Minneapolis

What a great city! So much to do and see and the whole place is full of trees and wide roads and parks and lakes. We have had five days here visiting family, Phil, Gayle and Peyton.

On our arrival, we were whisked away to the park to witness the USA wide phenomenon that is 'little tot's soccer'. Hundreds of 3,4 and 5 year olds, all on little marked out pitches in teams of maybe 8 kids, being coached in the ways of the wonderful game. There is hope for this country yet and it made me feel hopeful that one day, a little kid from this park will represent the USA.

Peyton showing off her silky skills.

Their local is a pub called Brits. I've never been in a place like it. In the summer, like now, there are 180 people working there. 180!!!!!! It's a bloody massive place. There are I think, 8 separate bar areas, three rooftop terraces, an outside street seating area and they also have a rooftop lawn bowls green, which also doubles for other stuff like pole vaulting and cricket. Check the website. http://www.britspub.com/

This is a great place and will take some beating as pubs go.

The pub also arranged a bus trip for the regulars to go see the Manchester City v Olympiakos game at the local stadium. We went along with Phil and Gayle and had a great day, especially as City lost.

It was really hot in the stadium and the game attracted a crowd of 34,000. Football is growing in popularity like crazy after the World Cup and a crowd of that size for a friendly would be unheard of ten years ago.

I also got to sing at Nye's piano bar. That was a scary thing to do. Really exposed in front of a crowd and just a piano. But I loved it and hope I can hit that kind of place again.

And the fun and new experiences just keep rolling on. Next was our first block party. For the uninformed, it's a street party with half a dozen live bands, two breweries going head to head in competition mode and as much food as you can pay for. The whole gig was on some empty ground between a couple of residential blocks and was jumping all afternoon. We saw some local rock, funk, ELO tribute and an amazing old skool breakdancing group.

We have really enjoyed our time in Minneapolis and it's a great place to visit if anyone ever has the chance. Thanks to Phil and Gayle for their hospitality and introducing us to so many brilliant people. 

The Old Masonic building.

Skyline.

 A wishing tree

What a great idea.

Trolley bus.

So on we go and it's back to the road for the long drive South.