Hello Chicago, goodbye Chicago

This morning's determination to finish an annotated bibliography (plus the fact that I didn't think to look indoors on such a glorious day) meant I missed out on a coffee with the others.

I spent much of today walking. I walked leisurely past people hurrying around and watched them carrying briefcases, suitcases, 'cello cases, tennis racquets, clipboards; every now and then there was someone who had nothing to carry and held out an empty hand hoping for small change (no pun intended.) A lot more people begging on the streets this year; were they not here or did I not notice them before?

Performed my annual pilgrimage to Anish Kapoor's "cloud gate" in Millennium Park, an extraordinarily beautiful sculpture ceaselessly offering up a snapshot of the here and now. I stood opposite it and there I was, clad in white with my bright pink scarf, reflected in the middle of this spectacular piece of art and feeling I have finally arrived. After a while I moved back and sat at the middle of the 20-metre-long table (my guess - I counted 13 benches on either side.)

Sat there for quite some time looking, noticing, writing... My thoughts were circling around the excited shouts and yells of fun-having people in the crowd, as well as the extraordinarily tall and ornate buildings all around us. Savouring my moment of calm contentment, I could not help wondering what it might be that drives people to scream, shout, erect even taller and more impressive buildings, or otherwise engage in spectacular, if unnecessary, acts that earn them acknowledgement from others.

I braved the shopping district for the first time this year, intending to get my girls something more exciting than what airport shops offer. On the way back I walked magnificent miles (unintentionally; will take map next time) then enjoyed a meal with Jane, debating the rationale behind inclusion for all. Early night now, as Jane, Laurinda, Viv and I plan to catch the early morning train to Urbana-Champaign.