Journey: Exploration MinneApple
Notable Cities: Minneapolis
Total Miles Driven: 1775.4
Kate Gosslin Hair Count: 9
Pre-Thought: If there is one thing I’ve taken away from my time in Minneapolis it’s that the stereotype East Coast girls have about Midwestern boys is insurmountably true. Do the girls of Minneapolis know they have a surplus of adorable boys who seem genuinely sweet and kind? Do they appreciate it? If not, I think it’s only fair that a good chunk of them are shipped eastward.
Having a friend who really feels a passionate kinship with the city really helped me love Minneapolis. I feel like I saw the entirety of the city in one day, and while exhausting, it was the most fun I had all trip.
We started our exploration of Minneapolis with the Mall of America, naturally. This was of course where the most Kate Gosslin ‘dos were noted, as well as an uncomfortable amount of fanny packs (re: bum bags). I’m sure everyone knows about the Mall of America and how it has an amusement park inside it, but allow me to reiterate: THERE. IS. AN. AMUSEMENT. PARK. IN. THE. MALL. Let that resonate. Just…what?! I am never one to complain about physics-defying rides, and took this prime opportunity to visit Paul Bunion on the log flume and ride at a 90 degree angle from the ground straight upwards into the sky.
Then came the most daring activity in which I have ever partaken. Four words: Deep fried cheese curds. When I was told I needed to try cheese curds, I brushed it off explaining that I have had many a curd from Vermont, but then the kicker was dropped in; they are fried. Oh dear sweet Jesus, please help me get through this most difficult task with which you present.
I will never be able to eloquently describe the warmth, the gooiness, the sharpness, the pure unadulterated joy that came with deep fried cheese curds. I will not even attempt.
Leaving the scrappy remnants of delicious unhealth behind, Emily and I headed off to our next destination: the Guthrie Theatre. I was shocked at how empty this beautiful building was. I get that there was no show at the moment, but the view from the Amber Room and the Never Ending (?) Bridge was magnificent. The hallway leading to the bridge was lined with shelves of mirrors, reflecting upside-down and backwards images of the Mississippi River and Minneapolis skyline. One woman we met had a layover on her way to Vegas, but missed her connecting flight giving her five hours to kill, and rather than staying in the airport she went to the Guthrie. This woman had it right. While you may never have a reason to go to Minneapolis, if you find yourself there with a few extra hours, do as she did and at least go to Guthrie to see the city. It’s worth it. Promise.
While Emily had rehearsal for a play she’s directing for the Minneapolis Fringe Festival, I sat by one of the many lakes, people watching and enjoying the perfect weather. Everyone around me seemed so content with their lives, so at peace, and genuinely happy. Now, I’m sure with winter, the moods change, but at that moment, where I was, it seemed perfect. A perfect city. One block from where I sat under trees watching sailors in the lake was a bustling city street reminiscent of the East Village. What more could one ask for? I have an idea. Let’s take Minneapolis and put it in a climate controlled Bio Dome so everyday was like this one. Life would be flawless.
The night ended on a great note once again, starting with outdoor seating at a dessert bar and finalizing with a quintessential Woody Allen film about the cynicism of New Yorkers and how it affects those from simpler lands. Ironic? Maybe. Paralleled? Definitely.
