Trip Pics!

We're back from our mini-vacation. My parents and I drove first through Omaha, then on to Iowa City, where my brother has just finished his 2nd year at my alma mater, the University of Iowa. We had a nice visit with my brother and I also met up with a friend of mine, Sam, who visited me last summer in Berlin. After that we headed on to Dubuque, Iowa, where my sister, who also just graduated from the University of Iowa, has gotten a job. Since Dubuque is right across the Mississippi River from the quaint, historical town of Galena, Illinois, we spent two nights there visiting the old shops and pretty nature created by the river and bluffs. Here are the pictures from the little trip!

(Click on the pics to enlarge)

Omaha, Nebraska Old Market Area:



A strange little burger joint:


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Iowa City. As the first capital of Iowa, which is now Des Moines, the Old Capital Building is now part of the university:



My brother and me:



View of the university and Iowa River by dusk:


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Dubuque, Iowa downtown area:



On the promenade of the Mississippi River with my sister:


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Downtown historic Galena, Illinois:



Standing under the chocolate store (which I visited twice!) which carried very expensive imported European truffles.

Another shot of Galena, the old steamboat town:

At a very tasty, cozy Italian restaurant in Galena with my sister and parents and a nice final meal of the trip:

It was a very relaxing vacation and fun to see my siblings and some new parts of the Midwest. Of course, I wouldn't be opposed to a European vacation. In fact, I am trying NOT to think about that or I get really depressed that I'm spending my summer in NW Iowa, but nothing tops a good family vacation without any major problems or squabbles. The audition went very well, so I was disappointed not to advance. But, still trying to look up and not worry about the future. Now for a week of vacation left before I start my new job!