Thursday August 16th
Got up at 0100hrs to go to work at 0200hrs. Spent time with my assistant, Rachelle, to bring her up to speed while I will be away. Left work at 0640hrs to drop car at Doubletree Westshore. Hopped on the shuttle to airport while feeling I was running late, but I always get there in time so no need to worry. Arrived at airport at 0725hrs. NWA attendant advised he could get me a direct flight to Minneapolis instead of having to change in Detroit. I called Shawn just before the plane took off to advise of the new pickup time. Yay, I arrived in Minneapolis at 1040hrs (wow that airport is huge now with 114 gates) and was picked up by both Shawn and Ariah.
Shawn took me over to his new house for the grand tour. His house is huge in a nice quiet area of Eagan. After relaxing for a little bit, we went to the Minneapolis Hilton to get me checked in. As I walked through the doors, I recognised one of my old bell men, Bruce, still doing his bell men thing. Anyways, the room was not quite ready so I dropped off my bright yellow suitcase with the bell staff. The 3 of us went down to St Anthony Main - had 2 Guinness at Tuggs and some fries served by a pretty waitress. I told Shawn I had been talking about this since I had gotten to work earlier that morning. It was a beautiful Summer day sitting out on the deck overlooki
ng downtown Minnipop and the mighty Mississippi. We walked down and over the stone arch bridge and saw the recently collapsed 35W. Walked over to the old historic Mills. We walked back and past Pracna on main (1890) and then up the steps to the Chapel as seen in the movie "Untamed Heart". Shawn had to go to work so he dropped me off at the hotel and I checked into a beautiful corner room (2300). I went to the Executive Lounge for some Hor D'oeuvres (2 diet cokes, mini quiche, mini rolled Quesadillas). I had been eyeing Britt's from my Hotel room with their great back bowling green on the roof, so I decided it was time to become reaquainted with ye old establishment. This began a long night out on the town. I stopped by Britt's Pub on Nicolet Mall, The Local, Kierans Irish Pub (I walked past the Northstar Hotel and appreciated the view that was once my job), the Skyway, Lyons Pub, Champs Alleyway where Shawn met up with me. It was interesting to see the new Block E(at least new to me) We shot over to O'Donovan's Irish Pub beside the Target Center. We sat outside and the friendly staff told us we were fine sitting out there while they closed up. Eventually we went inside to finish up and some woman who had had way too much came over and started gabbing with us. We closed out the night at 1st Ave watching the night revellers on the dance floor from the 2nd level. We took what seemed like a long walk down 1st Ave to Washington Ave past the old Pickled Parrot which is now called Drink, how appropriate (one of these in Uptown now as well with a big roof top deck. I never made it to Stella's in Uptown either which was on my list, but hey, next time in about another 5 years or so. We got to Shawn's car and he dropped me off at the hotel. It was after 0300hrs by this time - it had been a long but great day!
August 17th - Friday
Woke up around 1000hrs and went to the new Keys Restaurant in the Foshay Tower. Had eggs, sausage and pancakes while reading the local rags. I then went on my own personal walking tour. I walked from my hotel to Nicolet mall (saw Mary Tyler Moore's statue outside the old Dayton's), then along Nicolet past the Hyatt. Stopped at the old Super America across from Loring Towers for a slurpee. Walked around and through Loring Park up past my old apartment - Oak Grove, Park Terrace. Walked around the back and over the freeway to get to my other old apartment on Franklin. Took some pictures. Walked over to Hennepin Ave passing Rudolph's and Mortimer's along the way. Walked into Liquor Lyle's and was sure I saw Jen N. Walked out and over to Girard to see my old apartment there (the Belmont). Walked back up to Hennepin and down to Calhoun Square. The Smiling Moose is now the Independent. Walked into the old Elements store - nothing to see here. Walked back past Williams Pub and retraced my steps back to Loring Park. Then took the footbridge over to the Walker Art Center and the Sculpture Garden. Called Mum & Dad when I was standing next to the big Cherry. Walked into the Walker
and asked what happened to the Guthrie Theater (it moved) which is now a green hill. Then off back to the Hotel - I believe the walk was about 10 to 12 miles. Took advantage of the Executive Lounge again and had some Sprite and meatballs - what a view of downtown. I decided to tone things down and asked Shawn if he wanted to just go for dinner at Ichiban's. He said his wife would cook for us and I should just come over to his place. Shawn picked me up and showed me where he worked, then went down to Grand ave and saw the Wild Onion and Billy's pub (two old somewhat hangouts). We stopped at a cigar shop on Grand and picked up some stogies. We then went to his place for some good food and conversation with his family. Nazzi had the barbeque on and made some delicious steak with mushrooms and peppers. Ariah was entertaining as always and kept running around checking up on his new cat. We then went out onto his deck/balcony and had beers and cigars till about 0500hrs. Shawn was kind enough to drop me back off at my hotel. It was weird driving along my old freeways past downtown St. Paul.
August 18th - Saturday
Went down to the Local for lunch - menu did not start till 1400hrs so walked around Super Target and called the folks. I ended up having some great Shepherds Pie while reading "The Onion" and half watching Liverpool versus Chelsea - it was a draw. Returned to the hotel in the drizzle. Called up Bjorn and Charlie/Carrie. Charlie & Carrie picked me up to go to Megamall. It was good to see them - the car died on the way to megamall but luckily after pulling over to the side, Charlie managed to get her going again. The original plan I had was to go to the Renaissance Festival but due to heavy rain on Saturday & Sunday, well, that just wasn't happening. We went to the Wisconsin Cheese store for some cheese samplers. Then went to the Lake Woebegone Store. Bjorn met up with us in some game store on the 2nd level. We went to Hooters for some wings and beers. Bjorn had fun with the waitress who reported that the
barkeep did not know how to make a Gimlet. Bjorn went on home to drop his car off while Charlie, Carrie and I had a little trouble locating their car in the Megamall ramp. After about ten minutes of searching we found it and drove over to Bjorn's and Liz's. We took a nice ride down Hiawatha Ave and Minneapolis looked great all lit up at night with the lights of the Wells Fargo building illuminating a yellow haze into the surrounding hanging clouds. We arrived at our destination, Kierans. I went with Charlie about 5 feet to park the car, a space was just sitting there right outside the pub. A little later, Shawn showed up with 2 of his friends, Sosa and a Free Mason dude. Eventually everyone left except for Shawn and myself who sat out nursing a beer in the patio till 0300hrs. Bartenders recognized me for having worked there and bought me a beer and a Captain Morgan and coke. The door to the bar were locked so Shawn and I kept our pint glasses (Harp) - I went back to the hotel.
Woke up around 1000hrs and went to the new Keys Restaurant in the Foshay Tower. Had eggs, sausage and pancakes while reading the local rags. I then went on my own personal walking tour. I walked from my hotel to Nicolet mall (saw Mary Tyler Moore's statue outside the old Dayton's), then along Nicolet past the Hyatt. Stopped at the old Super America across from Loring Towers for a slurpee. Walked around and through Loring Park up past my old apartment - Oak Grove, Park Terrace. Walked around the back and over the freeway to get to my other old apartment on Franklin. Took some pictures. Walked over to Hennepin Ave passing Rudolph's and Mortimer's along the way. Walked into Liquor Lyle's and was sure I saw Jen N. Walked out and over to Girard to see my old apartment there (the Belmont). Walked back up to Hennepin and down to Calhoun Square. The Smiling Moose is now the Independent. Walked into the old Elements store - nothing to see here. Walked back past Williams Pub and retraced my steps back to Loring Park. Then took the footbridge over to the Walker Art Center and the Sculpture Garden. Called Mum & Dad when I was standing next to the big Cherry. Walked into the Walker
and asked what happened to the Guthrie Theater (it moved) which is now a green hill. Then off back to the Hotel - I believe the walk was about 10 to 12 miles. Took advantage of the Executive Lounge again and had some Sprite and meatballs - what a view of downtown. I decided to tone things down and asked Shawn if he wanted to just go for dinner at Ichiban's. He said his wife would cook for us and I should just come over to his place. Shawn picked me up and showed me where he worked, then went down to Grand ave and saw the Wild Onion and Billy's pub (two old somewhat hangouts). We stopped at a cigar shop on Grand and picked up some stogies. We then went to his place for some good food and conversation with his family. Nazzi had the barbeque on and made some delicious steak with mushrooms and peppers. Ariah was entertaining as always and kept running around checking up on his new cat. We then went out onto his deck/balcony and had beers and cigars till about 0500hrs. Shawn was kind enough to drop me back off at my hotel. It was weird driving along my old freeways past downtown St. Paul.August 18th - Saturday
Went down to the Local for lunch - menu did not start till 1400hrs so walked around Super Target and called the folks. I ended up having some great Shepherds Pie while reading "The Onion" and half watching Liverpool versus Chelsea - it was a draw. Returned to the hotel in the drizzle. Called up Bjorn and Charlie/Carrie. Charlie & Carrie picked me up to go to Megamall. It was good to see them - the car died on the way to megamall but luckily after pulling over to the side, Charlie managed to get her going again. The original plan I had was to go to the Renaissance Festival but due to heavy rain on Saturday & Sunday, well, that just wasn't happening. We went to the Wisconsin Cheese store for some cheese samplers. Then went to the Lake Woebegone Store. Bjorn met up with us in some game store on the 2nd level. We went to Hooters for some wings and beers. Bjorn had fun with the waitress who reported that the
barkeep did not know how to make a Gimlet. Bjorn went on home to drop his car off while Charlie, Carrie and I had a little trouble locating their car in the Megamall ramp. After about ten minutes of searching we found it and drove over to Bjorn's and Liz's. We took a nice ride down Hiawatha Ave and Minneapolis looked great all lit up at night with the lights of the Wells Fargo building illuminating a yellow haze into the surrounding hanging clouds. We arrived at our destination, Kierans. I went with Charlie about 5 feet to park the car, a space was just sitting there right outside the pub. A little later, Shawn showed up with 2 of his friends, Sosa and a Free Mason dude. Eventually everyone left except for Shawn and myself who sat out nursing a beer in the patio till 0300hrs. Bartenders recognized me for having worked there and bought me a beer and a Captain Morgan and coke. The door to the bar were locked so Shawn and I kept our pint glasses (Harp) - I went back to the hotel.
August 19th - Sunday
Decided to try Hells Kitchen for breakfast - had two eggs over easy, hash browns and a delicious bison burger. Shawn was able to pick me up and drive around for a bit - went to my old warehouse on Tyler and snapped some pictures. Shawn then dropped me off at Ikea across from megamall. After about 45 minutes there I sprinted through the rain to megamalls. I walked a loop around each and every level. The Alamo restaurant is now Bubba Gumps, and the Odyssey restaurant is now a Famous Dave's BBQ. All the bars on the 4th level are gone now except for Hooters (Goodbye to Gators, Gatlins, Players, America's Sport's Bar, and Planet Hollywood). I walked through Camp Snoopy which is now called MOA Park. Checked out the Mystery Mine Ride- had a Yogi & Scooby show. I took a quick peek downstairs to the Aquarium in the basement, but have gone through there before so decided to skip it. I hopped on the train which took me through the airport, past Fort Snelling, along Hiawatha (missed going to Minnehaha Falls but sure it hasn't changed) and into downtown - dropped off on Nicolet. I called Liz from there and made plans for them to pick me up in an hour and go to Calhoun Square for dinner. Bjorn and Liz picked me up and we went to the Independent (Famous Dave's had a band s
o not conducive to catching up). I ordered shrimp cocktail and chicken wings which turned out to be too spicy for me - had 2 beers. It was great seeing them again (insert memories of their famous Turkey Bash here). I was sorry I did not get a chance to see Terry Lee on this trip. After some good chit chat they drove me back to the hotel, I said my goodbyes to Liz and Bjorn and went on up to my room. Called Shawn to say I was too tired to go out later on to hit the tiles - I had been out late 3 nights in a row already.
Decided to try Hells Kitchen for breakfast - had two eggs over easy, hash browns and a delicious bison burger. Shawn was able to pick me up and drive around for a bit - went to my old warehouse on Tyler and snapped some pictures. Shawn then dropped me off at Ikea across from megamall. After about 45 minutes there I sprinted through the rain to megamalls. I walked a loop around each and every level. The Alamo restaurant is now Bubba Gumps, and the Odyssey restaurant is now a Famous Dave's BBQ. All the bars on the 4th level are gone now except for Hooters (Goodbye to Gators, Gatlins, Players, America's Sport's Bar, and Planet Hollywood). I walked through Camp Snoopy which is now called MOA Park. Checked out the Mystery Mine Ride- had a Yogi & Scooby show. I took a quick peek downstairs to the Aquarium in the basement, but have gone through there before so decided to skip it. I hopped on the train which took me through the airport, past Fort Snelling, along Hiawatha (missed going to Minnehaha Falls but sure it hasn't changed) and into downtown - dropped off on Nicolet. I called Liz from there and made plans for them to pick me up in an hour and go to Calhoun Square for dinner. Bjorn and Liz picked me up and we went to the Independent (Famous Dave's had a band s
o not conducive to catching up). I ordered shrimp cocktail and chicken wings which turned out to be too spicy for me - had 2 beers. It was great seeing them again (insert memories of their famous Turkey Bash here). I was sorry I did not get a chance to see Terry Lee on this trip. After some good chit chat they drove me back to the hotel, I said my goodbyes to Liz and Bjorn and went on up to my room. Called Shawn to say I was too tired to go out later on to hit the tiles - I had been out late 3 nights in a row already.
August 20th - Monday
I had left the curtains open so when I woke up I would open my eyes to the surrounding mirror skyscrapers. I took a walk around all the skyway's downtown and surprised myself by not getting lost. Stopped by the Northstar Hotel and saw the hot dog guy was still working his little store and Eileen was still cleaning the hotel (15 years later). Downtown is impressive and vibrant. Shawn picked me up and we went to Fort Snelling - never been before. We watched the canon being shot at 1300hrs and walked around, talked to a woman in garb cooking by an old fireplace. Shawn then dropped me at the airport. I had lunch at the French Meadow and a snack at Burger King before my flight left for Houston. Walked around Houston Airport and got a Hot Chocolate from Starbarkers - could feel a sore throat coming on. Flew into Tampa at around midnight and had the Doubletree shuttle pick me up - tipped the driver $2 and helped myself to 2 DT cookies. Got home around 0100hrs.
Took the next two days off work due to feeling feverish, but it was worth it!
I had left the curtains open so when I woke up I would open my eyes to the surrounding mirror skyscrapers. I took a walk around all the skyway's downtown and surprised myself by not getting lost. Stopped by the Northstar Hotel and saw the hot dog guy was still working his little store and Eileen was still cleaning the hotel (15 years later). Downtown is impressive and vibrant. Shawn picked me up and we went to Fort Snelling - never been before. We watched the canon being shot at 1300hrs and walked around, talked to a woman in garb cooking by an old fireplace. Shawn then dropped me at the airport. I had lunch at the French Meadow and a snack at Burger King before my flight left for Houston. Walked around Houston Airport and got a Hot Chocolate from Starbarkers - could feel a sore throat coming on. Flew into Tampa at around midnight and had the Doubletree shuttle pick me up - tipped the driver $2 and helped myself to 2 DT cookies. Got home around 0100hrs.
Took the next two days off work due to feeling feverish, but it was worth it!
My thanks of course to Shawn for chauffeuring me around and his family's hospitality. Charlie and his adorable wife Carrie - wish I could have spent more time with you both. I'm glad I got to see Liz and Bjorn. So many others who I just did not feel I had time to see but there's always the memories. Till later, Steve!
