When we were in Vermont, Rowan purchased a book to collect Capital stamps.
Each time we visit a state capital, we (try) to get to the Capital building. Rowan politely goes to the point where she can get the stamp, requests, and they stamp and date the book on the appropriate page. Each page contains a little bit of information about the state, and the building. Vermont was cool, with the Sergeant at Arms administering the stamp. He made a complete ceremony of it, and was very nice. I believe I posted a pic on the Vermont pics post.
Laura reminded me that St. Paul is the capital of Minnesota.
So, when we FINALLY hit the road after acquiring the coolant cap, we stopped at a small café, the Sojourner. Needed lunch, and hoped they would offer some food. Unfortunately, not really, but their drinks were decent enough. We took a few minutes, and chatted up the barista.
Sojourner is a Christian Café, staffed entirely by Volunteers from assorted churches and Christian associations. Chick was our host; the car parked outside suggested he is the St. Paul Police Chaplain. The drink prices are suggested donations; if you don’t have the full amount, pay what you can, or pay when you can. I believe (not sure) the funds are used to keep up the café. The ambiance is nice: wood walls, nice wooden chairs with composite tables. A few steps above the main room is a room with French doors, used for prayer meetings, other church-related meetings, and soon to host a book club. The Sojourner Faves (specialty drinks) are each named for a person or place in the Bible.
I think Sean would like it.
Get gas, hit road. Oh, wait–capital!
So, with Rowan protesting that we didn’t have to do this, we got off the highway and located the Capital building. Funny how many capitals are located on or near MLK Drive/Avenue/Boulevard. The woman Volunteer at the Visitor’s desk happily stamped Rowan’s book for her. One of the interesting things here, aside from, the House and Senate, is that the chandelier was taken down for cleaning, last year, and still sits in a large plywood crate at the end of the north (I think) hall, complete with viewing window! It hasn’t been returned to the rotunda, yet, since they discovered water damage there when the chandelier was taken down. Consequently, they are repairing the damage, and the chandelier sits in the hall, awaiting visitors.
Beautiful capital. Thank you.
We decided we didn’t have time to walk the art mall, with sculptures and statuary stretching down the hill from the building.
Back to the highway! Huzzah!
Lurch! STILL RUSH HOUR!
Back off the highway. Not waiting that out, on the road, wasting fuel. Look–Starbucks and Bruegger’s, together!
Grabbed a couple of bagels for tomorrow’s breakfast, and shared a drink at Starbucks. Boys’ night at the coffee shop: the place, inside-and-out, was filled with very nice African men. Everyone knew one another, and groups flowed and eddied like swirls in a stream. Thank you for letting us share your space, gentlemen.
Our Barista is Lauren. We talked of our travels: last year, she went to Craters of the Moon National Park on her way to St. Paul from Seattle. We shared awed and excited remembrances of Yellowstone.
Lauren is traveling to Ecuador for her spring semester. Working on acquiring more Spanish before she leaves. Fair Travels, Lauren! Thank you for everything, from conversation through encouragement to excitement! We loved meeting you–keep in touch–our new friend!
Rush hour over! Huzzah! Again to the road.
Took the state line photo of North Dakota while driving–nowhere to stop! Hello, ND. Stopped for necessaries for Hedwig, then again at a rest area to … rest.
Good night!