So I recently went back to the Hoosier state to visit family, introduce my girlfriend to where I grew up, and of course, run a trail marathon at Abe Lincoln’s boyhood home.
We stopped at a festival in Lexington, Kentucky where I was happily surprised to find a man on a camel statue right downtown. I think the actual festival going on downtown had less festival goers than homeless. But at least now I know that Lexington is trying to do something, even if that something is tents with beer-cheese vendors.
The marathon was in Lincoln City State Park which is conveniently located right next door to Santa Claus, IN. We spent the night at Santa’s lodge which was over-run with kids. Upon investigating our food options we found out that there was a great “Mexican or was it Mongolian” restaurant located in Dale. Upon arrival we discovered that it was indeed Mongolian. In fact we had an eight-year old escort us to our booth and tell us to eat as he pointed to the buffet. The food was mediocre (great compared with the other Mongolian places in Southern, IN) but the experience was worthwhile. I wouldn’t want to ruin the experience for anyone reading this who may want to go, but here’s a tip: there is a menu and you don’t have to get the buffet. AND stick to asking the 8 yr old questions. He is the only one who seemed to both speak and understand English. I mean if you speak Mongolian, feel free to chat it up, but I’m guessing the majority of you don’t.
After the Marathon, which I placed 13th out of 16 runners and was my worst time ever (I ran better with the flu in Russia), we went to West Baden Springs resort to relax with the Third Reich. Who would have thought that swastika’s were still in style in this 500 million dollar renovated spa? It was a very nice establishment which wasn’t afraid of the possible negative connotation that the swastika had took on after WWII.
Then it was on to the home town to visit the family and see Indiana in the fall. Overall, we had a good time. Indiana never ceases to surprise me. There were many more funny stories involving Amish, time zones, libraries, and dirty minor league hockey mascots… but one can only stomach so much Hoosier tales in a blog.
Sorry I missed you when you were in the state. I am terrible at calling you back (and everybody these days really). I owe you and ol' WB a few dozen phone calls each. Hope everything is keep with you.
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