i'm sitting in chicago public library...

using the tasty free wifi!

the hostel where i'm staying is only half a block from here, so i think i'm going to be spending a good deal of time here. there's wifi at the conference, but apparently it's going to cost $25 for access for the week. i'm definitely taking advantage of the free stuff when i can!

so far my trip has been pleasant. the flight was without incident, and i managed to get to the hostel without too much trouble.i considered using the shuttle service from o'hare, but it costs $24 one way and the guy manning the ticket booth had no idea what i was talking about when i told him i was going to the international youth hostel. soo... i took the train instead. major plus there, cuz it's cheap and pretty direct. not door-to-door but i like to walk anyway.

i've been playing "spot the librarian" all day to keep myself amused. on my walk from the train to the hostel i discovered that one of my fellow passengers was going to the hostel as well, and he's also here for ala. it appears to be a small town, this week.

so now i'm sitting in this lovely library wasting time. i was trying to find directions to the various hotels involved in this conference, but it's making my brain hurt. i think i'll just make like a lemming and follow the herd.

anyway, since i'm not so good at scheduling my own time, i'm sure tomorrow will be even more interesting, what with the conference starting and all...

more updates later!