Minnesota diaries - day 2
Actually I have no mood to write this part. Feeling too lazy.
But as I had already mentioned about it in the earlier post, I can't run away from the responsibility of giving my readers the updates about my 'oh-not-so-boring' life !! (yawn ....)
The second day was marked with a bad start. People were struggling with hangovers. Not that I minded a late start to the day with an already long previous night and very little sleep.
So as planned we reluctantly started off towards 'River Wild State Park' to watch fall colors, with a rented car and the car stereo. This was the first time that I saw use of the GPS application for directions. I don't know if I liked it or not. I am more of let's explore and find our way types, when it comes to such expeditions. But in the lands of the organized and meticulous planners, this thing is a must. May be its good to have some sort of guide in the unfamiliar terrain. Not that the GPS thing was a great help!! Thankfully (for me) and disdainfully (for others) it could not recognize the start address. But like in India, we had a chalta firta guide on roads and freeways friend. We did make it without any hiccups. For our surprise (in that sleepless state nothing could really shock us!!) the fall colors were no where to be seen. Only barren trees and their leaves on the grounds, waiting for the winds to sweep them away. The team of 5 got separated in 2. 3 of us (who were proved not so smart enough, me not included, of course !!!) went in for canoeing in the st. croix river. I and another friend opted for exploring the woods.
It turned out that the canoeing team had a really tough time, as they had to row against the winds while going up and row against the river flow while going down. The 2 hours when these people were inside the waters, we took a long 5 mile walk in the jungles. We visited the small museum, 'the visitor center'. There was loads of useful info about wild flaura and fauna. The concept of 'an alien species' specially amused me. After reading the definition (I don't remember it word by word though) I actually started feeling comfortable. I constantly had this out of place or somehow I don't belong here feeling, from the moment I landed in this country. I would feel weird at the use of the word 'Alien' on every official document I filled up here. Were not Aliens just Sigourney Weaver movies or the enemies from Independence Day who threatened our planet? Anywho the denial of accepting the fact of being a foreigner finally ended in the small museum in the woods.
After this enlightening self acceptance, I prompted to take a way which seemed closer. Not that we had a map of the woods or anything. You don't get 100 points for guessing that it was a Wrong Turn. Well, I also have this instinctive quality of confidently suggesting a wrong way. But in self defense I would say, it makes the journey meaningful, longer and more meaningful (with the way I get cursed for being such a dodo, it sure sounds meaningful !!)
Anyways, we found a kind enough American couple who gave us their used map, after we gave in the fact of being officially LOST. We were not in such a bad position after all. We found a shorter route along the river stream (just 3 miles you see) which would take us to the canoeing team. On my way, I collected some interesting foliage. I wish I had the craft books we used to have in schools, to paste the evidence of my trip, right away.
The river stream made us so cheerful that we totally forgot the fact that the canoeing outing was a disaster for the other team. The journey back was not so great for the friend who was driving, as we conveniently dozed off in the back seats.
In the evening we went to St. Paul Cathedral (Minneapolis and St. Paul form the twin cities and the capital of Minnesota). We reached in time for mass. End to the day could not have been more peaceful. The cathedral had this calming and soothing quality about it. Its spectacular interiors did take my breath away for a while! After that we went to St. Paul Capitol Hill. Another beautiful monument, full of roman architecture. After posing for some tired snaps, the day finally ended. Oh I forgot the dinner at the Chinese joint. It was amazing as well. Specially, the way the cook made the chicken fried rice really spicy to make sure that the toilets will remain clogged for the next 2 days !!!! No kidding, it was so spicy that, we wasted it thinking good about the toilets.
Anyways, my trip ended there. A 2 day break from god knows what. But a trip makes you think about small things in life. Things which you normally leave unnoticed. The many facts about yourself and your daily lives. It lets you unwind. So do plan something the next time you get a chance. Its a nice way to indulge.
nightflier :)