Happy Juneteenth! An exciting day in many ways. Steve started out on the Gateway bicycle trail near the B&B. Allane navigated toward the lunch rendezvous, enjoying the scenery around White Bear Lake.
We crossed paths once and waved, but eventually met for lunch at Two Stooges Sports Bar and Grill in Fridley, MN. It is a huge place, busy even at 11am. It is considered a top billiard room in the US and "the place to play pool in Minneapolis," with 43 pool tables. Lots of people practicing. We decided that, after seeing them on the menu throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota, the Cheese Curds were something we should try before we left the area. They are actually much better than they sound...small pieces of fried cheese (mozzarella?). Dipped in Marinara sauce! (P.S. We didn't even eat half of them.)
The rest of Steve's day was not very exciting, but mine was. I have had some failures in the tourism department, but I remain hopeful for the most part. Today I had planned two destinations that challenged my resolve, due to the fact that they were both in the middle of Minneapolis. I screwed up my courage and plugged in my GPS. I am happy to report that I navigated the highways and city streets successfully and reached the first of my goals: The House of Balls. Somewhere along our route I had searched for things to do near Minneapolis and come up with this bizarre art gallery. Given the name, I decided that it was a must. The artist, Allen Christian, has transformed a vast amount of unorthodox materials, ranging from bowling balls to golf clubs to animal skulls and more, into unique works of art. After I told him what we are about, he fondly recalled a serious bicycle trip he had made years ago, and acknowledged that he would like to recreate the experience. He had two showrooms. The second was accessed by a "revolving door," a pitch black cylinder with an opening that did revolve when pushed, but when closed leaves you in total darkness. Rather than try to describe his gallery further, I am just going to include a lot of pictures. He encouraged me to visit the Regent, ND Enchanted Highway. When I explained that I had heard about it and that my cousin from Baltimore had also mentioned it, he told me that he has had some pieces exhibited in the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.
The entrance
It appears that this bear can be propelled by a multi-person-powered pedal apparatus underneath it.
The artist originally carved bowling balls to showcase the energy that a person leaves behind when they touch and use an object.
The second part of my afternoon was just as successful! I decided that, despite my reservations about navigations, there was another spot to visit. Minneapolis was the epicenter of important historical events this past year. The murder of George Floyd spurred large protests against police brutality and systemic racism in Minneapolis and across the United States. His memorial has been created and dismantled and recreated, and still blocks the road in the area where he was killed. I did not know what to expect, but when I got to the area, I found a small community of classic small town homes and streets. I parked on a tree-lined street a block away and walked towards the square. A woman and a young boy sat on a blanket on the grass, doing large puzzles. A young lady walked her lab. A multi-generational family walked together, maybe to a birthday party, since the youngest child carried a wrapped present. When I reached the square, it was filled with people. Young and old and in between, of all races. Happily, there was no anger and no violence. Again, I will let the pictures speak.
The street where I parked.
A fascinating day!
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