The first time I traveled to the city was four years ago by way of Kansas City from Los Angeles on a 30-hour train ride. That time I was in the city for less than 15 hours and it wasn't nearly as frozen as it was this past weekend, for back when I went it was early spring rather than mid-winter (although I know it is technically spring right now!). I shared a hotel room with another close friend of the groom, and over an evening of zucchini and portobello fries and beer we became fast friends. This time it was her first visit in the city, so the morning of the wedding we decided to go see the Gateway Arch and visit the St. Louis Art Museum. We rode the subway east which was packed with people, which puzzled me until I realized that it was Mardi Gras. I didn't even realize this until I looked more closely at the throngs of people outfitted in purple, gold and green and giddy with the prospects of the day. My new friend chatted with some locals and they showed her their beads and their energy was crazy and infectious. We strolled over to the arch after making our stop, took silly pictures, and upon realizing that we wouldn't make it to the museum, took our time on getting back and wandered around St. Louis.
I feel a little older after this weekend, which I guess is apt for having just attended the first real wedding of someone I know, one of my best friends. The sudden realization hit me that this is only the first of such ceremonies that will occur amongst my peers, which is kind of exciting (I guess). I found myself getting extremely emotional all throughout - so much that I would look away to quell the tears, but then I would tell myself, "No! Stay in the moment!" and just keep watching as my eyes continued to mist over. I may have to go to St. Louis one more time in the future, to see that damn museum, and to visit the newlyweds again on a more relaxed time schedule. Until then...!
No comments:
Post a Comment