Worthington to Minneapolis

October 1, 2009

Worthington - Super 8 - in southwest Minnesota.

The Flex needed to be serviced at a certain mile and there was a Ford dealer in this town so we had to stay two nights as we had a late PM appointment.

We went out for lunch before the appointment but had no luck finding anything that was not a fast food place. Have had enough stuff on a bun. Luna was asked for advise but we ended up at Arby's - chicken salad and broccoli soup. We eat lunch out usually and have something from the cooler in our room in the evening. Most motels seem to offer breakfast - most offer waffles that you make on a waffle iron right there. I have started to add walnuts and physillium and real butter as they offer only transfats. That keeps us full quite a while and is tasty. Last night we baked sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts in the microwave in our room, which we had with cheese. Styrofoam is used most of the time here. Super8 use some paper cups.

While we were waiting for the car to be checked, we talked to a young couple also waiting. They were Nrwegian and German but had no connection to their roots. Had no idea where Swedish history could be found. I have always wanted to go to Minnesota to learn about the Swedish history there and now I have not done my home work!

Rain started in Worthington and it was very gloomy but it was the first rain since we left San Mateo. After the car, we tried to find a coffee place but could not find one. It is an old town by a pretty lake with a huge brick Lutheran church.

We went home and made Persian cardamom tea in the teapot Jalil had bought in Deadwood. Delicious!

This part of Minnesota is also very flat with agriculture - lots of corn - and small towns. I see a lot of northern European people.

October 2, 2009

The Flex has now 2.668 miles on it and we have had no trouble at all. It was still raining but not as much; temperature was 49F. Our goal was to get to Minneapolis where we had reservations at Ramada Inn a little outside of town. Jalil made reservations on Orbitz for $58 versus $81 when we called directly.

Jalil does most of the driving and I navigate with maps and books in my lap and by my feet and Luna nearby - just in case. Luna is very helpful when we get close to where we want to go but otherwise the map is sufficient. Sometimes I do not agree with Luna but Jalil prefers to follow her! One time the goal was changed inadvertently and Luna told Jalil to make a u-turn and go back. I loudly objected as I was staring at the map and knew where we should go. No, Jalil turned around anyway and, of course, it was wrong.

In Manketo by the Minnesota River we got off for a cup of coffee and a stretch and we ran into a nice little coffee place. Suddenly we were hungry and had lunch - half a chicken salad sandwich on toasted wheat bread and a cup of the most delicious thick tomato/basil/ravioli soup with black current tea. Had to tell the staff that it was the best meal we had had since Hill City, SD.

I had discovered on Luna's map that there was a place called New Sweden so we made a detour. There were many large farms in the area but no sign saying New Sweden. Then there was a sign New Sweden Historical Marker. There had been a creamery there 1896 -1972 and the butter maker Samuel Haugdahl had received many awards - including the 1900 Grand Prix De-Honeur at the International Exposition in Paris, France for his butter exhibit! Can you imagine to go to Paris in 1900 to make butter and win?

On the radio we mostly listen to NPR and CNN. One religous station talked negatively about President Obama. We also listen to nice music that Susu gave us for our trip.

At the Ramada Inn we used the exercise room, the pool, and the whirlpool. Jalil was very happy. The next night he came back very quickly,as the place was full of kids jumping in and out.