The copper dome glistened and the magnificent fortitude reminded me of Europe. The afternoon sun shone in through the intricate stain glass casting all sorts of geometric patterns through the large structure adding to this phenomenal sense of grandeur. The resulting shadows cut through the remaining air, like veins across the naked sculptures that then continued to dissect the marble floor.
It was cool and dark, and despite a few curious visitors, it was quiet and my camera’s click seemed to disrupt the serene tranquility. It was the type of quiet that you feel before an interview, when you’re a little nervous but excited for what is to come.
The whole cathedral was enveloped in a mist of solemn revere. My palms were moist as I felt that someone, perhaps someone in the massive stain glass windows, or one of the 20 foot statues, was watching my every move.
The atrium of the Cathedral was a spot where any sinner would tremble. The mighty apostles were positioned in all four corners. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were at least 20 feet tall and each prophet stood majestically in his chosen corner, gazing across the atrium with judging eyes. The half naked statues seemed to protect the Cathedral, showing no sign of mercy, while the angels from the glass peered down from the heavens, as though they were the last line of defense. The cathedral was simply awe-inspiring and knowing that over 800,000 people use this grand cathedral for a sense of spiritual dwelling rekindled my admiration of the power of Christianity.
The formidable structure is a historical landmark, one so dear that one of the 14 American Lego Ambassadors, Roy Cook, has now created a Lego model of the fourth largest cathedral in the country. The model took more than 50,000 pieces to build. This is what I recall of the St. Paul Cathedral in the Twin Cities.
In this beautiful city merged out of Minneapolis and St. Paul emerges a medical hub and a busy industrial population. A number of prestigious universities and the beautiful landscape of the North help add to the ‘busy’ nature of the city. All weekend long, I couldn't help but admire how every street was lined with busy bodies either running, speed walking or biking. No wonder it is known as the most active city in the country.
The twin cities are blessed with aesthetically pleasing architecture and a very artsy population. The Scandinavian influence is evident as a number of older cathedrals and historic buildings are scattered through the city while an abundance of parks and random artistic works add a little playful nature to the twin cities. Charles Schultz (creator of Peanuts) is from St. Paul, so random figures of Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and Linus are found in the most random locations.
I spent the weekend in the twin cities, and I really was delighted with familiarizing myself with yet another part of America. I truly feel that every state is extremely different and Minnesota is no exception. Minnesota and Indiana might be in the same country, but they are completely foreign to each other.
I’m not sure when, or if, I will ever get to return to Minnesota, but I would encourage anyone to take a trip up there if the chance arises. The Twin Cities are remarkable, with a lot to do and a lot to see. I even got to finally taste the “Juicy Lucy” at the Five-Eight Club. This is a restaurant that invented a burger in the twenties that is now pretty popular on the travel channel. It is a simple creation: two patties cooked with cheese in the middle, so that when you take a bite, the cheese oozes out (hence the name, Juicy Lucy). Pretty basic really, but still delicious.
St. Paul's Cathedral basically sated my appetite of the culture and structure of the Twin Cities. I also spent time at a number of waterfalls, state parks and of course, the legendary mall of America. It was a fun weekend and a great adventure in the land of 10,000 lakes. And of course, left me with another shot glass to the collection.
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