Mall of America

Lego Model

7 September - went to the Mall of America - the biggest shopping area in the USA and some say the World!!! Very impressive. There is a huge amusement park in there and gianormous Lego models and at least 5 million shops - or close lol, When we left and started the drive to Iowa we listened to a radio program that was coincidentally talking about this Mall saying that it was a terrorist target and that they have anti terrorist Police working there and there is a jail and interrogation rooms in the basement. Was glad we left. Drove 260.2 miles (418 kms) to Des Moines Iowa. My comment the other day about the worst drivers - definitely the Twin Cities of St Paul & Minneapolis. An example - we were within the city limits doing 70 mph (113 kph) which was the speed limit on this freeway and we were overtaken by 3 semi trailers - amongst which there were  cars and a motor cyclist (no helmet) - weaving in and out and changing lanes. Very scary. This was one of many incidents we experienced and absolutely no one will let you change lanes. If the speed limit is 60 they all seem to do 75....crazy!!

Amusement Park In Mall

For the boys :)

8 September - had a sleep in this morning and just after we woke there was a major domestic going on outside our room in the car park. Woman screaming...man yelling...two puzzled kids. Jerry Springer was on the TV...and also, it seems, in the car park. He tore off in the car then came back...then she took off with screaming tyres and then she came back. Police came. Very exciting...better than the TV.

We drove to Pella because that's where Paul used to go when he was working for Vermeer...that's their home base. They make trenchers and wood chippers and the like. Very pretty Dutch town...windmills and clogs. Returned to Des Moines and looked around. Lots of beautiful buildings and War Memorials. There were loads of flags and they are obviously readying for a 9/11 service on the weekend. Had another Walmart visit...why are Revlon products $6-7 here and $30 to 35 in Australia. Bugs# 560

In Pella

Des Moines 9/11 preparations

Capitol Building Des Moines