Day 12: Sioux Falls (continued)

This evening was the most fun I've had by myself since I was ... actually I can't remember when I've had this much fun by myself. After my last post, I went to dinner at Chevy's Fresh Mex in Sioux Falls and had the yummiest chicken fajita salad ever. Oh, I probably should've warned you that I'm about to say some favorable things about some national chains. Don't think that I've become a fan of chains. I'm not. But sometimes, when you don't know anything about where you are, it's nice to be able to rely on a couple of familiar places. After dinner, I noticed that there was a Walmart next door to the restaurant, so I went in. I totally forgot how awesome that place is! I felt like it was my freshman year at St. Mary's again :) I got rain coat, which I needed desperately, for $10! And I got some cereal, milk, and fruit - and ice cream :) - for my kitchenette. Score. I refrained from purchasing anything I didn't need, which is no small feat at a place like Walmart. Oh, and for those of you who were skeptical that Walmart sells guns, here's proof:

Then I went back to my hotel, changed into my swimsuit, and went to the water park. I became good friends with all of the elementary-aged guests who, despite my repeated statements to the contrary, were convinced that I was the lifeguard, and thus continuously asked my permission to do things. As a teacher, I'm used to little kids asking my permission to do things, so they probably confused the ease with which I responded to their questions with actual authority. I was sure to remind them to get their parents' permission if they wanted to do something, such as go down the water slide. Check it out:

I think I went on it approximately 40 times. And no, that's not an exaggeration.

Right now, I'm going to go read the last two chapters of this book that I've been reading FOREVER, The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet. I've been quite distracted by travel guides, this blog, and traveling itself, but I'm committed to finishing it tonight. In the morning, I'm planning to go for a bike ride, then go swimming and lie out in the sun for a while before heading to the Badlands. I'll write about Minnesota while I'm getting a tan tomorrow.

Good night!

Day 12: Minneapolis to Sioux Falls

Hi friends,

I'm in Sioux Falls, South Dakota right now. This is what South Dakota looks like:

I'm staying at the Best Western and for just $67.50, I have a nice, big room with a king sized bed. Right outside my door is the outdoor pool, and around the corner is the indoor pool and water park. That's right- this place has its own water park that is free for guests! I can't wait to go down the water slide! I can't even remember the last time I went down a water slide. It's definitely been at least 15 years. That's unacceptable. I think I want to stay here forever. Check it out:

The drive from Minneapolis was fine. There was a lot of construction, so I had to go on a few not-so-well-marked detours, but I still got here in good time. How come no one told me about the gas pumps here? I had no idea which gas to pick! I actually took a photo of the choices and was going to email it to my dad, but then I saw another pump with familiar choices of regular unleaded and super unleaded. Here's the photo I took:

I had a great time in Minneapolis. It was great to see my friend, Allie, and meet her delightful fiance, Pete. On Friday we went out to dinner, then on Saturday, I went to the Minnesota State Fair, and on Sunday I went to the Mall of America. The fair was awesome. The Mall of America was overrated, but at least I've been there now. I have tons of photos that I'll have to upload later. I'm starving and want to get outside before the sun goes down. I'll write more later.

I hope everyone is doing well!