In a couple of days I will be moving out of the childhood bedroom that I grew up in and have been calling home for the past few days.  I’ve managed to have every food that I craved for the last year while living and traveling in Asia.  I have caught up with friends I hadn’t seen in a while, met new friends and have had a chance to spend quality time with the family.  I have been here for exactly a week today and I have just barely gotten over the jet lag that left me in a foggy stupor most of the time.  I have been running around your fair streets armed with my camera and transit card and have been thoroughly enjoying my city like a tourist.  There is no place quite like you in the spring.  I have been all over the place meeting friends for coffee,  lunches and dinners.  I have felt like the luckiest guy in the world seeing so many smiling faces, and it’s exactly those memories that will make the hardships of life on the road a little more bearable as we embark on our new adventure next week.  Thanks to all my family and friends who have made this week one of the best weeks ever.  Chicago, thanks for your hospitality! See you soon!

Love,
Freddie