Hello from Lafayette, Indiana

September 1, 2009

Hello Again,

Well the highlight yesterday was the Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota. Trevor did a lot of calling to get us into the museum and when the lady finally came she actually let us into the “shed” where the big ball is kept. Trevor had to buy a bunch of souvenirs as the song says and then we were off. It was a lot of driving. Unfortunately just before we got to the ball, we ended up being stopped for “speeding”which is ridiculous because Trevor was driving. Anyways, we got off with a warning. That would be #2 cop attention (border crossing being #1)

We made it to just outside Chicago last night with plenty of toll booths to greet us (as you said, Laura). We ended up parking in a bit of a residential area, kind of country like. Well, guess what woke us up? That’s right, the cops. We really need to stop running into these guys. That was #3. Anyways, they let us go, but it wasn’t a pleasant hello that’s for sure. We drove into Chicago and did an extremely long walking tour that the Lonely Planet suggested. Saw some pretty cool things including a mirror ball sculpture which was really cool. We listened to some live jazz and ate at the original deep dish pizza joint called Uno Pizzeria. We even took pictures at Harpo Studios. It was so exciting. It was just a wall (and a few body guards) between me and Oprah!

Next it was off to Purdue (Lafayette, IN)to visit Trevor’s friend Aurelie. We haven’t had any success connecting with her. We did get to take pictures next to a statue of Neil Armstrong. That was pretty cool. I guess he went to school here. We decided that we are going to stay overnight at a hotel. So we were driving from Aurelie’s house to get to the hotel, when there were flashing lights AGAIN behind us. Seriously! Fourth time in 5 states! You’d think we were criminals! I guess that’s what you get when you have foreign plates (and don’t have a front plate). Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day when it comes to cop stops.

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful Edmonton weather. Wish you were here!

SMILEJ
Amanda