I'm back.

I'll write more later (I'm supposed to be doing a Sunday School lesson, on one of the Minor Prophets that I know little about, and about whom there's not a whole lot of commentary on the web).

The trip was generally pretty good. I didn't have any hecklers - actually, didn't really get any questions. I don't know if that was because my talk was clear or if people just weren't that interested in the topic.

I am reminded of why I don't live in a big city. True, there are a lot of cultural opportunities, but there are just too many people in too large groups. And too many people who are doing the "La, la, la, I am the only one that matters" thing. (Seriously. Chicago - you need to talk to your residents about behavior in lines. "No Cuts" is as good a rule when you are over 10 as it is when you are under 10.)

I did get out and do a few things - went to the Field Museum Monday afternoon (and got totally poured on coming back; a thunderstorm came out of nowhere and I had walked there from my hotel). Spent part of Tuesday afternoon just wandering around the Loop - walked up as far as Wacker on Michigan and then went into the Macy's-that-used-to-be-Marshall-Field's on the way back. Was shocked and dismayed at both the styles and the prices of the clothes. (Hint: brace yourselves for a 70s resurgence, and not necessarily in a good way). Bought some stuff at the Chicago Architecture Institute (or whatever it's called). Realized too late that Tuesdays were a "free" day at the Art Institute.

It took me a good day to readjust to being in crowds that large. I felt very much like the Country Mouse at first, and felt very threatened by the sheer mass of humanity. It wore off after a little while, but I still think I prefer living in a lower-density area.

Bought a lot of books, and unlike the mistakes I made in the past, I arranged to have them delivered through the mail rather than requesting the display copy "so I can read it on the way back." (which never actually happens). Got some free junk from places, mostly pens, but a few cooler items. Ate a cracker with Vegemite that the lady from CSIRO was handing out as an enticement to visit her booth (CSIRO is the Australian agriculture/botany agency).

Went to - oh gosh, was it called Moonstruck? A chocolate cafe. But didn't eat chocolate - got an iced chai because it was hot and I had been walking and I mainly needed to sit for a while. (But the chai was good too).

Saw the "Bean," but just from a distance - by that time on Tuesday it was threatening rain and I didn't want to get soaked again.

The Chicago River, I'm sorry to report, makes parts of the Loop smell like poo, at least on a warm summer day.

Heard a lot of talks - saw more people than I realized I knew there. Have a few research/resource ideas I'm thinking about.

Not looking forward to getting my Mastercard bill for this month.