It occurred to me recently that:
- It had been over a year since I'd taken a proper vacation.
- I have a fake job and can work anywhere in the world, provided I have access to the internet.
- It is and will remain over 110°F in Las Vegas for the next few months.
I am many things, but I am not one to look a gift epiphany in the mouth. So it came to be decided I should spend a couple weeks in Chicago, catching up with friends, family, animals, ghosts, criminals, and museums in the area.
I generally pack lightly. A single change of clothes and a couple pairs of socks will suffice for any length of travel. But given a pack of cigarettes costs over $8 in Chicago, I had to pack a little extra.