Summer in St. Louis

So I've made it to St. Louis (arrived on Thursday, August 10). Charlie's apartment is great -- furnished, comfortable, lots of light and plenty of space. Since I've been here I've had some toasted ravioli, a St. Louis specialty, gone to a barbecue for a little socializing (some of Charlie's family friends), seen the campus of Washington University, visited the St. Louis Arch (see photo) and enjoyed a film on Lewis and Clark's westward expedition, gone to the Missouri Botanical Garden -- lovely -- and that was just through Sunday. During that time I also helped Charlie finish unpacking boxes and we've watched plenty of ER and painted some canvases (unicolor) to hang all over the living room and/or dining room. Today is Charlie's first day of orientation and my first day of exploring the city on my own. It's been rewarding...I walked through Forest Park to the Zoo. I saw penguins, watched the sea lions get fed, and walked through the whole place for about an hour and a half. Good to get a bit of exercise and feel accomplished. I was definitely the only person there who was alone, but it was very pleasant (except for the 100 degree heat and high humidity). Now I'm probably going to watch a DVD and stay in the air conditioning for the afternoon. I'm looking forward to going to the Missouri Historical Museum tomorrow and the St. Louis Art Museum the next day. That's all for now...hope you're doing well in your respective places.