The Wonderful World of MorPRi

I didn't go to Chicago to see Oprah.

I am in love with spontaneous trips. No doubt you've already figured that out. There are a great many vacations I have planned in the back of my mind labeled "someday" such as my Disney cruise, Mediterranean cruise, excursions to Europe, and such. But in the mean time, there is no better holiday from life than taking a holiday. Especially when your holiday means visiting good friends.

PRi, John, and I are back in Edmonton after a fantastic jaunt to see Jo and Eric. Spontaneously I booked this trip (though it has been in the "someday" pile since Jo and Eric left....), and I am so glad I was able to go, even for a short visit. Chicago is a beautiful city, and although we didn't see most of the dodgier places, even downtown was clean...and gorgeous. But I didn't go for the sights. I didn't even go for the food (mmmm...Portillos, Potbelly's, Lou Malnatis', TGIFriday's, Benihana's, etc...). I went for friends. Because I have never been to Chicago, I was given the task of deciding what to do or where to go, and I'm a terrible decision maker. But in the end, all that really mattered was the time I spent with the people I care about. It didn't matter if we were in a cab with a lost cabbie, circling the mall parking lot, talking like Ferbies, at a backyard bonfire (ohhhh....), listening to Balafon, driving on LSD, on top of the world, shark watching, or lownjing on a love sac. The most important thing was the time we shared together. Thanks Jo and Eric for putting up with us....and chauffeuring us around, and playing "tour guide".

While walking through the phenomenal campus of Northwestern, John asked me how I was doing. "I'm at peace with the world". That's the first answer that popped into my head. That's the first answer in my heart. Being far away from most of the stress in my life, and enjoying the company I was with was doing wonders for my mind and soul. If I could stop time, this would have been one of those moments. There are others of course.....but those are long stories....

The unfortunate part of any vacation is saying goodbye. I don't like goodbyes. Eric asked me why we waited so long to all see each other again. I don't know. But let's not wait so long next time.

posted by MorPRi @ 8:23 PM