Home Report

It's around 2:40 a.m., and for the first time since arriving, I can't sleep. This probably has something to do with the fact that I had two margaritas at dinner. I don't drink. And when I do, my body responds accordingly. So, here I sit adding a blog entry to PTT.

My trip home was originally to end on July 25th. But I realized a few days ago I wanted to stay longer. I miss Chicago - my friends, the house, Walgreen's... I shared my enthusiasm to be home with someone in Paris via email. What I received back was an interesting take on my happiness and one that made me assess just where things stand with France.

Someone in Paris told me "I didn't adapt and that I don't admire Europe for the reasons I should... because my education and culture are too different and that the more complex profile of people are too much for me." All this from me stating, "I love being back home and that I miss it dearly."

I'm not quite sure what lies at the heart of this response. Sure, I'll be the first to admit I'm not a fan of museums. But my education surely allows me to appreciate European culture and the supposed complex people who walk the streets of Paris.

Our main purpose of moving to overseas was to travel and experience new things. We determined this was the best course of action considering I don't like to fly. And so far, we've maintained a consistent flow of acquiring air miles with visits to Spain, the UK, Sweden, Austria and Italy with upcoming visits to Germany, Russia and Portugal.

So, I'll continue to enjoy myself in Chicago for another 10 days. The Gay Games finish on Saturday with a closing party at the beautiful Aragon ballroom. I'll see movies with friends. I'll eat Mexican. I'll visit Walgreen's five or six more times. And while I do, I'll appreciate the fact that no adaption is required - because I'm home.