I know I’m already back in Boston, and I’m behind, but I want to take my time with the Day 30 entry. More words than photos to put up here. And hopefully, a way to buy prints of anything I’ve shot in the last 30 days, should you be so inclined.

Over the course of the trip, I missed out on some major events because of the schedule I’d made. I would’ve loved to have been in California when the DOMA/Prop8 rulings happened, or Minneapolis during Pride. I did, however, get to be in Chicago for the Blackhawks rally. Kinda wish I had a Bruins shirt to wear, though.

I stopped for some coffee at Intelligentsia. You can’t charge $2.75 for a macaron if you don’t spell it correctly.

Still bought one.

I walked mostly aimlessly through the city, taking in the architecture and people. I like your shapes, Chicago. Also, your men in suits.

I attempted to go to the Doughnut Vault, which was sadly sold out by the time I got there.

I needed a nap before going out for dinner at Little Goat. So delicious, and there’s nothing I love more than a diner. Milkshakes and cheesy grits.

I heard a concert going on, and stumbled toward what apparently was a giant block party.

With Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

And a whole lot of Miller Lite. I wouldn’t kiss him, lady.

SOMEONE NEEDS TO CARRY ME.

I’d intended to get a good chunk of driving back to Boston done Saturday, but I ended up with other plans. I stopped at Do-Rite doughnuts, then walked back to the Doughnut Vault to wait in line. Do not feel bad about holding a bag of doughnuts while in line for doughnuts. Not one bit. I got there about 10 minutes before they opened, and there was already probably about 30 people in line. Totally worth it.

I got to watch a Mercedes commercial being shot.

I checked out of the hostel, got my car, and drove toward Uptown. Stopped at Hot Doug’s for lunch at a friend’s recommendation. Another line to wait in. Again, totally worth it.

I was meeting a photographer to shoot, and wandered around her neighborhood a little before. So many stunningly gorgeous old theater buildings.

A last food stop at Kuma’s Corner, before starting the drive.

I’m surprised by how much I like Chicago. Like, could-live-here like. It feels bigger than Boston, but not as big as NY. Hm.

I made it to Toledo before I thought sleep might be necessary.