A Mid-West Vacation: Part II

Last week, Andrea, Kellie and I visited South Bend, Indiana to visit Jessica Zekus, a friend and fellow alumna of Alfred University.  Currently, Jessica is a graduate student working to get her MFA and works with ceramic art.  Back in March of 2010, Andrea and I came to visit her, and this was Kellie’s first trip out to Indiana.  As we traveled, I did my best to blog and remember as many of the more notable details.  All the pictures in this installment are used with permission from Andrea.

Day 3: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 – A Rainy Day

Unfortunately, not every day can be bright and sunny.  As expected, Wednesday brought lots of rain so we planned accordingly so it wouldn't dampen our plans.  Since we weren't in town on Sunday for the traditional service, we attended the late-morning Mass at the college basilica.  After the service ended, we admired the immaculate building.

This picture was actually taken in 2010.  It looks the same now
except the red banners were gold for the Easter season.

The chapel was adorned with many traditional Christian scenes
and icons.   Those who go to Good Shepherd will appreciate this.

Scenes were painted on the ceiling as well.

The window panes alternated between male and female saints.

After a brief visit to the chapel museum (sorry, no pictures were allowed), we visited biggest college bookstore in America, located on Notre Dame campus.  (For those keeping track, the biggest in the world is located in Toronto, Ontario.)  Because Jessica teaches at Notre Dame as well, she was kind enough to treat us to some t-shirts and souvenirs.

When our adventures on campus ended, the four of us hang-out at the apartment.  An assortment of activities commenced, including blogging, reading, and watching Finding Nemo.

Wednesday night was also bowling night.  I'll brag because I normally can't when it comes to bowling, but I won the first round with a 99-pin effort.  The second game Andrea played to her real potential and destroyed us all with a 156, which included the ever-elusive turkey.  Other important notes of the event included Kellie playing a respectable off-hand game because of her tendinitis, which beat me in the second round, and we also got to meet up with two of Jessica's friends, Chris and Christina.

As per tradition, the day ended with more ice cream, Sequence and conversation.

Day 4: Thursday, May 26, 2011 – Another Rainy Day

Thursday morning was met with much anticipation, but not because of the rain that stuck with us most of the day.  When we arrived on Monday, Jessica mentioned of a farmer's market and restaurant within that we just have to visit on Thursday.  Included in the deal was a free breakfast for Kellie, Andrea and me.  How could we pass that up?

Jessica wasn't ready for this picture, but we were lucky to manage a picture.  
Sharon was a bit  intimidated by Andrea's camera.

Breakfast did not disappoint.  Not only was the food scrumptious (I had the biscuits and gravy, but also finished off Andrea's buckwheat waffles and bacon, and Kellie's hashbrowns.), but the waitress was outstanding.  Sharon, a clearly well-fit elderly woman, was not only quick to ensure that your water or coffee was never half-empty, but she was also funny and eager to make you smile and laugh.  I like to exaggerate, but I pledge in honesty that Sharon is best waitress I've experienced.  

With our hunger satisfied, we began visiting the markets and stands, which thankfully, are always inside and safe from the elements.  Some vendors had the typical fresh fruit and vegetable stands, but the market was also populated with breads, pastries, meats, seafood, spices, candy and crafts of all kinds.  Collectively, we had purchased spices, cocoa extract, cherries, large Mexican wedding cookies, butter cookies with chocolate chips and a few flavored honey sticks.

Looking for cherries!

Jessica satisfying her sweet tooth.

Andrea and Kellie could have bought out this store if we'd let them.

Before having dinner, we spent about two hours at the campus museum (which is different than the basilica museum mind you).  This was an art museum, focusing mainly on North American art throughout a large range of centuries, including pieces of the Mayans and Native Americans.

Thursday night was dinner and game night at Jessica's apartment.  Unfortunately Chris, who joined us for bowling, was the only one who was able come.  So the five of us had dinner, played Apples to Apples, and ate ice cream.  And no, I didn't forget it, this was the only night we didn't play Sequence.