Des Moines: Rain, Rust, and Really Weird Coffee
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm espresso. i landed in Des Moines yesterday, and honestly, it’s… something. the air smells like wet pavement and something vaguely metallic - probably the *railroad tracks downtown. it’s not bad, just… persistent. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is clinging to everything like a damp blanket, 81% and climbing. pressure’s at 1012, which feels… stable, i guess? feels like a Tuesday.
I’m a touring session drummer, so my priority is finding decent rehearsal spaces, but Des Moines isn’t exactly overflowing with them. i’m looking at some listings on Craigslist - mostly just dudes with drum kits and a serious need for attention. ugh. i found one near the East Village, which seems… interesting. lots of street art, which is cool, but also a disconcerting number of vintage record stores. i’m a sucker for those, though.
Spent the afternoon wandering around the Pappajohn Center, mostly just taking pictures. it’s a big, imposing building - feels like it’s holding a lot of secrets. i overheard some gossip from a guy leaning against a wall outside - someone told me that the old opera house is haunted by a disgruntled tenor. seriously. i’m not saying i believe it, but i’m also not not saying it. check out some local events at https://www.desmoines.gov/events if you’re looking for something to do.
Food-wise, i stumbled upon this place called ‘The Daily Grind’ - it’s a coffee shop that specializes in, like, really dark coffee. we’re talking volcanic levels of bitterness. they serve it with this weird, almost medicinal-looking honey. it’s… an experience. i’m not sure i’d recommend it, but i’m definitely going to be thinking about it. Yelp reviews are mixed - some people love it, some people think they’re actively trying to kill you with caffeine. https://www.yelp.com/search?keyword=coffee&sort_by=date
My gear list is a disaster, as usual. i’ve got my sticks, my sticks bag (which is basically a black hole), my metronome (which occasionally decides to malfunction), and a half-eaten bag of gummy bears. i also need to find a decent place to buy strings. and maybe a new drum key. and possibly a therapist.
Speaking of gear, i’m trying to capture the vibe of this place for my photography work. the light here is… moody. lots of grey skies and shadows. i’m shooting a series called ‘Rust & Rain,’ which seems pretty apt. i’m aiming for a gritty, atmospheric look.
I’m staying at this Airbnb - it’s in a converted warehouse in the East Village. it’s pretty basic, but it’s got character. the host, a guy named Silas, left me a handwritten note with a cryptic warning about “the shadows that watch.”
“Don’t wander too far after dark, kid. This city has a way of swallowing people whole.” - Silas, my Airbnb host.
If you get bored, Omaha is just a short drive away. I heard that the Old Market is a tourist trap, but also has some decent restaurants. I’m also considering a day trip to Decorah*, Iowa - apparently, it’s a haven for craft breweries and scenic beauty. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g33659-Des_Moines_Iowa-Vacations.html
Seriously, the coffee here is intense. Like, actively trying to rearrange your internal organs intense.
I’m starting to think I need a nap. or maybe a stiff drink. or both.
And one last thing: don’t trust anyone who offers you a cup of coffee that’s darker than midnight. Seriously. Just… don’t.
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