Midsummer Random: 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

On the Road Again; December 30, 2011

So the longest leg of our journey I predict will be this one, where we have to get through the entire expanse that is Kansas. I have been surprised though at the few patches of green and snow still de-thawing on the ground. I do find it disturbing that there are so many cattle farms and right outside are signs saying “beef-it’s what’s for dinner.” I find that morbid and depressing. It’s like saying here are the cute little baby calves and the cows chewing happily on grass and then shortly we will butcher this animal and fry him up for you to enjoy a nice beef steak. Of course, it’s things like this that point out why I don’t eat meat anymore. Passing oil rigs upon oil rigs and various wind turbine farms littered throughout and stopping briefly to fill up in Ellis, where they have a Dairy Queen Playland! I have never heard of such a thing!! If it’s a new thing, they shouldn’t try to market it in Kansas, there is nothing here but flat plains. We did see an advertisement for a trucker diner that has breakfast 24/7 for only $4.99. Also, the speed limit is 75 mph!! I guess they all want us out of here as fast as we do. Cannot believe I have family here. Never met them though….maybe that’s why. Our next stop is Denver, which I am most looking forward to!! Plus we got a very nice hotel for only $37 on Hotwire.com. I have a love affair with Hotwire. You truly can get some great things on there. It’s also interesting how the sun doesn’t set until 545 pm here and it was completely pitch black before 430 pm on the road yesterday. Flat plains for you. Indeed. When we finally reached the Colorado state line, we decided it was time to eat. Not wanting to stop and sit for a long time, we decided upon Burger King. I know, normally not the best idea. However, this one had veggie burgers!! So they fixed me up a veggie Whopper and man it was the best thing I have ever eaten at a Burger King. Daniel ordered chicken fries and didn’t seem too pleased. It’s amazing really, how we didn’t cross ONE SINGLE police officer in the entire state of Kansas, but as soon as we crossed over into Colorado, we saw TWO within 5 minutes. Crazy. Only took us 2 hours to reach our final destination for the night, Aurora, CO.

Kansas City, MO; December 29–30, 2011

We drove into both Kansas City in Missouri and in Kansas. The Missouri side is better hands down. So much more to do. I still am not sure what is on the Kansas side. A conundrum indeed. This is where we decided to park down for the night after a very long day of driving, after getting taco bell (of course). We woke up the next morning around 6 am to get ready for the day. First we stopped in Panera to grab a cinnamon crunch bagel with hazelnut spread and coffee (much much needed coffee). Planning out our day and seeing where we stood on budget, it was a successful breakfast! In the courtyard next to where we ate were some miniatures of houses, lunar modules, fire trucks et cetera. There was also a very large replica of a drum from ‘drummer boy’ I am assuming. Across the street was the Crown Center which housed shops from Bath and Body works to a gallery to a Crayola café and shop. This is also where I got the pleasure of seeing “A Streetcar Named Desire.” From here, we hopped in the car to drive a little over a mile to the American Jazz Museum. This was very enjoyable to walk and listen our way through the birthplace of jazz and to see the likes of one of Ella Fitzgerald’s dresses and Louis Armstrong’s trumpet. Across the street from the duo museum is the Gem theater, a true classic on 18^th and Vine. From here, we ventured to the WWI Memorial next to the Kansas Federal Reserve (where the occupy Kansas movement resides currently). Without paying entrance, we were able to see the monument and a nice panorama of the city. I love how the Kansas City Performing Arts Center is very reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House in Australia. At least from the back (unfortunately I don’t have a good picture from the back of this building). Time for food, we decided to try and find Papa Bob’s BBQ. When we did, we were sad to find it closed for the holiday. Just driving a little back, we found a hole in the wall BBQ place called Mr. Epp’s. Inside this two man operation was a lovely white-board menu and a wrestling match on TV. Daniel ordered the burnt ends sandwich and fries, while I had a medley of onion rings, cole slaw and potato salad with a water bottle from a company called Ozarka (no lie). It was heavenly. Hole in the wall, dingy places often have the best food I have come to find. The more locals the better, the longer the line the better.

Louis Armstrong’s Trumpet

Inside the American Jazz Museum (found out after went through that weren’t allowed to have my camera!!, oops)

The Gem Theater

WWI Museum

Kansas City Skyline

Plaque of the Liberty Memorial

On the Road; December 29, 2011

Off the same exit on I-70, we were able to see Nostalgia Station (unfortunately it was closed) and Ozarkland. Yes, Ozark-LAND. They sell everything from play whips Indiana-Jones style, toy bow and arrows, fireworks, moccasins, and plenty of little extra items from cedar boxes to fudge. It’s a nice pit stop, especially since I am not the type to enjoy long car rides.

Nostalgia Station

Took this one because my dad loves loves loves Mustangs.

Ozarkland!!!!

St. Louis; December 29, 2011

I have been to St. Louis once before, but this was Daniel’s first time. We arrived around noon from Louisville. First we had to eat lunch, so we stopped in at Iron Barley, where Daniel tried the famous Monte Cristo hot dog and I had a Veggie Ruben sandwich and red potato salad. Believe me when I say it was heavenly. Then we made a pit stop at the Crown Candy store/restaurant where we proceeded to wait in line for about 45 minutes outside. Thankfully, we were already prepared because of the Travel Channel. Also a good thing to travel in a small group of two because we got to cut in front of about 20 people to sit down. They not only make and sell their own candy, but have wonderful Malt shakes. We split a chocolate-cherry malt, which comes in the old-fashioned metal pint glass (equivalent to about 3 milk shake glasses at most). Glad we didn’t get two. It actually had cherry chunks!! For me, it was one of the best shakes I have ever had. Then we drove to see the Arch by the waterfront. Tip: don’t pay $6 for parking, if you are willing to walk a couple blocks you can park free. Then we walked all the way to Union Station (about 17 blocks), stopping in briefly at the sculpture park. Yes, you can actually step into the fallen head statue. After all of the walking and sleep deprivation, it is needless to say we were ready to move on.

St. Louis Arch: Look how it bends!! Trippy….

Crown Candy Kitchen with the delicious malts!!

City Hall

Sculpture Park Area

Another shot of the arch from the side. That’s Daniel on the far side.

Pinocchio I am assuming

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Road Trip

we are officially on our way. we spent two nights in louisville with my parents doing some shopping at trader joes, sams club and whole foods to gear up. unfortunately our car is about at capacity with food, us and our clothes. at least we can replace the food with souveniers we acquire. leaving louisville we hit a small detour that took is the worng side of indiana but we were shortly on track. as of now, we are just crossing over into illinois.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Anniversary Road Trip

Just found out that for our 4 year anniversary, D and I will be venturing out west to the likes of old Route 66, finally making our endpoint in Las Vegas. This trip will require two legs of the journey, one north and one south. I certainly cannot wait to see abandoned ghost towns, the Strip, and the flatness of the Midwest.

Leg One (North Route to Las Vegas):