Inside the Capitol

I apologize for the dearth of non-Survivor posts. However, since you all faithfully watch Survivor and then read my analysis each week, as witnessed by the agreements, thoughts, reasoning, strategizing, and counter-arguments left as comments, I know you don't miss the less inspiring and more mundane posts I throw in once and a while.

I have now been in Iowa a month today. Crazy how fast it has gone. I was able to move into my apartment two weekends ago. Photos of the new place will be forthcoming. Last week the work flow dried up and I was let go. This week I filled out a plethora of applications and have an interview on Monday. We'll see how it goes.

Thursday (11/12) was my last day of work. Because there was a limited amount to do, we all got sent home early. An hour later, I got the call saying I didn't need to come in on Friday. Even though I knew it was coming, it was a bit rough to take. I didn't want to brood in my apt. so I decided to enjoy the sunshine (finally!) and explore the capitol building inside.

I was able to find a lovely one-hour parking space fairly close. Again, not my most favorite capitol. I learned that the roof is covered in gold leafing. Personally, with the amount of debt and the layoffs proposed throughout the state of Iowa, you think they'd put their re-leafing projects on hold. The amount paid for the re-leafing a few years ago could have paid at least eight salaries.
Looking down the hill from the capitol is Grand Street, the main downtown thoroughfare. After some of the other major cities I've visited, nothing to brag about, but there's a cool feeling downtown and I'm planning a weekend of more exploring. I have found Iowans don't have much state pride. (At least the ones living in the state; I've found state pride tends to increase exponentially once an individual leaves.)

The interior of the building was clean. I took the self-guided tour, which is always more fun because I make up a lot of my own information and comments to make the tour more interesting. If you ever come to visit, I'll make sure to give you my tour of the building!

As is common in many capitol buildings, the display of artwork is very important. As I walked up the steps to the second floor where the house and senate chambers were, I saw a picture that made me burst out laughing. It was a picture of corn. I quickly looked around for a picture of the pigs, but didn't find it.

The building totally and completely redeemed itself when I walked into the law library. I love libraries to begin with, but this one was elegant, regal, smelled wonderfully of old books, had spiral staircases at each end, an old card catalogue still full of cards, and just fabulous atmosphere and character. I loved it! The picture below does not do it justice.

On the southern end of the library was a dumb-waiter just for books. I've always loved the idea of a dumb-waiter and having one for hauling books only added to the library's charm. It was an absolutely amazing place. The picture below is a picture of the dumb-waiter from the first floor to the second. Grand!