We spent the weekend in St. Louis where The Gorilla was honored at his alma mater, Washington University, with a presentation and a dinner. We've traveled so much in the last few weeks (to Vegas and Nashville), but this was the first time we had some true down time and rest.
And for the record, traveling without checked bags or children is totally easy. I forgot how easy.
We stayed at the Moonrise Hotel on recommendation, and while I didn't know quite what to expect (their website is a little cheesy), we loved it. It was in a great location for us, and had a fun style.
Our room was so comfortable that we spent most of Saturday lazing around, watching tv, napping, ordering room service. I needed a freebie day.
We ate at Blueberry Hill and Taste and Kayak's Coffee, lingered in bookstores, and took an 11pm visit to the City Museum, where I went down a three story slide in my plaid peacoat. It was easily one of the craziest places I've ever been. You can't explain it, except to say that just when you think you've hit a dead end in the museum, you find yourself in a thrift store that doubles as a bar. Yeah.
I am always proud of my husband and his accomplishments. He is a humble man, and doesn't love to be in the spotlight. But it was so special to see him honored by his University in this way.
He popped into art classes throughout the day, talking to students and listening to the lectures. There was a Q&A on Friday evening, where professors, administrators, students, and fans came to meet him and listen to him speak about his art. Then there was an intimate dinner that showed appreciation for the success of one of their own. I loved being on his arm, seeing the places that are nostalgic to him, watching it come full circle.
Seventy-two hours in Missouri served many purposes for us, but there is no perspective check like a walk down memory lane, recognizing and being recognized, leaving the laptop at home, and sleeping late after napping.
