Monday, June 08, 2009

Back Home . . .

This is one scene during the performance of Noah, the Musical

I had a wonderful time in Branson. I knew I would! It was fun being with Lil and Jim again. Lil made delicious meals. We didn't eat out even once! The weather was beautiful - in the 70's, sunny most except for early this morning. On Saturday night we went to see Noah, the Musical. This was an incredible production with a wonderful cast, great songs, and lots and lots of live animals - in pairs. The set of the ark is amazing! It's huge - and during part of the production, we were in the ark! At one point, I sneaked a photo (without flash). I was so impressed that I didn't want to forget it. If you get a chance, go to see it!

Leaving the new Branson Airport today was a fun experience. The airport is the first privately financed and operated commercial airport in the United States. I think Lil said the price tag to the city was $65 million. It is 5 miles off highway 65, and to make the roads, they blasted through beautiful rock, making it a very enjoyable ride. There is also a beautiful golf course along this road. There is an air traffic control tower, but of course, it is much smaller than the one in Minneapolis, Seattle, or even Rochester. I thought to myself, Heidi would pretty much be bored if she worked in this tower.

The decor in the passenger waiting area (edited 6/10/09) is a little like Northern Minnesota. The chairs are casual - wooden frames, upholstered - something you could see in a cabin or lodge. There is a Famous Dave's restaurant. After boarding our plane today, the ground crew pulled away the portable ramp, stood in formation, and all 6 of them continued to wave while our plane pulled away. The impression they want to leave on all passengers and airplane personnel is: Welcome to Branson. We're glad you came, and we hope you return soon. So far Sun Country and Air Tran are the only carriers. The flight to Minneapolis only takes and hour and a half.

4 comments:

Pat said...

Sounds like you had a great time. When talking about the decor you said it was in the tower--did you mean airport? Or could you actually see this in the tower? Info about the airport was fascinating. Pudge & I really like Branson. No plans to go in the near future.

Also in my blog about the reunion you thought both Kari & Bryan were born in Arkansas. Bryan was-- not Kari. As a matter of fact don't you remember Mom & I were at your place wall papering when I went into labor with her?

DD4 said...

Sorry about the confusion. It's the airport's decor that I was mentioning.

And yes, now I remember you being in labor at my home and how I wanted you to hurry up and leave so you wouldn't give birth in my kitchen. I sure was immature back then! Now I think I would be fine given the same scenerio.

MamaD4 said...

Glad you had fun, though I always say you could have fun anywhere!

I'm trying to imagine the excitement of going into labor while wallpapering! Interesting story...

Lil said...

The cost of the airport was $164 million, not $65...private funds and loans. It was incredibly great having you here. Come again...soon. Much love, Lil