Well, I have been in theory, back for awhile now.

A little over a month since I’ve returned to Togo, and well?

Some things have definitely changed, and others not sooooo much.

Regardless, I’m back to finish off my more recent travels before diving into some good stuff and updates with me and all that nonsense.

I also really need the space in my storage back, because after Apple takes the .99 cents from me, I’m not giving them more, well, I guess until I get my next iPhone, which I’m hoping for in the new year, but a girl can dream.

This summer we departed Togo for a R&R that really seemed in the moment not at all relaxing, but it was very nice to be around family for the time we had.

We ended up staying in a small corner of Illinois, where it looks very different from the rest of the Land of Lincoln. But really, the middle part of Illinois south of Chicago is kind of a corn and soy flat wasteland, until you get to southern Illinois where it begins to get a little hilly again.

And yes, I’m from Illinois, so I ultimately feel I can accurately portray the state that way. It just is what it is.

Speaking of corn, I hope everyone has had the pleasure of seeing the original or some version of the Corn King Tariq, and that you are of course having a corntastic day! Seriously, if you haven’t seen that video, go check it out on Recess Therapy. It’ll make your whole life.

Also, if your corn isn’t knee high by the 4th of July, then you got it bad dude. #cornfed

But I also regret to inform that I do not have a single picture of corn fields in this post.

First stop: Galena

We landed at O’hare after traveling 3 continents in 2 days, and was promptly picked up by my dad to make the 2.5 hour drive west of Chicago to Galena. It was quite the weather shift, as it was seemingly still very much an Illinois Spring at the time, but I cannot say that I wasn’t happy about it. I just want to live in sweaters, all of the time. I will also say that our first stops were Portillos and a Walmart. Now one of those things is mostly a Chicago thing, the other? We just needed charger cables… nonetheless, we made it in later, had a few macarons, and stayed up until a normal bed time to try and game the jet lag. Unsure if it works, but I’ll just believe it does.

It’s a very small town, and I owe it some major justice, but first, the photos:

If you’re headed to Galena: check out Galena Cellars for wine, both the downtown and vineyard locations, Galena Apothecary for the most real life Rose Apothecary experience with curated and beautiful products, and Galena Book and Paper for your book needs!

After spending roughly 3 months there, I have to say it is a very small town. Cute, but I think I spent a lot of time in Dubuque and back and forth to DC, and am very okay being back with my things, even if I’m in Togo.

Chicago:

I love this city. I grew up in the suburbs for a good portion of my life, but went often enough as a kid to really appreciate it. After TFA in Memphis, I moved to Chicago proper for two years, before returning to Memphis. I miss it. I miss public transportation, diversity, the food, and dare I say weather?

Before I get shamed….

We visited my family in the suburbs and attended my cousins college graduation. For a free day exploring because H had never really been, we jump started things off at Lula Cafe in Logan Square for Brunch. IT IS MY FAVORITE PLACE, I would take myself almost every weekend when I lived there for their French toast and to just read. I highly recommend dating yourself sometimes. Then we ventured to Pilsen, and visited the National Museum of Mexican Art, which is free to the public and boasts a collection of very cool pieces, and has a rotating exhibit as well. Both times that I went there this summer, Frida Kalho’s Photo exhibition was there and it was a real treat. Then, we toured the beautiful murals that Pilsen has to offer to show and represent its cultural heritage, and of course got some good food. And while leaving on the L, hands down the coolest L Stop is located there. There are also some Lake Shore photos in there for my readers that have never been.

And there we have it. My small visual roundup of my travels in Illinois this summer. These by no means depict the love I experienced with family, the amazing eats I had along the way when I wasn’t recovering from American food sickness (readjusting is a real thing) trust me. Oh and all the memories, laughs, and cries in between.

But it feels good to be in my bed. Be in a kitchen with my pots and pans. To be around my pets that I missed so dearly.

Even though returning to Togo was sorta tough, I spend my days planning my next adventure and I hope you’ll come along with me.

Always,

Carrie