We have another YM guest here today to tell you about an incredible festival that is held in Des Moines in the late spring time...drum roll please...Caleb!
Caleb here, I am finally making a guest appearance on Yellow Mondays. It has been a long time coming. A few months ago Diana and I attended one of our close friends’ weddings in Des Moines, Iowa. While Diana was helping the bride the morning of the wedding I decided to venture out into the heart of Iowa. Even though Des Moines is a relatively small city it is booming with life and character. The buildings are mismatched with new apartment buildings and old warehouses that are renovated into trendy restaurants and bars.
My adventure first started by getting my morning coffee a few streets down from or hotel. While making the trek I noticed a sign for the Des Moines Asian Festival. Huzzah!!! My afternoon was decided. With time to kill until the start of the festival, I headed over to one of the best bakeries in town, La Mie. This pastry paradise of palatable perfection houses some of the tastiest treats. Almond croissants are my favorite.
After a short stay I headed back to the festival. The streets that had been desolate an hour before were now overflowing. I walked the streets taking in the sites sounds and most importantly the smells. Different vendors representing different cultures spanning the continent lined the sidewalks. I made my way to one of the Vietnamese vendors and ordered the chicken kabob and fried noodles. The meat was perfectly balanced with bold spices and a sweet yet spicy flavor. As I finished eating the entertainment of different cultures began on the stage. Dancing from India and music from Malaysia added to the vibrant colors of the festival.
Once the afternoon had passed I packed up and headed for the hotel to get ready for the wedding. My time alone was enjoyable, but my fellow explorer was truly missed. If you are in Des Moines I would recommend exploring down town. You never know what kinds of fun things will be happening during the summer which always keeps it exciting.