Yesterday was a prime example of why I love living in Indianapolis. I was watching the Velazquez children for two days (ages 2, 7, 9 and 12). We all decided to go out for the afternoon.
The first stop was the NEW Central Library. It is an amazing structure, reminding me more of the Children’s Museum than the old library. I felt like we should pay to be there, but it is completely FREE. After spending time in the children’s section, which includes a computer center for kids of all ages, a metallic wall with magnets of all kinds for little ones, a stage for performing, lots of cool chairs, and books, books, and more books, we rode up the 4 escalators to the top floor. From there we had a beautiful view of the Indianapolis skyline. We stopped at the cafe on the way out. Normally libraries don’t allow food and drink, but here they encourage it! The friendly man at the cafe even gave us a free cookie besides the one we purchased.
After leaving the library from our close, low-cost parking space, we drove 5 minutes to the center of town. The downtown sites are quite accessible. After finding another convenient, low-cost parking space, we walked a block to the Monument at the very center of the city. The friendly men at the base informed us it costs only $1 to ascend. The view from the top, though cramped, is panoramic. From there we descended to the FREE Civil War Museum located at the base of the monument. Having recently performed a play about the Civil War with our homeschool co-op, we found the exhibits very interesting. Even the 2-yr. old enjoyed it!
On the way out Luke (the 2 yr old) tripped and fell in front of the monument. We sat on the steps and tried to stop his lip from bleeding, and while there a friendly man came up and asked if he could interview us. He was John Strauss, program producer and host for WIBC 93.1 FM, located on the circle. After interviewing us about our activities that day, he gave us an unexpected, behind-the-scenes tour of the radio station. The entire interview was played after the 6 pm news, and it was a thrill for all of us to hear ourselves on the radio. Truly it was a day of adventures!
On such days as these I love living in Indianapolis. And that’s without even mentioning the Colts, the art museum, the zoo, the Speedway museum, the canal, the low cost of living, the symphony, the theatres, the public parks, the rich soil for growing, the weather, and the GREAT friends we have here.
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March 3, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Julie Bouwens
O.K., Indianapolis certainly does have its perks! The Library sounds fantastic. When we left it had just moved to the temporary building….we first moved to Indy 10 years ago and I’m sure a lot has changed in the 10 years since my first (negative) impressions were made. The great friends are the best part of all, and for that I am truly grateful that we are coming back.
March 3, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Ginger
I kept thinking about you that day at the library. And it is open in the evenings! Imagine that! I understand your emotional turmoil, however. England is pretty nice too
March 6, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Andie Petersen
Oh Ging,
You should write a book entitled: ‘How to make a missonary feel homesick’! Can’t wait to see you in 3.5 months! The kids are all looking forward to visiting the library (and seeing the girls, of course). We purchased the plane tickets last night and will see you at 11pm in the Indy airport…of course we want you in the welcoming party–why break with tradition??
Love,
~andrea
March 7, 2008 at 9:53 am
Ginger
Andie,
What date are you flying in? We could just show up every night at 11 pm at the airport, hoping this is the night you’re coming, but a date would be preferable. Can hardly wait!
Thanks for the book idea. Maybe I’ll get to it someday…
March 11, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Andie Petersen
I’m pretty sure it’s the 30th of June, but I’ll confirm later so that you don’t have to frequent the arrivals lounge of Indianapolis International Airport.
Yours truly,
Andrea Lynn Genesius Johnston Petersen
March 24, 2008 at 11:15 am
Alicia Tisdale
hi ginger
your little indy story of your day makes me excited and takes away some anxiety and sadness about moving. We know God has amazing things planned for us in indy…but all the selling, moving, leaving friends can get overwhelming sometimes.
I can’t remember if i told you, but are time to be up there by is june. If you could pass the little message to Cassey for me that we will be up at the “Horizon house” on April the 19th to do a big cleaning of house and yard. If we have enough people we will plant things and possibly paint in the house and whatever time allows. we are inviting whoever would like to lend a hand. I’m not sure if we will be up to visit before then, so i wanted to let you and Cassey know.
Thanks for being obedient it makes you even sweeter and full of this joy that is infectious to others.
I’m excited to see you more often.
love
alicia
March 26, 2008 at 11:25 am
Ginger
Alicia,
We’re so excited to have you move back. I passed the work day info on to Cassie. We’ll actually be out of town, so won’t be able to help that day. But Dave’s a fantastic gardener, so he may want to help w/ landscaping this summer.