As we’re staying about an hour out of anything that might resemble a “big city” it’s a treat to head into John’s old university stomping grounds when we come back for a visit — It’s only fair to say that I’m a big University of Iowa supporter, especially since I was recently seen on the big screen at GM Place (in front of 18,000 people) wearing my Hawkeyes sweater.

The day started out with breakfast at the Hamburg Inn after which John noted there’s a serious lack of a patty option for your breakfast sausage back in Vancouver.

We walked around a bit, explored the Ped Mall and strolled past the old and new bars and boozing establishments for all those good college kids.

After a visit with some of John’s old co-workers and a trip through the mall (that is slowly being taken over by the university) we headed out to… a different mall but not before stopping in at what John lovingly referred to as “Dirty John’s” to pick up some refreshments for later in the evening.

We drove past many places that were still closed due to the floods last year, including a restaurant that we were going to eat at tonight that we’ve been meaning to go to every time we come to Iowa City but have never had the chance.

Over at the mall we missed the public skate by just a few minutes (yes, in Iowa they have ice rinks in their malls) and we took a walk through the sporting goods store where I had to pose for this photo (above) in honor of Keira’s blog post from yesterday. We also had some time to pick up tshirts in support of our favourite baseball team.

When all is said and done, Iowa City is a great place and I love visiting – from Fridays at the Java House, to warm summer walks along the river holding hands with my man. Culture, innovation, and fantastic down-to-earth people are truly the reason Iowa City has such a special spot in my heart.