When its white dome first swims into view there is a shock of surprise, then a rapidly growing delight in its pure beauty, and as one studies the building, inside and out, the surprise and delight increase. One leaves it with regret and with the hope of return.
-Kenyon Cox, Architectural Record, August 1905
This describes exactly what I felt when I first glimpsed the Minnesota state capitol. Rob and I were out sight seeing. We did not have any plans except to see St. Paul and Minneapolis. We came over a rise and we both gasped. Rob nearly hyperventilated because not that far from this beautiful capitol was this
The St. Paul cathedral. Rob started his college career as an architect and still holds a huge fondness for beautiful buildings. We swerved on the road trying to decide which building to see first. The cathedral won out and we began to explore. It was raining but we got out. We just had to be near this gorgeous building. Rob took several pictures and we walked all the way around the building (even through an alley behind it). Reluctantly after arriving at the front steps again we decided to go.
The next day we ventured out again and explored the capitol. The outside reminded me of pictures of France I have seen. The inside was so beautiful and so full of history. There were several flags all very old. My favorite was a flag that the Minnesota battalion had carried at Gettysburg. This battalion lost about 82% of its men there. It is so strange how a tangible item from history seems to connect me more to the story. I found myself so sad looking at the flag. What a huge cost! One that I have thought about before but it was different looking at a lasting piece from that battle.
We looked at the cathedral again and then wandered down the street behind the cathedral to look at the huge old homes there. That was also incredible. Our camera lost all of the pictures that we took but we enjoyed it so much I am sure we will be back again.
I shared this thought with my sister-in-law. I love to see beautiful things here but it means so much more when I can share those beautiful things with the people I love. I hope you can feel the thrill Rob and I felt as we stumbled on these awesome sights. Another incredible experience and I have only been here for two weeks.
2 comments:
Who knew something(s) so amazing existed out there? I guess I would have expected it to look more like, well, the other BORING state capital buildings I've seen. What beautiful buildings!
And--BTW--I have to tell you...I've been running lately! Can you believe it!? I don't run up the hills yet, but have been mostly running the downhills and some flat parts on my daily excursion. By the time you get back, I'll probably be ready to keep up with you! Just had to share. :)
SO glad you're enjoying it out there. Beautiful photos!
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