Bloomington, MN (USA)

First day of recurrent training!  Woke up around 0615 and ate breakfast at the Residence Inn in Eagan. Very filling... I had plenty of time to get over to training - once I arrived, I met up with John and Tami. Spent most of the day in the classroom - it's the first time we've used a Minneapolis simulator.  Actually, I got lots of new information and perspectives from the instructors. Our lunch break was at a sub joint called Jimmy John's - it seems pretty unique! Found out afterwards that we'll be using the 1800-2200 training block every day (his practically guaranteed that I can't go home early at the end of the week). Got off work at around 1600 and went back to my hotel to change.  Next, I drove over to the Mall of America to meet up with Tami. It was a cool place - there is a Nickelodeon Universe (amusement park) in the middle of the building. The kids would love it! Tami went on rides, but I scoped out the train system, aquarium and some of the other things to do around here. Had crepes for dinner - good! Definitely need to bring the family back here... Back at the hotel, I went to gym to keep working on my bike training - it felt good. Stayed up late tonight, watching some good movies and studying.  Bring on the Sim!