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.

Stratus? Nimbus? Cumulus?

I went over to Village to browse a bit. Didn't find anything, but it was worth the trip. The sun was setting on my way home and the fall briskness that I love so much is finally here and for the first time in a long time Dayton actually looked pleasant. I listened to Catch Without Arms and it was perfect. Seems as though that album fits the season for the fourth year in a row. I've worn a sweater four straight days.

Friday night I went down to Cincinnati to see Enlou and the Poms play. They were brilliant. Enlou keeps getting better and better each time I see them. And the Poms... well let's just say I'm seeing Sufjan and U2 this week and they both have a tough act to follow.

Saturday and Sunday were very depressing for me. I get pretty lonely sometimes. I have so many things to tell you. The weather brings up a lot.



You're the pillow, the cool side
The sand during high tide

DearYou:

I know you don't mean to be mean.

Love, PONYBOY.

Bee Stings

Communivale was pleasant. There was lots of eating of tasty foods and the stinging of bees and the traipsing about of ivy league schools and the seeing of planets and their respective moons through telescopes and the talking to of beautiful chicas and the spending of time with friends. Not bad, not bad.

I'm Sorry, but you already have plans.

Sí, Roberto

Classes started today. 2.5 hour math class + public speaking or something. I really don't like that Sinclair canceled 2/3 of my classes a week before I was supposed to start and that 2/3 of the classes I'm now taking are of no interest to me. I really don't like that I'm getting 6 hours a week at the library. Whatev, I am in paradise.

Gratis

Went to Gratis Fest this weekend with Andy and Tom. Saw a lot of cool guys with beards. Ate a lot of vegan hot dogs. Got rained on. Smelled horrible. Saw Enlou set-up twice. Walked around in wet moccasins. Heard white boys play Indian music. Used a port-o-potty ______ times. All in all it was a terribly uplifting and refreshing and cozy and earthy weekend.