i'm writing from a hotel in chicago

chicago, day 1

feb. 17th

so much to see. so many thoughts, reactions. so much - as sufjan astutely observes - that is based on things that will not last. temporal values, temporal fixes
temporal happiness?
i think it's safe to say (in my perception) that people here are less friendly (in that good ol' canadian way) and look at you less. maybe it's being a 'tourist', something temporary myself. fleeting. in and out, like a gust of wind that blows through this windy city, past your hair and your teeth and your fingertips and feet.
i've only traveled an hour away (time difference-ally) and i'm experiencing a mild culture shock! what the heck!
i'm just so used to my own surroundings - i really haven't traveled much. this inspires me, this seeing of chicago, to travel more, to experience more! and in a sense, experience less. the first time for anything is always wild.
thank you, O God! for experiences, for diversity, for brokenness (though painful), in us humans. from what i've seen so far, chicago is real artsy - music and visual art and poetry abound plentifully - and there is a real desire to express experiences, observations, emotions and perceptions.
the buildings are tall and the asphalt paves the paths. i haven't seen many pigeons, but i tried chicago-style pizza, which (surprisingly) consisted mostly of 2 inches of mozzarella cheese. the men are cute and i think chicago seems like it would be a lovely place to be in love.