City of the Big Shoulders
I woke up at five this morning to miss the first train of the day. Hauled my monstrous backpack on and off a few modes of transportation, and somehow I'm suddenly back in Illinois. A funny thing occurred to me on the train to the airport: when I was a little kid and lived across the street from Hayley, my hostess, I'd been too nervous to leave home long enough to spend the night at her house. Today, I've set off across 2,000 miles for basically no reason and with little planned other than the parameter that my stay will last a hefty two weeks here at her apartment.Touching the ground in Illinois again after fourteen years was a bit of a thrill. I don't recognize the big city, of course - not like I'll remember odd details of the suburbs when I make a day trip out there later in the week. But there is something wonderful about this place. The buildings are so proud and dramatic, the trees actually shade the sidewalk, and everything has a mild aura of ceremonial importance.
Of course, since I woke up at five this morning, thus far I've only had energy for the ceremonial importance of a rawther imposing turtle sundae.
posted by Leah @ 9:45 PM
2 Comments:
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To me, it's always been bizarre and surreal to wake up and get dressed in one town, hop on a plane, and undress and fall asleep thousands of miles away from where you started that morning.
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