a weekend in the city

First, I am so sad to report that the summer is coming to a close. I can't even believe that I've had almost 3 months off, and let's just say, it's been wonderful. So to end the summer with a bang, I hopped on a plane and spent the weekend in the Windy City.

I love Chicago. I have such great memories of growing up outside of Chicago as a child, and then returning time and time again. Strangely, it's in Chicago that I feel most metropolitan, not New York. I love Chicago because it's so accessible. You really have to be quite deft to not be able to navigate that city and appreciate its charm and character.

And instead of boring you with a play-by-play of my weekend (unless you really want one), here are a few things that stick out to me:

01. I'm so impressed with business men (and women) who read for pleasure. I love nothing more than sitting in an airport with an exec. next to me with a good piece of literature.

02. Catching up with old friends is the best. I had a delightful 2 hour lunch (deep dish pizza!) with a high school friend I hadn't seen in forever. I love friendships that transcend time, and although there was a lot of time rehashing some high school memories, I'm glad to be back in her life and abreast of what's new in her life. She's also the pinnacle of posh in my world right now, since she lives in downtown Chicago, in a high-rise condo with a door man and takes cabs everywhere.

03. Nothing is better than a hospitable hostess. My post-college friend that I stayed with and visited lives in the most quaint and charming part of Winnetka, IL anyone could ask for. She lives above some shops, is a 3 minute walk from the Metra, and was so accommodating. I love a hostess who offers her bed to you (in the only air conditioned room in the house) and sleeps on her own couch. And who gives you a free Metra ticket. And who gives up a weekend to hang out with you!

04. I love a museum. What I don't love is having to pay for a museum. Maybe I'm spoiled because DC's museums are all free -- and the Cleveland Museum of Art is free, but at $15 a pop, the two museums I visited were expensive. But I loved them, and would gladly pay that price again.

05. Really, I travel to eat. And Chicago deep dish pizza never disappoints. Period.

06. While I love to travel, I'm really a home-body. I have no interest in staying out late anymore, and I love getting home after a trip, even if it's only a few days.