A Palimpsestic World

With energy like this, how can one resist falling in love with Minneapolis? Coming from small-town-Kiel, I expected life here to be more exciting, but I could not have imagined the energy of the city. Like the powerful Mississippi that flows under the bridge I walk daily, the vibrancy of city life never stops, even in the near-arctic temperatures that we all have enjoyed so much this week. Every time I go to Downtown or Dinkytown at night, I am amazed by the vitality I witness. Both areas have a certain energy to them, although this varies a bit between the two.

A bit of Dinkytown history

Pure charm
Dinkytown embodies the sort of sultry ambience I would expect to emanate from a Havana casino of old. Although somewhat dark and even a bit dangerous, one cannot help but be enthralled, and maybe even addicted to the ambience. Perhaps this is due to the rich culture of the place. At Loring pasta bar, for example, one can move to the lively beat of a salsa band or enjoy a sensual tango. Although the restaurant itself has not been around very long, it still exudes the charm of the historic Dinkytown drug store that used to exist in its place. Conversely, a visit to Espresso 22 engulfs one in a completely different cultural experience, with mottled blue walls on which a variety of tribal masks hang. If one desires a taste of classic American culture, Annie’s or Al’s are perfect. Even more commercial venues offer a snippet of culture. While listening to live acoustic music at Potbelly’s, one can almost sense Bob Dylan’s presence from a bygone era. Speaking of days gone by, another strong part of Dinkytown’s essence is the feeling of change, but with the original presences remaining. Places like Annie’s, the drugstore that Loring Pasta Bar now occupies, and the iconic Varsity Theater speak of the past as well as the present. Basically, Dinkytown exemplifies a rich palimpsest, which I love so much.

The best burgers in town

The floor here even makes me want to dance—I find this particularly inspiring. It appears to be in motion even without people present.
Downtown, on the other hand, represents a different kind of motion. Instead of the smooth, sensual tango of Dinkytown, Downtown is more of a race—as fast paced as the college students dancing to fresh beats at Too Much Love on any given Saturday. The first time I walked Downtown at night, it took my breath away. All of the lights, the people, and the dancing purely enthralled me. (One must remember, I am from a town of 3,500, and the larger city that friends and I hang out in is a whopping 50,000). I never expected that such beauty could stem from flashing neon lights and drunken hipsters club- or bar-hopping. Although the venues vary, everything comes together to make it seem like one is moving at the speed of light in some crazy techno dance. Unlike Dinkytown, Downtown (or at least what I have experienced of it) focuses on the new—the new Minneapolis dance night, the newest clubs and bars, the great new band hitting the scene. Even in regards to housing, Downtown focuses on the new. The area is undergoing major revitalization, and in my opinion, it is working.

Part of the gorgeous skyline

Constantly in motion
Clearly, Minneapolis contains boundless energy, whether the energy stemming from the new and exciting or from many layers of culture and history functioning together. The ebb and flow of this energy is what keeps the city alive.