And so, I answered the age-old question, "if you live in an world class vacation spot, where do you go on vacation?" in my own way. I took a week off and headed up north to be with some on my best friends in my favorite city, Chicago.
We visited Chinatown, which was heavily Cantonese, to my surprise, and I made Kimmy try some Bed Bean moon cakes, Baozi, and taught her a few Chinese words. It was a crazy step back in time, and, for the first time since being back in the States, I really missed my comrades from my Chinese adventure.
We had sushi as well to celebrate my coming adventure in Japan. We saw a concert at Millennium Park under the stars, with homemade sangria in our red plastic cups. We went shopping, had a few fun nights out, saw my FAVORITE cover band perform (Mike and Joe!), and saw a few movies (which are more than half the price of those in Miami!). I was lucky enough to have lunch my favorite Mexican restaurant with my cooperating teacher from my time at Saucedo, and catch up with her two beautiful kids as well.
It's funny how time passes, but somethings don't change. I feel like I've changed worlds in the past year, yet not at all. Chicago was absolutely wonderful, and my whole being wanted to move up there and start the rest of my life immediately. However, I know that another year will do me good in the travel arena. Until then, these memories will hold me over until I move back next August!
OH! I purchased my ticket to Tokyo. Official Departure Date: September 23!
