Wednesday, October 24, 2001

I'm settling back into my regular patterns again after over a week in Chicago working my company's biennial convention. As a native, it was good to be back home after a few years away.

Our boss encouraged us to have a well-rounded experience while we were there, and I did just that. There was plenty of fun to be had. The view of the city skyline from my hotel window was spectacular, probably the best I've ever personally had. Many good restaurants were patronized; I particularly recommend Marché to anyone in the mood for fresh, innovative French fare served in a truly eclectic setting by a funky, knowledgeable and extremely competent staff. I even had fun working the show itself, which seems odd when you consider I had to be up before six each morning for twelve hours on my feet. The camaraderie of good co-workers can do that.

Most importantly, I got to spend a couple of evenings with close friends at the beginning and end of my week there, bookending the experience in a very warm and gratifying way. Beer and pizza the first night, excellent sushi the last, laughs a-plenty both times.

I know now that I've been far too long away from my beloved city. As soon as I can finagle it, I must visit there again and really get to know the place. I left when I was twelve, and other than one glorious summer during college I haven't had nearly as much time there as I would like. From the glimpse I got this week, I'm convinced Chicago will be even more magical and soul-stirring to me as an adult than it was when it first entranced me as a child.

Posted @ 10:36 AM

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