Sunday, June 28, 2009

13: Columbus and Chihuly

Stoker's Log Day Thirteen

6/28/09

From Newark, OH

To Columbus, OH

60.8 miles

12.2 avg mph

As we neared Anne's neighborhood we were unpleasantly surprised by steep hills that nearly destroyed Kyle's knees, but soon we returned to flats and farms. I managed to restrain myself from taking more photos of cows and corn, which were everywhere. We then passed through rundown neighborhoods with torn up pavement and opulent neighborhoods with breathtaking private schools on our way to Columbus, a city which will always be characterized in my mind by gorgeous ancient churches and restaurants with "Dragon" in their name. I really wanted to stop to tour the Conservatory and other attractions, but Kyle quite logically wanted to get through the busiest parts of the city as quickly and as early as possible. Besides, my parents could drive us around Columbus when they met up with us later. That's right, they had driven from PA the night before, partly to see us and partly because my dad never turns down the chance to visit a new minor league ballpark. And suddenly there they were, right beside us! They spotted us and pulled over to discuss plans for the day and offered to buy us coffee or a snack, generosity which sadly failed since both Duncan Donuts and Starbucks were closed. (What is this place, and how does it call itself a city?) They were on their way to the Conservatory but were happy to delay their plans so that we could go too; they instead drove to the old baseball stadium and then on to the hotel to wait for us there. I don't think we offered the triumphant and exciting arrival they expected, however; our chain popped off in the midst of a construction zone where there was nowhere to pull off and fix it so we ended up coasting slowly and undramatically into the hotel parking lot.

The hotel was a Hampton Inn, which was amazing compared to our usual motels. The bed was a cloud and the shower was heaven. I think the room may have known it was too swanky for us, however, because we kept getting hurt in it; I nearly poked my eye out with the flag pole while searching through the bags and before Kyle had stopped laughing at me he clocked his head on one of the counters. I can see it now: "Couple's Cross-Country Trip Cut Short by Their Klutziness Off of the Bike."

Clean, happy, and mostly in one piece, we headed to the Franklin Park Conservatory, a wonderland of giant windows, exotic plants, and Chihuly glass. If you aren't familiar with Chihuly -- and somehow I wasn't -- he is a renowned glass artist who suffered partial blindness and other injuries but continues to create amazing pieces with the help of a team of artists. The conservatory's exhibits seamlessly combined his work with their plants, animals, and architecture. It was a wonderful sight and I vacillated between wanting to photograph everything and wanting to sit back and take it all in. (You can tell that the first impulse frequently won.)

We enjoyed ourselves in the conservatory for quite a while and still had time to walk around the renovated areas near the new stadium before heading to the Clippers' game. I found myself falling in love with Columbus. The stadium itself was also great, especially the sections in the outfield open to the street so that anyone walking by can watch the game for free. We also got to see the game for free, actually, thanks to one of my dad's many friends in the minor league baseball world. (He also just happened to know one of the umpires.) And we were treated to one of the more impressive between-inning acts I've ever seen: "Quick Change." The premise is simple -- a couple changes their outfits, hairstyles, etc. in lightning speed with only a flash of fabric or shower of confetti masking them from the audience -- but it's really quite impressive to watch in person.

Competing for our attention was the entertaining family behind us; the father kept asking his young daughter "Would you rather be at this game or _____" and realizing that she would pretty much rather be anywhere else, including school. The Clippers also had racing food products, always a good choice, and their seal mascot named LouSeal (which is mildly amusing unless you're an Arrested Development fan, in which case it is incredibly amusing.)

The game itself was fantastic, lasting thirteen innings before the Clippers gave up a run to lose 8-7. Unfortunately, we only saw eleven of those innings. I'm very stubborn about staying until the end of exciting games (and sometimes even really boring games, I'll be honest) but eventually I got tired and hungry enough to give in to the rest of the family. I probably pushed myself too far, because I was in bad shape as we drove across the world and back trying to find a restaurant. We finally ended up at an Applebees and life improved considerably when I had some food in me. When we made it to the hotel I was more than ready to hit the sack. And by sack I mean cloud. Sweet dreams everyone.

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