Friday, September 21, 2012

20/09/12: Minneapolis

A long run today and an alcohol-fuelled post, this one…

It was an achingly early start (out of bed at quarter to six), but before talking about the day, we had dinner last night at Carsons - famous in Chicago for their Ribs and then took in the Sears (now WIllis) Tower…currently the tallest in the US:
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…and yes, the glass floor is unsettling.

Today took us from the edge of the East Coast regions into the Upper Mid-West, otherwise known as the Great Plains. We started in Illinois, crossed Wisconsin and finished the day – wearily -  in Minnesota, where we spend tonite and tomorrow night.

The countryside is rolling – browning out due to the change of season. Probably the nearest equivalent we can relate to is the Darling Downs. There is corn and improved pastures everywhere. In Europe you can navigate from town to town by the church spires; here you see the next town by its water and mobile phone towers. Houses in suburbia seems strangely uniform, which seems at odds with the American ideal of individualism.

Unlike Australia, there are surprisingly few KFC and Pizza Hut stores. Plenty of other diners and shops selling the same stuff, though. And yes, we are getting weary of burgers and sandwiches.

Along the way we had a ride in one of these (ours was built in 1942 – 70 years old!), down the Wisconsin River:
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Along the way there were some “only in America” sights:
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Finally we made it into Minneapolis:
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The last photo shows the covered walkways that help the locals get around in winter…to avoid the snow and cold.

Tomorrow brings a tour of the city and some hard-core shopping at the Mall of America before hopping on board a paddle steamer for a dinner cruise down the Mississippi. Don't expect a post tomorrow night though- it's bound be a late one.

4 comments:

  1. If you're still in Minneapolis when you read this...and you get some spare time...pop into "Merlin's"...it's an Irish Bar owned by a mate of mine...Bill Watkins. Bill is also a writer...he wrote a trilogy autobiography of his life "A Celtic Childhood", "Once and Future Celt" and "Scotland Is Not for the Squeamish"....say "G'day" to him for me...he's a terrific fellow! A wild Celt!

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  2. Either the guide mentioned Merlins or we saw it in passing last night. Sadly, we will not be able to call in. We've just had dinnner (by boat on the Mississippi), and we have an early start for Pierre, South Dakota.

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  3. http://merlinsrest.com/

    Bill said he was sorry that y'all didn't meet...never mind. the above site is about his place...that's him in the kilt. Take care...keeping enjoying your trip...you sure are on the move.

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