I left Burlington in Vermont fairly early on 21st July en route to Saint Paul, via Chicago. This location was the starting point for my second conference starting the following day. Saint Paul is (a) the capital of Minnesota and (b) the twin city of Minneapolis which lies adjacent. Both are located on northern plains of the USA and are roughly half way between east and west coasts. The wider region is one of the world's great bread-baskets and a good spot to examine developments in US agriculture. Our conference trip would take us around both the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. I spent 3 months in Madison, capital of Wisconsin back about 20 years ago having a lovely time exploring that state. But on one occasion then I managed to cross the border into Saint Paul.
The dominant feature of Saint Paul is, of course, the famous Mississippi River and on the afternoon of my arrival I immediately took a walk down to and along the river. From my vantage point I could see the river flowing busily and I soon found out that the mid-west had been having some heavy rainfall - lucky them! And, from the same spot, I could turn my back see down-town Saint Paul.
The river is spanned by numerous bridges of various kinds like those show below. I've crossed to a green island sitting mid-stream and given over to kids play areas among other things.
Turning up-stream on the western side of the rive I came across several historic vessels of the kind people romanticize about - especially the paddle steamers.
Walking NW I came across this huge bridge spanning the river, and then noticed nearby a boat park for luxury vessels owned by wealthy locals.
I spent some time wandering around parkland on the river bank made possible by the dude on this plinth. I've noticed on my visits to the USA that many community and environmental amenities owe their existence to charitable benefactors.
On the following Sunday morning I, and my colleague Roy Jones from Curtin University in WA, decided to wander around Saint Paul and this, in turn, proved interesting. By the way, Roy and I went to the same university in Britain (Newcastle upon Tyne) only about a year apart!
Well, here's the impressive state parliament building and a key dude in the state's history ... but I'm not sure who.
As one would expect, such a location would have a lot of statues and commemorative plaques. This one has a message from no less than the famous Charles Lindbergh. He, you may recall, made the first non-stop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in 1927.
This central area is also home to the State's history museum and the impressive cathedral on the right.
And, from the history center one has a panorama across to the congress building. The district is naturally home to lots of bureaucratic offices of varying architectural merit. and vistas like the one on the left.
And, here, finally is a view of the city centre from the administrative quarter. Note the lovely parkland effect!
In short, Saint Paul was a nice place to visit.
AS
The dominant feature of Saint Paul is, of course, the famous Mississippi River and on the afternoon of my arrival I immediately took a walk down to and along the river. From my vantage point I could see the river flowing busily and I soon found out that the mid-west had been having some heavy rainfall - lucky them! And, from the same spot, I could turn my back see down-town Saint Paul.
The river is spanned by numerous bridges of various kinds like those show below. I've crossed to a green island sitting mid-stream and given over to kids play areas among other things.
Turning up-stream on the western side of the rive I came across several historic vessels of the kind people romanticize about - especially the paddle steamers.
Walking NW I came across this huge bridge spanning the river, and then noticed nearby a boat park for luxury vessels owned by wealthy locals.
I spent some time wandering around parkland on the river bank made possible by the dude on this plinth. I've noticed on my visits to the USA that many community and environmental amenities owe their existence to charitable benefactors.
On the following Sunday morning I, and my colleague Roy Jones from Curtin University in WA, decided to wander around Saint Paul and this, in turn, proved interesting. By the way, Roy and I went to the same university in Britain (Newcastle upon Tyne) only about a year apart!
Well, here's the impressive state parliament building and a key dude in the state's history ... but I'm not sure who.
As one would expect, such a location would have a lot of statues and commemorative plaques. This one has a message from no less than the famous Charles Lindbergh. He, you may recall, made the first non-stop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in 1927.
This central area is also home to the State's history museum and the impressive cathedral on the right.
And, from the history center one has a panorama across to the congress building. The district is naturally home to lots of bureaucratic offices of varying architectural merit. and vistas like the one on the left.
And, here, finally is a view of the city centre from the administrative quarter. Note the lovely parkland effect!
AS
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