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<\/p>\nBy: Liming Pals; Edited by: Fang Sheng<\/p>\n
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There\u2019s more than one reason to visit and fall in love with Minneapolis. In October 2021, it is the 62nd<\/sup> Annual Conference of the American Translators Association.<\/p>\n *-*-*-*-*<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prince once wrote: \u201cI like Hollywood. I just like Minneapolis a little bit better.\u201d<\/p>\n Although I haven\u2019t been to Hollywood, I do like Minneapolis better than all the cities in Iowa, where I have been living for more than ten years. Therefore, I was thrilled to write a Guide to Minneapolis for colleagues who will travel to Minneapolis for the ATA62.<\/p>\n My family lived on a farm in Iowa for six years, and the closest big city with an international airport was Minneapolis. It evokes many warm and beautiful memories! Minneapolis was the first city I landed in when I flew from China to the US in 2008. It was also where we picked up my parents, who came to visit from China ten years ago. Whenever we developed cabin fever during the long winter season, we often drove two hours over here for shopping therapy. It was also here in Minneapolis that I took and passed my ATA certification exams (English into Chinese and Chinese into English). The reasons for my love of Minneapolis are countless. I ardently invite you to explore this wonderful city and immerse yourself in all that makes the city great!<\/p>\n Twin Cities<\/strong><\/p>\n Whenever people talk about Minneapolis, they often use the term \u201cTwin Cities\u201d to refer to Minneapolis and Saint Paul. \u201cMinneapolis\u2013Saint Paul is a major metropolitan area built around the confluence of the Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix rivers in east-central Minnesota.\u201d (Wikipedia) Minneapolis is the most populous city in the state.\u00a0 Saint Paul is the state capital, which directly borders Minneapolis to the east. They are \u201ctwins\u201d since they share many of the same political, educational, and cultural institutions. One fact of interest for CLD colleagues is that Minneapolis is the sister city of Harbin, China.<\/p>\n City of Lakes<\/strong><\/p>\n Minneapolis is the quintessence of the glistening modern American city, and is home to extensive parks, green spaces, and lakes, that blend seamlessly into its urban environment.<\/p>\n Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes. With over twenty-two lakes in Minneapolis alone, there is a rich lake culture that attracts many visitors from nearby states to enjoy cabin retreats, kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, and more.<\/p>\n If you are looking for adventure, kayaking down the Mississippi River or on a lake might be for you. Twin Cities Kayaking<\/a> (call (612) 708-2781) can deliver and pick up kayaks for you and offers adventure tour guides. Reservations are required so you will need to call ahead of time. It might be very cold at the end of October so pack some warm clothes and bundle up if kayaking is in your plan.<\/p>\n For relaxing sightseeing, a cruise on the Mississippi River would be a good choice. The best route might be the one departing from Bohemian Flats Park near downtown Minneapolis, where you can enjoy excellent views of the downtown skyline, the historic Stone Arch Bridge, and the University of Minnesota campus. For more information, google Padelford Riverboats <\/a>and Paradise Charter Cruises<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you are a hiking enthusiast, I recommend Minnehaha Falls (5 miles from Hyatt Regency Minneapolis). My family visited here this summer, but sadly the waterfall had dried up to a trickle due to the drought in Minnesota. According to its website, this is one of Minneapolis’ oldest and most popular parks, featuring a majestic 53-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, and river overlooks, attracting more than 850,000 visitors annually.<\/p>\n Cultural Landmarks<\/strong><\/p>\n Minneapolis offers an abundance of cultural attractions. Within walking distance from Hyatt Regency Minneapolis<\/a> (the ATA62 official hotel), there are the Walker Art Center<\/a> (a contemporary Sculpture Garden, 12 minutes walk), Minneapolis Institute of Art<\/a> (18 minutes walk), and the Basilica of St. Mary (the first basilica established in the United States, 9 minutes walk).<\/p>\n Shopping – No Sales Tax on Clothing!<\/strong><\/p>\n Minnesota is one of just a handful of states that do not charge sales tax on clothing, which itself is a major tourist attraction. If shopping is your thing, then head straight for the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States. \u00a0With over 520 stores, you can find almost all the brands you like. In addition to shopping, it is also a children\u2019s playground, with many fun rides at the Nickelodeon Universe theme park right inside the mall.<\/p>\n