Heading back West, we stopped by Cedar Rapids for a few snapshots. Quaint streets, friendly locals, and a dash of Midwest charm. It was a whirlwind affair though. Since it was late in the afternoon, we only had a couple of hours to spare before we had to move on. So, Russell and I hurriedly explored the riverside and downtown areas.

This town wears its art on its body. Murals adorned alleyways, transforming mundane brick into canvases of color. Sculptures and other large art pieces lay on parks everywhere.

The bridge beckoned, a steel-and-concrete whisperer connecting two worlds. As we crossed, the Cedar River murmured tales of floods and resilience.

And just like that, our rendezvous with Cedar Rapids drew to a close. We didn’t conquer museums or scale skyscrapers, but we soaked in the essence of the heart of the city as much as we could.

Onward and Westward.