Bloomington, IN pt. 2/2

"Classy" and "Indiana" are rarely used in the same sentence... or paragraph. But when it comes to Bloomington, I must say, it's classy.

Mike and I met Leah briefly for coffee. Then we sauntered over to Mac Mediterranean on 3rd Street, an Afghani-owned gyro and kebab house. We got to sit in the window on pillows with a low table and rugs hanging all around us. This is my idea of a good time. Tried this very interesting cucumber and mint drink called dough. I wouldn’t want to drink it every day, but I still enjoyed it. I had a lamb gyro. Lamb is indisputably the tastiest meat of all time. We polished it off with the sweetest, most juicy baklava I’ve ever had (sorry Tigs). HIGHLY recommend this place.

We took a stroll around Indiana University’s campus. The buildings are all gorgeous and the leaf-covered sidewalks aren’t half-bad, either. It might just give Wittenberg a run for its money in terms of the most striking campus. Anyway, we walked around and Mike picked up some literature on language graduate programs.

Stopped in at The Copper Cup and tried some Thai Bubble Tea. It was the only decent boba I’ve had since I lived in Colorado. Tops.

Then we proceeded to the venue, the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, and waited for three hours. Did a crossword puzzle with fellow concert goers and had a ginseng soda and ginger candy. Saw Sufjan a couple times just hanging out in a café next door. He was really chill, and awkward. And he had a one of those blue and white camouflage safari/bucket hats that were popular like 10 years ago and now are just dorky… only him. Our long wait paid off and we were one of the first 30 people in the theatre, allowing us to get great seats in the front row in the very middle! Unfortunately, everyone else decided they were going to stand… in front of us. I think I saw Sufjan’s face a couple times, maybe. His voice was really good live.

So the show itself could’ve been a better experience. But I had a grand time regardless and walked away with a new, even greater respect for Sufjan. His awkward presence and non-rock star personality are inspiring and admirable for me. I like that he rarely tours. And when he does, he only plays small, intimate venues. That’s fresh.

Got home at 3:30. Up for work at 7. Then school. Feeling tired and sick and emotionally unstable but OK. Good trip, Mike.