Pre-Departure Procedures

Well, I'm moving to Spain for the summer! I will be working as an au pair in Majadahonda, just outside of Madrid. I'm incredibly stoked to get to know my host family, the town, and other au pairs. Still, it feels a bit strange leaving the States behind for such an extended period of time.

...Especially when I have to sort through all of this before I leave:

Nevertheless, I decided to go out in style--Sioux Falls style! My roommate Audrey drove down from Minnesota just for the day to celebrate classic Americana. Now, I proudly present:

AUDREY AND KATIE'S DAY OF FUN!!

As tradition demands, we started off at the Falls. They managed to look the same.

It was a cloudy/rainy day in SF, but we pushed through anyway. Since we had no other friends with us, we took separate pictures to document March 20th, 2013 at the classic Sioux FALLS landmark.

After the longest elevator ride known to man, we made it to the top of the Viewing Tower, only to be almost blown away by the 100,000 mph winds. Barely snuck out a picture.

Afterwards, Zandbroz was a must. Needless to say, in true Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) style, we discovered some... "treasures."

For example, here was a poster with a particularly questionable depiction of the human metabolism.

On the weird side, we discovered the most awkward, impractical mouse pop-up book.

On the nostalgic side, we rediscovered the fantastic vintage cash register from the old soda fountain.

A few more adventures continued in DTSF and other local hot-spots. In the end, we topped the day off with couple bowls of Lucky Charms. Not only were magical marshmallows in our bellies that night, but also memories. (**sniff**)

 

Even though I'm off to an exciting summer abroad, it sure was fun to embrace my beloved hometown. Let's just say that Sioux Falls sure knows how to give a proper South Dakota send-off!

Exhibit A: Buffalo Head.

 

Exhibit B: God Bless America! (And South Dakota!)

So long, Sioux Falls....

...¡Hola España!