Scandinavian Heritage Park

Aloha Everyone,

Our phone app for map doesn’t always work. To drive to Scandinavian Heritage Park was supposed to take only 6 minutes from our hotel. After driving around in the same route, J.J. saw a tourist directional sign. A big relief, from there it took us only 3 minutes. Parking lot was empty. Apparently, Sundays are closed although the park itself is open, and I was able to take good pictures.

First thing that grabbed my attention was a large 30 feet tall Dala, pronounced “dawla” horse, most recognizable Swedish symbol in the world.

We were able to avoid the expected stormy weather and walked rapidly through the park. Compared to yesterday when the place was filled with visitors and vendors, today all buildings were closed and the darkened sky added realism to the northern weather.

Several interesting sculptures include Leif Erickson and Hans Christian Andersen with him holding an ugly duckling. Dedication on a plaque says, “This is only park in the world representing all five Nordic countries.” Our friend, Terttu from Finland would disagree, but I suppose there’s no harm in letting visitors think that way. Finns don’t consider themselves to be Scandinavian.

Our sons telephoned to check on how we are dealing with the stormy weather. It’s cold and windy but inside our room, it is warm and comfortable. We are enjoying shrimp scampi takeout from Olive Garden. Tomorrow, we leave for Glendive, Montana. Estimated driving time is about 4 hours with an hour break add for lunch.

Aloha -- Cathi

Visited The Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, ND

Aloha Everyone,

This is the oldest zoo in North Dakota. Today there were many families with children enjoying the pleasant weather — sun before the anticipated storms. According to Wikipedia, in 2021, 115,805 guests visited the park. That’s a good number for a zoo located in a small rural community.

My favorites animals are Brown Bears and Bengal tigers plus African penguins.

Stopped by Target to buy packages of extra-large size bandages. At least these would suffice until I find the usual ones at Walmart.

Healthy lunch at Panera located near our hotel, Americinn by Windham in Minot. When we returned, there was an ongoing children’s pizza party in the hotel pool. I don’t think the pool is heated but from their happy faces and shouting, temperature of the water didn’t seem to matter. Our room has a walk-in shower. J.J. and I both enjoyed nice long hot showers.

Aloha -- Cathi

Arrived in Minot, ND

Aloha Everyone,

We are comfortably settled at our hotel in Minot. Tiring drive. Fortunately, we stopped at DQ for lunch, then once we arrived in Minot, took a nap under the shade of a tree in the JC Penny parking lot :-). We had arrived a little early to check in.

Dinner at Do Eat Asian Cuisine located at the shopping complex nearby. J.J. thought having plain steamed white rice might help me settle my stomach. Miso soup was too salty and my Thai red vegetarian curry was too spicy. If we should go back there again, I will get Pad Thai which was J.J.’s choice. Anyway, he had our leftovers packed.  

Our room has a walk-in shower. Not eager to take shower until J.J. goes in as a Guinea pig…

Breakfast is served between 6 to 10. I will have a toast and English black tea.

Our plan is to go visit some museums and an animal park. Weather is cool with occasional showers. Life is wonderful!

Aloha -- Cathi

Cashwise Foods, Lunch at Outlaws Steakhouse and Express Laundry Center

Aloha Everyone,

We were looking for something simple for our breakfast. Cashwise Foods is set up like a large cooperative. They sell everything from fresh fruits, fresh meat and fish, dairies to baked goods. A package of croissants is perfect for our 2 days breakfast. With J.J.’s coffee, we had a good meal.

Back to Outlaws Steakhouse and Express for early lunch. 3 days in a row, mainly because it is the only decent restaurant in Watford City.

New vocabulary, RIG CLOTHES. We were wondering why certain washing machines are marked as well as sorting tables and rubbish bins. North Dakota has active oil fields and people who work there will get oil residue on their outer garments. Thus, RIG CLOTHES must be cleaned with special detergents separate from the ordinary clothes.

We were able to talk with Jay-C and Jody then with George V.

For dinner, the two us walked to Tokyo Japanese Restaurant and Steakhouse whose waiter and chefs are Vietnamese or Malaysian. My sushi was good. J.J.’s nabeyaki udon was served hot, perhaps the best feature of the dish.

One nearby table was occupied by 4 people. Sounds like at least two of them are long-haul truck drivers. They were drinking cocktails and beers as they picked on sushi and filet mignon. Most loquacious of the 4 said to their waiter that he will pay for everyone’s drinks. Another one said that he will pay for everyone’s food. Maybe they were celebrating Juneteenth holiday.

Aloha -- Cathi