So long, and thanks for all the pork!

Monday, June 19
Last day in Iowa!


We spend the morning packing and taking our stuff to FedEx. Franco, Wisa, Roy, and I manage to load 3000+ pounds of equipment into the AMJ box without the aid of a forklift.

Forklifts are for sissies.

All that heavy lifting puts us in the mood for snacks.



We meet Ron & Dan for lunch at Venuto's World Bistro (Judy's recommendation), another adorable place on the ped mall.

Check out their theme dinners and eclectic menu: http://www.venutosworldbistro.com/











I have the Sicilian meatball sandwich. It is slightly spicy, tasty, and substantial. Once again, I manage to finish the whole thing.
















Yumi gets the corn chowder.



































Pam gives the Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich one more try. This one's lightly breaded, not covered in gum-shredding overcooked bread crumbs. She likes this version much better. The pomme frites were a little soggy, though. I would've liked them a little skinner and a lot more crisp. But that's a minor complaint.

Verdict: Venuto's is great - nice service and yummy food. Go to Venuto's!


After lunch, it's time to head to the airport. We say goodbye to Ron, Dan, and the trusty Hancher minivan with her dented bumper.














Thanks Ron & Dan! See you in the fall!














We go to the airport and check in without incident.

Here we are back in May, at the beginning of our trip, crouched in a corner at SFO, frantically trying to find any airplane that's heading east:














And here we are today, happily waiting for our regularly scheduled flight:


















What a difference.

Thanks to Chuck, Judy, Ron, Jessica, the rest of the Hancher staff, and everyone with the SPOT program! We hope to see y'all in the fall at the other school (University of Iowa will always be our favorite).


Stay tuned for Obon food reports...