Des Moines, city of “I’ve never been this cold in my life.” We managed to hit Des Moines in the midst of one of the coldest weeks of the year, and it was here that I saw (or felt, rather) the lowest temperature of my life – minus nine degrees! Our hotel was lovely, with those fancy glass elevators that go all the way up inside a huge atrium, and a goofy sports bar downstairs, and a full complimentary delicious breakfast. We overlooked a river (which was partially frozen the entire time we were there), and the theatre was just a short walk across the bridge. However, never has a short walk seemed so long! I actually made use of the hotel shuttle many times to get back and forth, rather than brave the slippery, icy, slushy, frozen windy ferocious tundra between the hotel and the theatre. We all bundled up like Eskimos and slipped and bobbled our way around the rest of the time. There was actually a lovely strip of neat shops and restaurants, and a fantastic t-shirt store that gave us all free t-shirts that said “Des Moines. Hell yes!” Other featured slogans: “America. Only the insured survive.” “Make awkward sexual advances not war.” “Peace.” (I got these last two, and should have bought the insured one, too!)
Once again Shannon discovered a delicious Italian restaurant where we spent our Monday evening. Pic below – the lovely purple cloche is from my friend Katie. Very cozy.