Tale as Old as Time: Freebird Adventure Day 2

"The best laid schemes of mice and men, often go awry..." Robert Burns was probably not speaking about a traveler's plans, nor was John Steinbeck thinking of an interrupted itenerary, but the idea remains relevant.

I mentioned yesterday that I planned on touring the Anheuser-Busch factory. Well after waking up at 7 in the morning and every hour thereafter until my alarm buzzed at 10, I was feeling kind of groggy. Luckily the city of St. Louis is quite Green. Because I chose not to have my room cleaned today I got a $5 voucher to be used in the restaurant and bar in the hotel. I grabbed a muffin, a danish and a carton of milk (to be used in my coffee). That quick and free breakfast, combined with a quick shower drained the sleepiness away.

With directions from the front desk I headed off to the brewerey. I was feeling a little bored with the idea, considering I don't drink. I felt more like I was supposed to go since I was in St. Louis. Really the only thing that caught my interest would have been the horses.

I wanted to pick up a quick lunch on the way since it was already past noon, but I have not seen a McDonalds or any fastfood since I entered the city. Keeping an open eye really has some benefits. I spotted a sign for a farmer's market. This farmer's market happens to be the biggest in St. Louis and one of amazing quality. The Grand Am parked itself and I found myself inside one of the oldest Farmer's Market west of the Mississippi...Soulard Market. For more information on the market check out this Web site:

http://www.soulardmarket.com/soulard_farmers_market_003.htm

Today I learned that when you travel by yourself, or at least when I travel by myself, I tend to buy lots of food. A baugette, 1/4 lb of ham, 1/2 lb of Pepperjack cheese, 1 lb of cherries, 1 lb of green grapes, and 1 bar of handmade soap all managed to find their way into the reusable grocery bag I found in the back seat of my car.

Old Order Mennonites, Muslims, whites, blacks, Native Americans jostled around the stands. The people were as eclectic as the wares, but it was a welcome sight to my heart. Somewhere inside of us we are all the same. Makes me think of the song "Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World." Also the majority of the people were using re-usable bags and avoiding plastic!

I walked through the old town of St. Louis, taking in the beautiful architechture, but I had to cut the walk short so I could get all of the food I bought back to the mini-fridge at the hotel. The Bud factory was basically wiped from my mind, but I didn't care. I found something I believe I enjoyed far more than what I was planning.

After stashing my goodies, I once again pestered the front desk for information...this time about Grant's Farm...which they promptly told me it wasn't worth the effort. So I was at a loss for what to do. Since I am across the street from the ScottTrade Center I decided if I could check out where the Blues play. For the first time ever my brother was the easiest person for whom to find a souvenir. I continued on to Union Station...so far the biggest disappointment of the trip. Like most malls of our time, it was dying. A few shops managed to hang on, including a little fudge shop that I of course indulged in.

At this point I had decided this was my vacation, and I wasn't wasting my time as long as I was enjoying myself. Since it was a beautiful and cloudless day, albeit a hot one, I decided the zoo sounded fun. It was a great choice. Located in Forest Park about 6 miles west of my hotel, the zoo was an enjoyable way to soak up some rays. My skin is now disagreeing with me and I look like a lobster in training.

A map was provided of the zoo, but you all know my skill with directions, so many times I found myself circling the same animals more than once. I think I saw the lions 3 times. I also realized Marc Brown's interpretation of an ant-eater is incredibly off the mark. Arthur was just a lie!

But my favorite exhibit was the Penguin habitat...and not just because it was the best way to cool off after sweating buckets all afternoon. Us humans walked into an icy tunnel only to find ourselves surrounded by free roaming penguins and puffins. They dove and danced around showing off their built in tuxedos and matching a tux's class. I giggled and jumped as they splashed me.

The lions, the tigers, and the bears (oh my) and even the penguins are beautiful creatures. The thought struck me that here they were these amazing animals and everything they do whether they roar or splash, are the hunter or hunted, they are doing it for the glory of God. May it be my prayer to be more like the penguin, dressing my spirit in finery, waiting for my Jesus to come back for me.

After a quick stop at the souvenir shop, I headed out to Walgreens. I had heard that if you get to the theatre early enough you can get free tickets at The Muny. This week 'Beauty and the Beast' is showing. So why stop at Walgreens? I wanted to buy a lunch box, so I could take a pic nic dinner. I used some of the bread, ham, cheese and fruit that I had purchased earlier. I also packed more than a liter of water...which was completely consumed.

I got to the theatre around 6:45 and stood in like for about 45 minutes, hoping that I could get a ticket. I made it in! Of course the seats were in the very back, but I can't complain. Curtain was at 8:15, so to kill some time I caught up on some reading and munched on my sandwhich. (pretty darn good if you ask me).

A shiver of excitement ripples through me each time I hear an orchestra play the opening notes of an oveture, and tonight was no different. This may have been the first show I've ever seen where the Company outshined the leads. Don't get me wrong they did a great job, but there was an energy and a vibrancy that only existed when the whole cast was on stage. This was due in part to the spectacular choreography and set design. It really was impressive, especially for an outdoor theatre. I long to see more shows here and the thought has crossed my mind to see if they need anyone with a Communications and PR degree.

Who knows...but that comes back to planning doesn't it.

The evening was finished with an ice cold pepsi and a second free show of sorts. The hotel lobby was filled with wedding guests and even the bride and groom, all of whom were incredibly drunk and entertaining. I just know my wedding will not be like what I've witnessed tonight.

Verse of the night: Psalm 33:11 "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."