yeah, but did tom sawyer ever look this clean?

Ethan, Papa and I drove to Chicago and back home all in one day. The occasion was an appointment at the French consulate where we sought our student visas. We had a delectable Italian lunch at Pizano's, which Ethan and I had discovered with Colin last June. The prices have increased by about $5 per bowl of pasta, and the portions have been halved, but it was still so worth it, we all agreed.

I really can't bear being a tourist in Chicago. It still feels so homey and natural to me to be there. A text message exchange with Spencer, a phone call to Laura, and an invitation from Nancy to stay in her brand new condo downtown at the corner of State and Randolph inspired me to use my credit with Southwest to fly back before I leave for France September 2. Turns out that I'll have some time off while Kai and Amélie are vacationing at the beach, so I can make a long weekend of the whole thing.