the art of travelling, chicago, and the grace of good friends

I'm just musing on this now, but I'm glad I went to Chicago, and not just because I got to hang out with Toni and meet narie (though not meet with her for as long as we both would have liked, I fear), but because I got to travel. I could feel myself unwinding as the bus took me farther and farther away - on the road again, with my books and music to keep me company and the promise of friends in a new place at the end. I never realise how much I miss the simple act of going somewhere until I haven't done it in a while - it does the heart good to move forward.

And of course, Chicago was wonderful. I had forgotten what a big city was like, and downtown was beautiful, all skyscrapers and white lights and people. I ate spicy food all week and went to the aquarium and the Smart museum and the Oriental Institute. Toni and I watched nearly all the Methos episodes of Highlander and I rediscovered my love for the Really Old Guy. (Mi casa es su casa!)

Came back and had a lovely tipsy Fannish Night with the_acrobat, where we weren't so much fannish as just talkative and drinking. And I got to have a meal with Ann and Charlie the Sunday after, which is always a good thing.

Right now, I'm somewhat well-prepared for my Old Icelandic quiz, though I haven't done any of the translation for today, and looking forward to both breakfast in a couple of hours with the_acrobat and her guest and amai's coming visit. And I'm missing alimaaneal, bejiin and narnia_girl right now, but I love all of you, and it's going to be a beautiful day.