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Minneapolis, MN
Do people from Minneapolis call it “Minny?” Or is that somewhat irritating nickname only used by non-natives, as is “San Fran?”
Since April of this year, I have been staying with my sister in the neighborhood of East Harriet, which is only three blocks from Lake Harriet. If you’re considering going to Minneapolis, try to visit during the spring or early summer. Of course, spring only lasts about 1-2 weeks there, so it’s a bit tricky.
This area is full of well-kept homes, lovely boutiques, and best of all, a variety of places to eat. Our Kitchen, located on 38th St and Bryant Ave S, became our favorite place for the breakfast: Hands down the best pancakes I’ve ever had. It’s a tiny, hole in the wall, with friendly regulars and wonderful staff.
I also recommend, in no particular order, the following mostly moderately priced spots:
Restaurants/Cafes
Blackbird Cafe
Driftwood Char Bar (excellent bar food, including a very tasty Chicken Caesar Salad; tell Heidi the owner I send my regards!)
Salut
The Malt Shoppe
C&G (soul food and the best chili sauce outside of Detroit’s coney; but the fries are a bit dodgy)
A&J (soul food; downtown area)
Keys (excellent carrot cake)
Pizza Luce
For boutique shopping, I definitely loved Patina, where you can browse for an hour and still want to see more. This is the type of place that will definitely test your willpower if you’re trying only to do some window-shopping. Stop by Tangletown just to see all of the beautiful flowers and interesting displays. Speaking of flowers, I recommend walking around Lake Harriet, or biking if you wish. It is about three miles around and there is section of the park set aside as a rose garden. Many newlyweds bring their wedding parties to take pictures.
I will miss being with my sister everyday, but am looking forward to beginning my next overseas adventure, which has been over five years in the making. After living in Rome for a short time, I have been looking for the opportunity to return to Europe. During the last five years, I utilized a variety of online resources, searching for a way to obtain my goal of living and working abroad. Through GoAbroad.com, Study Abroad, Volunteer, Intern, Teach – GoAbroad.com I found information on a type of working vacation in the Southwest of France. The name of the place is La Giraudiere and it’s located in a village of 600 people, Brossac. The link says: France
Unique Working and Living Adventure in the Southwest of France
Thinking of relocating overseas or maybe just searching for work abroad? Maybe you have a gap year or time out? Well have you ever considered working abroad in France or to be more precise considered south west France? Here is the offer that I hav …
» more info
http://www.lagiraudiere.com/workprogram .html
La Giraudiere
Be aware that this is not as I first thought a way to secure working papers and to be paid. One pays 120 euros (about $170 US) per week and gives four days week working on the project of renovating the property and/or doing chores like cooking, shopping, etc. While not the ideal situation of being sponsored and employed, after such a long time I was ready to return to Europe even without a “real” job.
I hope that it turns out to be worth the risk!
Traveler’s reminder/hint:
Even if you are an experienced traveler, it never hurts to make sure that you are up to date on all of the various rules regarding carry-ons and checked baggage limits. I was over the weight limit for my checked bag by 6 lbs. and had to re-pack at the airport before my flight (Darn that 3 pound Anthony Adverse hardcover!). Then, because some of the items I removed from my checked bag contained liquid not previously put into a 1 quart see-through bag, I had to be screened at security and ended up leaving a couple of items in the trash.
from: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/lisastone/1/1248425248/tpod.html
