In the past two months I have been lucky enough to have taken three trips to Minneapolis. If you read sarcasm in that last sentence you would have been reading well between the lines. Minneapolis is probably a very nice place in the summer, in fact most people that live here, swear that it's great in the summer. I, unluckily enough for me, have been here just during the winter. And it doesn't look like a summer time trip is anywhere on my horizon. All of that said, I was very pleasantly surprised at Minneapolis, even in the dead of winter, and here are a few reasons why:
Transportation: Between the Skyways and the light rail that gets me from the airport all the way downtown in less than an hour from my flight landing- all of it is awesome! Nevermind the fact that, light rail tickets are like $2. And the skyways, don't get me started! They are GREAT! I can walk for blocks in this city without ever going outside. I was here for 4 days earlier this month and I went outside twice. And the skyways still give you access to everything. I even saw an entrance to a Catholic Church, ironically, I was on the phone with mom at the time.
ATM's: I know this is ridiculous to get excited about, but ATM's here give you the option of getting cash back in odd increments. For example, in Boston, I have to get either $20,$40, $60, etc out of the ATM, but in Minneapolis I can get $30, $50, $70 out of the ATM. I love having $10 bills, they make tipping, taxi rides and general food ordering so much easier.
Weather: So, I was in Minneapolis during the coldest week of the winter. It was -14 degrees one morning. I was told by native Minneapolins that is was "too cold to snow." And that this is an actual phenomena. I later learned it wasn't, but I have to admire their positive outlook, even when it's 14 below.
People: The best thing about Minneapolis is the people. I am lucky enough to have two good friends that just moved here in August, Keith & Renee. I know no one else is crazy enough to come visit in the dead of winter, so I have had them all to myself for dinners, drinks, etc. And they will agree when I say that people in Minneapolis, friends or not, are just nice. My waiters, my hotel staff, people you see in the skyways actually smile at strangers. It's such a change from the "head down don't bother me" attitude in Boston.
In closing, I want to say thanks to Minneapolis for surprising me, in the dead of winter. Until next time...hugs, TR
