St. Louis v. 24

St. Louis.  Another great city!  Very confusing construction allowed us to see more than we bargained for!!  We were treated to two flash mobs- either one would have been a first. 

There were at least 10 riders, and they rode the interstate for about 5 miles.  They did slow us all down, and only one driver just HAD to pass them.  As much as I would NEVER want my kid to do this stupid and dangerous activity, I found myself admiring their “in your face- I dare you to stop me- you and what army” attitude.  Just being honest J.

The second was a group of dancers outside the Cardinal’s ballpark.  We were too slow for photos, but it was cool, and brought to mind the commercial where the dancer starts too early since he didn’t get the message.  It takes some attitude to do these things!

Can’t remember if the Cards won or lost, but Becca and Bob found the best food in the park at (they think) Carver’s.

At $10, this was the least expensive game we have ever paid for.  I got a free ticket - retired military- Bob bought a bleacher ticket, and someone in line gave him a voucher for a ticket for Rebecca.  The Cards are not doing great, it was over 100 degrees, and this Thursday day game was not well attended, so we picked out seats in the shade near the left field foul pole.  Great seats, great view, beautiful park.

Thanks to Mike and Brad Kukurza, who attended the beautiful Washington University in St. Louis, Fitz’s is our favorite restaurant there.  The burgers are great, and they brew their own root beer.  Mmmm.

No visit to St. Louis is complete without seeing the Gateway Arch! We arrived just before dark and were treated to the moon rise. 

  As I boarded the little tram car – being short is a definite benefit here – I remembered I had done this before 13 years ago with a group of High School kids seeing the Pope with Life Teen.  The view from the little windows at the top of the arch was spectacular.  The photos are taken through the windows, and the rain adds another dimension, but the Old Courthouse and the ballpark made for great landmarks.

 This time was a special treat because we discovered that the Arch is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and the Museum of Westward Expansion.  Somehow I missed this while herding teenagers last time… The museum is very well done- in its own “chronological  arch”.  The years kind of radiate out from the entrance – you have to look up to the ceiling to orient yourself (good to know before you enter).  The rear wall depicts the Lewis and Clark expedition with actual journal entries and letters from those who took part- some soldiers, guides, settlers, and leaders.  This museum is definitely worth a visit.