RNC: Day 2, Part 1 -- outside the bowl

[barondave]

continuing coverage in LJ. Day 1 part 1, Day 1 part 2, Day 1 part 3

"The Bowl" is what the security people call the inside of Xcel Arena; not the hockey rink itself which is "The Floor", but the hockey-shirt-festooned area around the rink. Maybe the seats: I'll find out tomorrow.

After Monday's intense day inside and outside, Tuesday was considerably calmer, at least for me. Taking the bus, I arrived in downtown St. Paul, and immediate got lost. Segway riding ads for a tv network greeted me, and directed to the right place.


Bipartisan Segway riders
Downtown St. Paul, Sept. 2, 2008CE

While downtown, I had lunch at the Hunan (one of my favorite restaurants, though it's gone a bit downhill since I worked in the area) ... and saw a couple of youths who looked like protestors. They were. After lunch, we talked.

Two protestors, one involved in Monday's march and the other who had gone to the concert on Harriet Island (mp3, 10:09).

Heading off toward the convention center, music filled the air. Unlike Monday near the main gate, it wasn't canned music selected by the RNC. Students from McNally Smith College of Music were just out there. I talked with one student handing out flyers for the college while others played (mp3, 2:44).


Street Musicians near Rice Park
Sept. 2, 2008CE
More later.

Comments

[asimovberlioz.livejournal.com]

Students from McNally Smith College of Music were just out there.

Are you doing to try to attend a taping of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"?

[radparker.livejournal.com]

Oh look, you were right outside the saddest Macy's in the world! I know that area well. I am guessing the segway riders told you to turn left (from the perspective of you facing them and taking a picture) and head about 3 blocks and you would be all set?? :)

[barondave.livejournal.com]

Extraordinarily tempting, of course. They tape at 5pm (I think), and I bussed past the college at 3, and the line was already long. I'd have to commit most of the day, and I can't do that during the RNC.

I might on Friday, though.

[barondave.livejournal.com]

Yup, that's the one. They were back today, and I let them know that their picture was up. Unsurprisingly, many people wanted pics with them. They had moved kitty-corner, and people could actually see them.