June 23-24, 2021
We drove through Kansas City during our move about a month ago and it was harrowing. The freeway was jammed, with construction everywhere and lanes closed and detours and we were driving 2 cars and a truck trying to follow the kind lady's voice on our phone app - to get from the right lane to the left lane in 15 feet - only to find it is closed and there is another detour! We decided to go back to 'check out' the area in one car with less stress - get off the freeway - and see the two cities with the same name in two states straddling the Missouri River.
We stayed right downtown on the Missouri side and while there was a lot of reconstruction and remodeling going on - it is a city trying to survive, seemingly abandoned, like many large cities today.
We enjoyed walking around in the Power and Light District which offers bars, restaurants and a lively, upbeat atmosphere. We ate lunch at the Dubliner and Joe ordered Bangers and Mash - because he had never had it - lol and I had delicious Fish and Chips - JJ opted for an IPA from Oregon, claiming he was too tired to eat. LOL We had dinner at Guy Fiere's Dive and Taco Bar and the food was delicious! It was actually pretty crowded with all types of interesting people! Oh, and they have a shop that specializes in delivering hot baked cookies at 3 AM! So....
We planned a visit to Worlds of Fun Amusement Park on day 2 and all week it kept showing rain and thunderstorms for varying times of the day. We went out to breakfast and it started pouring and by the time we were back to the hotel it was a full on mid west storm complete with thunder and lightning and the sky was DARK. But the park doesn't open till 11:00 and by then it was just perfect - about 75 degrees and tolerable humidity. Sometimes our timing is perfect and it certainly was this day!
JJ rode all 6 coasters and Joe and I joined him on the big 2 - Prowler and Mamba and all I can say is OMG - it has been awhile since Joe or I had ridden on a roller coaster and they have made some major improvements? to enhance your experience - (basically scare the shit out of you) We had an amazing day - the park is beautiful, staffed by great folks and just perfect in every way!
The drive between Bentonville, Arkansas and Kansas City, Missouri and/or Kansas is about 3 1/2 hours but every minute is breathtaking. This time we enjoyed haying season with giant rolls of hay etc....in every field in addition to the green trees, winding rivers, farms and villages.
Although it is great to get home -I wonder where we will go next?
Gabi
