We can learn much from other cities, communities
Posted 2/19/03

Attending a newspaper conference in Rochester this past weekend gave me an opportunity to do more than just learn about the business in which Iím just a small part. It was a chance to meet new people, make connections, and take some time to explore.

Not only did we explore the hotel (more than we intended because of its maze-like quirkiness), but we also explored the underground walking subway that connects area hotels and businesses to the Mayo Clinic.

Going to a new city or community and finding its unique features has always interested me. Obviously, Rochester has an abundance of medical people and medical-related facilities to accommodate thousands of patients each year, providing them with the most skilled physicians. But what I never really thought about was the need for so many hotels, motels, restaurants and stores to accommodate all those patients.

I also found out Rochester boasts one of the largest populations of Canada geese during the migration season. Look out for the geese leftovers while walking around Rochesterís Silver Lake. And if youíre in town, you might want to check out Garyís Creations (a.k.a. The Goose Guy) who creates pictures out of goose poop. Youíd be amazed at his portraits!

It seems nearly every community has something that makes them "unique" - like the one sporting the largest ball of twine (Darwin) or the largest turkey (Frazee), or how about the largest lutefisk at the lutefisk capital (Madison).

Zumbrota, which is just north of Rochester, has its own claim to fame - the last remaining authentic covered bridge in Minnesota. The 120-foot long bridge was built back in 1869 to accommodate stage coach traffic on main street. It now sits one block west of its original location, over the Zumbro River, and handles only foot traffic.

Another stop during our 170-mile trek back home was at a huge log cabin near Farmington which featured oak furniture and antiques. Shocked that my hubby was willing to hit the brakes and back up (I think he had a sixth sense and knew the NASCAR race was on inside), I was even more delighted in the fact that he didnít pester me to "hurry up" while inside.

Instead, we wandered about the place, visiting with the owner and staff, purchasing a few items and discovering, in detail, how the huge structure was built.

With my head full of new ideas, new faces, new places and my tummy quite full from an incredible breakfast at the Canadian Honker, I was refreshed and ready to go back to work this week - with a new perspective.

Thereís nothing like getting out of our own little world once in a while to remind us that thereís other places and people out there from whom we can learn so much. We just have to remind ourselves to take some time do just that.

So I shall end with my favorite Abraham Lincoln quote, "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time."