We saw the huge St. Louis cathedral today, it has amazing style and architecture. Just thinking about all the effort and labor that went into building it. Being personal, I cannot fathom people putting so much money into religion. If there was a heaven I am pretty sure you can’t buy your way into it. Hey! Doesn’t the bible say just that? Now the Ursuline Convent, again the effort and labor. I did see the way the original staircase was put together, with dowels and self-supporting. Just imagine the Cypress trees being cut down into 60’ lengths and put up as rafter beams in the 1700’s! I love seeing the way that things used to be built before they had all our fancy tools. I think sometimes we forget how to do things and how to live through the years, and we must re-learn it all again. A cuisine tour? Now were talking, I could do that again. A BIG surprise was the sample size! The brisket we got was several bites! So, tender and melt in your mouth. The sauce had bite and smokiness but not hurtful. The same goes for the Cajun red beans and chili, could I get used to eating like this? Yes. Next was creole shrimp gumbo, it follows the same pattern, purely delicious. Olive Muffaletta paninis with strawberry and buttermilk gelato? I had 5 gelatos and 2 paninis. I mean I had several of each sample at each spot. Lastly was turtle soup with shrimp. The turtle to me tasted like oxtail soup that I used to eat in Ireland. She put sherry in my soup. Maybe it was too much or just me because I don’t care for any alcohol in my food. No beer brats or beer bread for me. See the sample size here was very appreciated. In Peoria, a tour like this would most likely result in thumbnail size portions. Also, lest we forget no extras on sample either. So, it doesn’t always play in Peoria. I could almost imagine maybe living here, not in the city but close? Ah who am I kidding, it might be nice but I need my freedom. I need miles of trees like an addict needs a drug or drink. The mix in the skyline here makes for a change of scenery, buildings dating from the 1700’s with skyscrapers framing the background. That reminds me of the Alamo, if you love history like I do don’t bother going to it. Save your disappointment, serious. To walk past a café or restaurant and find out that it is the oldest single family owned one in the states! Or that this church is the oldest in America. That is what I travel for, not OMG when can I drink. I do hear Spanish and French spoken on the streets, interesting. Donielle did run into several rude city folks today, just not polite at all. In its defense, you’ll have that anywhere. What will happen tomorrow?