Day: July 22, 2017

Spokane, A July Adventure: Dinner at Luigi’s

Sunday, July 9

We were hungry, it had been mentioned by Texas Dr. Gary, and it was close at hand (we were still afoot), so we headed for Italian dining at Luigi’s, a block from the riverfront.  As soon as we entered, I knew we had made the right choice as a large poster greeted us of the Ruth Orkin image of “An American Girl in Italy”, a legendary photograph made in 1951 and discussed back in 2011 on my HHR photoblog.    Luigi staff were conversant about the image and eager to discuss the backstory, too.

Our waiter, Kristoffer, provided useful intelligence on Washington wines (and led Herman to procure and pack a couple of bottles for his flight home).  A good time was had by all, but we had to tote uneaten excess back to our room.

[rDay Eight-Hundred-Thirty-Seven]

Spokane, A July Adventure: Getting There & Looking Around

Sunday, July 9

Never had been in Spokane before.  Grabbed a few views while driving around seeking the hotel and getting a bit of the lay of the land.  Stretched our legs walking around a few blocks as evening approached, with Herman striking up conversations at almost every step.  Two Spokane residents impart some tips and intelligence on the local scene.

When we went to the hotel for check-in, I was sidetracked — still belted in and doing “windshield photography” —  by, of all things, birds flying about around the hotel entrance.

Of course, there were the cars.  Rather disconcerting to see such an unusual proportion of cars representing the Porsche marque, seemingly everywhere.  We spotted a small group on a side street, polishing and fussing with their cars, so we stopped to talk.  Turned out to be a five-Porsche family from Texas, a surgeon named Gary with his 2014 Cayman, his orthopedic surgeon daughter with a mid-80s 911 SC Targa, and the others just driving off — they had convoyed all their cars from San Antonio and Austin.  Then we encountered a gentleman from Orange County who was hosing off his travel dust from his late model Cabriolet, very similar except in color to the one Herman left behind in Kansas City.  And on and on.

Now, having been in town less than a couple of hours, it is time for Sunday dinner.

[rDay Eight-Hundred-Thirty-Seven]