As soon as I boarded the bus, the adventure began. I immediately met some interesting people to talk to and they shared all kinds of stories with me on the bus trip. One man I met was flying out of Chicago to spend several months living in someone's backyard in Hawaii. He was grateful to me for recommending a hostel near the bus stop in Chicago and both of us shared an UBER to the hostel. At the hostel I met an inspirational woman who despite being homeless several times was full of strength and wisdom. I hope she wins a million dollar lottery someday.
My day in Chicago was fun-filled and that evening I was back at the bus station to take the overnight bus to Minneapolis. Every seat was taken on the bus and I couldn't have met a kinder person to sit next to than a chef named William. It was a 7 hour bus ride and I hardly got any sleep until about an hour into Minneapolis when I managed to fall asleep for just a few short minutes and screamed from a nightmare.
A statue of the famous Mary Tyler Moore in downtown Minneapolis
At 6:00 am the bus arrived in downtown Minneapolis and I was pleased that the darkness suddenly turned into light. I had no idea where I was headed when I left the station but I trusted my instincts and walked through the theater district which led me to Nicollet Mall (one of the best streets in downtown Minneapolis). All of a sudden I saw a familiar figure on the street, a statue of associate television producer Mary Richards, the famous fictional character of the "Mary Tyler Moore" television show that was set in Minneapolis. I now felt at home and couldn't wait to explore all that Minneapolis had to offer. I packed a lot of activities from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm from walking the skywalks to seeing the original Pillsbury Company flour mill on the Mississippi River. I made it to the Mall of America and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, ate at a delicious all you can eat Indian buffet at Bombay Palace, and indulged in delectable chocolates at CandyLand.
It was nearing 3:00 pm and suddenly all seemed to go wrong, my phone was dead, my charger wasn't working, and I couldn't find 300 Clifton, the address of my Airbnb. I was lost and hopeless until I walked into a Starbucks on Franklin Avenue. A kind male barista at Starbucks heard my dilemma and gave me the good news,"You're very close to 300 Clifton, and I'll guide you in the right direction." Fifteen minutes later I finally made it up the steps of the beautiful home and was greeted by Katie. She showed me around the elegant home, offered me some water, and gave me her spare phone charger to keep for good. I felt like I was on the set of "Downton Abbey," a popular British television show.
I loved my cozy room on the top floor. It was furnished so nicely and the spacious shower with high pressure of toasty warm water cleaned away all my stresses from the long bus ride and miles of walking around Minneapolis. Now I was in grand luxury, the ultimate Airbnb in a former mansion that once was the summer home of a major Hollywood movie star. What a blessing to be staying in such luxury for only $59.00 a night. A breakfast of fresh baked scones, fresh fruit, coffee, and tea was included as was luxury chocolates. There was a piano to play in the living room, a library with fireplace, a kitchen for making light meals, a spiral staircase leading to the bedrooms, a laundry room for washing clothes, and a carriage house with board games, a jacuzzi, and antique cars.
The exquisite dining room at 300 Clifton
I will cherish my three days in Minneapolis because of the brilliant sights, the hospitable people, my elegant accommodations, endless cultural stimulation, and a chance to de-stress and explore. Lost or not, Minneapolis opened my head and heart to new ideas, and new beginnings.
Wishing you moments of adventures and inspiration, now and always! Go ahead, take a trip at the spur of the moment and see what awaits you, but please wait until Coronavirus 19 disappears!
