Molly Goes To Minnesota: Part 5

Molly Goes To Minnesota: Part 5

(See Also: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4)

Day 4 & 5 (Saturday & Sunday)

When I woke up Saturday, I honestly didn't know what I'd be doing that day. I had many options, but I knew I didn't want another day of trying to make bus connections or paying for taxis. So I narrowed it down to the following:

1. Go back to the Art Institute

2. Go to the aquarium at the Mall of America
or

3. Visit the Mirror Maze and just hang out at the Mall Of America

I did a mental coin flip and decided to go to the MoA again. After a morning of lounging about, I caught the noon shuttle to the mall.

Once there, I saw that it was crowded -- much more so than it had been on Thursday. The aquarium looked totally swamped -- plus, it wasn't cheap, and I had just spent the previous day looking at animals. So I headed upstairs to the Mirror Maze.



Excuse me, the Amazing Mirror Maze.

 I had a dollar-off coupon, so it ended up costing $7-something. They made me wear plastic gloves (the kind cafeteria servers wear) so that I couldn't fingerprintpalooza all over the mirrors, I guess.

I donned gloves and went in...

At first, I thought the maze would be easy. I mean, if I saw my reflection, then obviously that meant I was next to a mirror. No reflection? It must be a doorway.

This method worked well, until I smacked into a mirror.

I learned to just keep one arm stretched outwardly and feel my way along.

I actually found the maze's exit after a couple of minutes, but I wanted more time in the maze, so I turned around and went back through.

Took some funky photos....

And spent, perhaps, 15 minutes total in the maze before successfully finding the exit again.

It's funny how befuddled my brain got when in that maze. The only thing I can really compare it to is, like, trying to get somewhere or find something in total darkness. You have to feel along and sort of just be really careful, because the sense that you tend to rely on (sight, assuming you have your sight) just turns to mush, and becomes mostly useless.

But it was a fun thing to do, and I'd recommend it!

I had lunch next -- 

                    Mediterranean crepe!

After lunch, I walked the mall. All three floors, starting from the top. Somewhere I read that it's .58 miles around. It felt like more.

Despite being at a shopping mall, I did very little actual shopping during my two days at the MoA. I bought a few Build-a-Bear clothing items for a friend, a bag of candy for me, lunch on both days, and a muffin & a smoothie from Barnes & Noble's little cafe.

By 4pm Saturday, I was done... tired... ready for an evening of R&R.

Goodbye, Mall. Sorry I didn't give you very much money! (But not really.)

Back at the motel, I spent the evening reading and watching TV. I know, I know... I could do that almost anywhere. But I'd had several very busy days, and I needed to relax, so that is what I did. 

Sunday morning, after breakfast, I packed up to go to the airport. I was planning to take the 9am shuttle (my flight was at 11:15) but ended up being ready by 8, so I took the 8am shuttle. That was fine, as it let me really explore the airport (and pick up a few last-minute gifts/souvenirs.)

I did not play in this arcade the airport had, but it looked cool!

Sly reference to The Langoliers, I WONDER?!?

Meanwhile, I know that we've been doing the taking-off-your-shoes-at-Security thing for a long time, now, but holy crap is it a pain in the butt. It's not just the shoes. It's the sweaters and the hats and the money belts and the removing every last tissue and penny out of your pockets and... look, it's just really degrading. (And when you consider that no matter how strict the TSA folks are, planes can still go missing, get hit by seagulls, or be shot down, regardless of the fact that I dutifully removed my sneakers... well, it just makes me mad.)

I got a little stir-crazy on the flight home, but I have to give a shout out to Delta's flight attendants -- they are second to none! (Little Sharknado joke, there.) Plus, Delta gives you free wifi on-board now... but there's a catch... the only thing that works with it is Facebook. That's just cheap. I was glad to disembark. Like Indiana Jones hates snakes, I hate planes.

* * * * *

Minnesota Overview

I really enjoyed my 5 days in Minnesota. If I'd had more time and energy, I might have visited St. Paul, or gone on a Mississippi River boat ride, but I will have to save those for next time. I do want to go back someday. When I do, I'd be happy to visit the zoo again, and I'd be very happy to spend another afternoon at the Art Institute. I feel I could probably skip the MoA on a return trip, unless they have a new exhibit that I'm interested in... or unless I go with a friend next time, in which case I would at least visit the mall on a weekday and show them the mirror maze.

My motel, La Quinta Inn Minneapolis Airport Bloomington, was fine, though I'd probably try a different place next time.

La Quinta IMAB Pros:

Central Location
Free Airport & MoA Shuttle
Free Breakfast
Free Wifi
Cable TV
Friendly desk staff
Everything was very clean
Roughly 1 block from downtown bus line stop

La Quinta IMAB Cons:

Annoying air conditioner
Smoky smell (at first)
Loud people in the corridors (fairly typical, that)
Shower, but no tub (not a deal-breaker)
Older building, though it's had updates
Persistent maids (no, I do not want housekeeping services at 8am -- go away.)

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Minneapolis Institute of Arts 

Pros: Beautiful, open, awe-inspiring, huge, free

Cons: None

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Minnesota Zoo

Pros: Exhibits are huge, lots of different animals, camel rides

Cons: Lack of shade in some areas, takes several buses to get there, food wasn't impressive

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State Theater

Pros: Beautiful place, comfortable Seating

Cons: Located in somewhat sketchy area, but nothing unlike downtown Portland (no, I do not have a dollar for you, creepy old dude.)

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Mall Of America

Pros: One-stop shopping! Also, plenty of dining options. Think your mall's food court... times ten.

Cons: Insane crowds on weekends, all the experiences (amusement park, mini golf, aquarium, mirror maze) cost money, & sales tax on everything except clothing (so I'd want to shop here why?)

* * * * *

Well, that's about it. If there's anything you think I forgot to mention, or if you have any questions, please leave a comment.

Thanks for reading!