lenina: actually, I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Chicago. It may be my avorite city at this point. But, your point is well taken and I am indeed looking forward to living in a country that has an existing welfare state, health care, affordable education, gun control, etc. (and whose citizens do not mind paying more taxes to enjoy all these things, something US citizens never seem willing to do–a refreshingly un-selfish country, thus). Also, we will in fact at least geologically live in the same country, as Nova Scotia used to be connected to Scotland (which is why esp. Cape Breton looks like the Scottish Highlands).

anaj: I’ll be starting relatively soon: July 1. So, I have to hurry to get my affairs in order here in Chicago and then begin preparing for the big move. At this point I’m thinking with the help of two mules named Abercrombie and Fitch, much like Steinbeck (and unlike the racist clothing company of the same name).

A bit like moving from England to Scotland, where England kinda sucks and Scotland is the independent, proud, ‘alternative’ country.