More from Missoula

Sick of hearing about this city yet? No? Good. Because I'm not tired of talking about it.

After my 3 hour parking stint at the library was up (the time between the computer and the car- about 45 minutes- was spent upstairs trying to find Naruto. This library is big, and nice, and has a LOT of stuff. The manga section is 5 times bigger than Corydon's. Sorry Mother Dearest and Mrs. Burch) I went to find a spot back in one of the public lots.

Full.

Went to the lot I was in last night.

Also full.

And right next to an explosion of color.

Apparently from June-August Missoula has a lunchtime food and music festival EVERY WEDNESDAY from about 11-2, with food booths from local businesses and live bands.

The band that was playing did the best rendition of 'Epic' by Faith No More, a song found on Rock Band 1, that I have ever heard. I don't normally like that song, but I sang along. I think I

was the only one.

It was busy, but not crowded. Lots of families and young people (high school to college age). Oh and the University of Montana is just across the river from downtown. I'm going to check out their grad program online sometime.

Because I LOVE MISSOULA.

Back to parking.

Since that lot was full, I found my way back to the library lot and snagged the last spot left. For another 3 hours. Score.

Explored the lunch festival, and got food from the MacKenzie River Pizza Co., a place I wanted to check out from the brochure I got of downtown stuff yesterday.

2 small yet filling slices of pizza and 1 vanilla cream soda later, I am very full and content.

Seriously. The BEST cream soda EVER.

Sodas consumed: 4

Compared to Papalino's in Louisville, the slices were a third the area and 4 times as thick- not as thick as Wick's though. The dough, sauce, and toppings made a very hearty eat.

Yep, can't figure out Brian's blogging magic. Oh well.

If I can upload pictures here I definitely will.

I really like it here. Although ped x-ing is something else.

Apparently, as I found out a little while ago from conversing with a polite bike cop (name badge "Swanson"), pedestrians have right of way.

Always. FOREVER.

As in, you're driving down the street. There's a crosswalk, but no stop sign or light. Someone is standing at the corner. You are expected and supposed to stop to let them cross. By law.

Definitely culture shock compared to Indiana, and pretty much anywhere else. As Officer Swanson confessed, not even eastern Montana, where he's from, does that. There's also, according to him, some kind of city bike rental system. Sounds good to me. I won't be able to utilize that now, but maybe..... *scheme scheme scheme*

I love the downtown area. I haven't seen much of the residential area, and the business area is crazy. With signs, traffic markings and road parameters, it's actually a very confusing and sometimes hard city to get around by car. Some areas are much better for walking/biking. There are dedicated biking lines even out around the city.

I like it. You also get a sense of breathing, with a snow-capped mountain or two in the distance.

That's all for now. With the Old Time-y Nyan Cat melodically ruling my ears, I will now endeavor to try to post pictures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDaayQj-vq8

Oh! One more thing. ALL the computers at the library here have names. I'm on Edith now, I was on Cheech earlier, and Buttons yesterday. Hint hint library ladies.