The Minnesota Nice tagged: , , , , , , , ,

The Minnesota Nice

Posted by Claire Connelly in Travel

Great.

A three and a half hour interlude to my Amazing American Adventure, I have found myself stranded in Denver Colorado.

Not Denver Colorado – Denver International Airport, waiting for a connecting flight to Portland.

Try listening to Telstra’s ‘hold’ music as you wait, grudgingly for a customer service representative, and you’ve got a vague idea of where I’m at right now.

Anyhoo….

Minnesoooooota was amazing!

And for all the nay-saying NEW YORKERS *cough* and others who cocked their head to the side like a confused dog upon discovery of this incredible city’s addition to my itinerary – I have this to say: clearly you haven’t been to Minnesota.

It’s known as the city of 1000 lakes. Most people who live here have lush water views, regardless of income bracket.

The people here also have these funky “Fargo-esque” accents that have forced many a stifled giggle during my stay, (it’s the small things). I was thoroughly entertained.

I spent the weekend up at the Pepin’s cabin by Gull Lake and I’ve got to say, I think I found a small piece of heaven, (and I have the photos to prove it).

A lake community, everyone heads ‘up north’ for the weekend in Minnesota to these beautiful log cabins, or fully equipped mansions (depending on your style), each with a pier overlooking the lake, a small beach, and lush rolling plains of grass perfect for pets and grandchildren.

Despite the chilly start, the day blossomed into perfect boating weather.

We spent the day out on the boat, riding the wakes. We took lunch at a lakeside cafe, and fell asleep on the pier, read books, went fishing, and generally appreciated everything that life had to offer.

I have never come across such a kind, and hospitable family quite like the Pepins.

Their cabin was bought specifically as a haven for friends and family – their three daughters, two son-in-laws, and five grandchildren.

It is somewhere to go to find familiarity and enjoy the company of loved ones.

It doesn’t surprise me that this principle was so easily achieved – the Pepins and their family welcomed me with open arms, refusing to let me lift a finger all weekend.

We shot-the-shit by the fire at night time, and I watched the two little girls, Natalie and Emma scoop up fish from the pier with their bare hands, catching every slimy little thing they could get their curious hands on.

These are good people who have seen their share of hardship, and despite all that, they still come together and enjoy eachothers company, and be grateful for all the great things in life.

They sang for their food before dinner, and played jazz at night while we chatted, and sometimes, we just sat quietly.

I know this may sound terribly dull to some people, but I am hugely envious of the serenity the Pepins achieve when no one is looking, despite their busy lives.

They actually switched off the television! – when they realised nothing was on, put on some music, and read a book.

Not a huge achievement by any feat but by god it’s something I’ve had trouble doing. Just sitting.

I read 200 pages of Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail in two days.

One small step for man, one giant leap for me!

I have not been able to settle down with a good book for quite some time, so not only do I feel refreshed, I’m also a little bit proud of myself.

More than that, the Pepins and their children, and their families, were just the most amazing people I’ve ever met.

I’m really overcome at the kindness that was demonstrated to me this weekend.

It’s sometime I aspire to be like as I grow older – like The Pepins.

I understand now why they call it “The Minnesota Nice.”

It is going to be hard to top such an amazing weekend.