Overall sum up

And here i am:
The events of the past few days swimming around my head.
The 5:00 am wake up call, the flight (where i gladly passed out)
arriving at the airport, lots of hugs from uncle.
And the rest, well the rest was amazing. Walking down town chicago, taking pictures of EVERYTHING, a man on the corner of the street playing a saxaphone. People of all different backgrounds walking this way and that. In a place as high paced as this, i found it surprisingly easy to just sit back and take it all in. People, in general. Live thier lives unknowing of the deep force that compells us all to just, enjoy....life. And it's very easy to, in a city like this. The lights, the music, the food, OH MY GOD, THE FOOOOD! *salivating at the thought of everything*
And then theirs the experiences, the stories, the funny facts your grateful to be able to tell.
For instance, we got a free hotel room just because a lady said we "looked like cool people"
We walked a block and went to a live jazz club and listened to a group of guys who lived for music.
To see their passion so plainly written on their faces, was....very inspiring. Made me wanna go all Louie Armstrong on errybody. I think the main thing, when visiting a city your not that familiar with, is to be spontaneous. Get lost, totally throw yourself into this new environment and teach your self to adapt. A boat ride on the river. The huge buidlings with thier arciterctual features.
The art meuseum: PICASSO! And VAN GOUGH!! right in front of me, the original work of thier own hands, these wonderful men that expressed themselves through vibrant color and a different outlook on life. The world is so huge. And ive only been able to explore a small corner of it. But if this proves anything, it's that their is adventure and a place for everyone.

Heres a story:

There was this pigeon.
It followed me for a couple of blocks.
Stopped in the middle of the street and stared at me,
i couldda sworn it was smiling. It started hopping
down this alley,
and something (i donno what)
compelled me to follow it.
So i did.
Who would of known that
it would of led me to something
so inspiring
so deep
so influental
i know i will never view things the same.
Ive seen raw human optimisim.
There in a wheel chair was a man without legs.
Missing teeth, dirty clothes, and a very very strong odor.
And you know what he was doing?
Smiling, he was as happy as could be.
Wishing everyone a wonderful thursday.
He wasnt begging, wasnt looking for a pity party,
he just wanted to tell the world that life is much better appreciated...
when you have nothing at all.
I respect that man.
I wish i would of asked his name.
I'll just call him Mario.
Mario inspired me.
I wish i could be like him,
just.....you know....with legs.
and.....i wish i could appreciate life....knowing that even if i had nothing
at all....i'd still be happy.
Mario in Chicago,
Gratzi!