tba: Kickin' it at the Kauffman Center

One fine piece of architecture: The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts

There's something really fun about going back to your hometown and doing some exploring. Exploring places that you've been, maybe just once, maybe hundreds of times, lets you rediscover the familiar while also taking in all the changes. That was my mission when I went downtown with my momma. We wanted to see the new architectural masterpiece that "changed Kansas City's skyline." My mom says that it reminds her of Half Dome. I, on the other hand, just think it's really pretty, but also cannot help thinking about snails when I see it. I'm really sophisticated when it comes to art and culture. Believe me. It's pretty impressive though, regardless of what you think. This is the new home to the Kansas City Symphony, ballets, plays, concerts, things that I cannot afford to attend. But, you can walk in the doors, for free! And that's about the right price so we were good to go. It very, very bright in the foyer (so much so that I had to put my sunglasses on, the security guard was wearing some as well!). The front side is all windows, and the building seems to be constructed by large metal pulleys and thick cables. But what was so awesome is the clean, pristine of the place due to everything in there being white. The walls, the stairs, the benches, the doors, the floors, all white. Which makes me sad for the cleaning crew if it rains or snows. It's beautiful though. Check it out the next time you're in KC!

We also discovered First Fridays at the Crossroads. The art galleries stay open late, and there are a lot of people out and about. I guess during the summer it's like one big block party with street performers and food cart vendors. Even though it was pretty warm for winter, they didn't have that many activities outside of the galleries, which was okay. Still a really good time! My mom remarked, "We're becoming a real city!"

Interesting thoughts on KC (after being gone for so long): No one walks around here. I think of Portland, DC, and there are always tons of people on the sidewalks. So there is my frame of reference. I made my mom walk 5 blocks to Christopher Elbow Chocolates (um....so good, and so pretty, and he's a local guy that we know!) and she was very hesitant because "it's downtown and you don't walk around here for your own safety." I don't know if safety is the issue (I felt safe) or if it's just that the city is so spread out, and parking is so available that Kansas Citians don't really need to walk to get from place to place. I think it may be a combination of both, but what an eerie feeling to be the ONLY people walking on the sidewalk, for 5 blocks, in a city! That's something we need to work on.

BUT, despite the walking issue, I miss this place.