in the center of the Midway, before Ferris' gigantic
  Wheel. A long line has formed, in a zigzag pattern, beside the wheel. The line goes up a short flight of stairs to the boarding platform. The Ferris Wheel is absolutely swarming with people. The sheer size of the structure is almost overwhelming. Its great cars are filled with dozens of people each. You can just make out the excited faces of the people in the lower cars, before they disappear into the sky.
  
  To the north you can enter into the winding and narrow Streets of Cairo, while to the south a Moorish Palace invites entry. The midway continues to the east or west.
  
  Moorish palace and Ferris Wheel.
  
  > look
  Moorish palace and Ferris Wheel. 
  
  Midway, by the Ferris Wheel
  You stand in the center of the Midway, before Ferris' gigantic
  Wheel. A long line has formed, in a zigzag pattern, beside the wheel. The line goes up a short flight of stairs to the boarding platform. The Ferris Wheel is absolutely swarming with people. The sheer size of the structure is almost overwhelming. Its great cars are filled with dozens of people each. You can just make out the excited faces of the people in the lower cars, before they disappear into the sky.
  
  To the north you can enter into the winding and narrow Streets of Cairo, while to the south a Moorish Palace invites entry. The midway continues to the east or west.
  
  > Go north
  The narrow street is packed with tiny booths, the buildings on
  either side two or even three stories in height, with great bay-windows and elaborately carved balconies. The street seems transported whole from some African city, from the other side of the world. You can hardly believe that you are still in Chicago, overwhelmed by the Babel of languages and the cosmopolitan throng gathered here. Soudanese, Arabs, Nubians, and Egyptians, all ply their goods, dance, sing, talk, shout, and laugh above the noise, while children weave through