Topeka, Kansas

Ad Astra Per Aspera
(To the Stars Through Difficulty)

State Flower: Wild Native Sunflower 
State Song: Home on the Range
State Reptile: Ornate Box Turtle
State Nickname: The Sunflower State

Graham Crackers were named after Kansan Reverend Sylvester Graham. 

“Kansas: First of the Rectangle States”

I realize we have only visited a few states. So few that I can count them on one hand, but I love Topeka. I really do. Does my love for The Wizard of Oz make me biased? Absolutely! Experiencing Kansas first hand makes me understand the color palate of the movie. The fields were emerald green against an aquamarine sky. Golden flowers ran alongside the roadway and every now and again bright red blooms would take over the landscape. It was wondrous. 

 I soaked in the surroundings and transported myself back to our wedding when Dad walked me down the aisle to Somewhere Over the Rainbow, wearing the song out on repeat throughout much of the state. 

Once in Topeka, we had big plans. The Hyatt Place Topeka really set the tone for us. It was to date one of the best Hyatt experiences we’ve ever had.  The rooms were the same as other Hyatts, but the level of service was top notch. Everything was clean, everyone-and I mean everyone- was friendly. We asked to purchase a bottle of wine, and it was promptly delivered to our room with glasses and a wine key. Something about people that love their job and do it well gives me all the feels. 

Having made it through the harsh cold weather and my “I want to give up” attitude, we felt like bad asses for making it to Topeka. After a hot shower, and sipping some wine in bed, we headed off to Axe and Ale where I dominated Rawley in axe throwing. It was my first time, but I still beat him. For a reasonable cost patrons can let it out as they throw axes down the lane towards a wooden bulls-eye. The lanes rent by the hour and they have an adequate bar with booze and snacks and a very high energy team of employees to help with whatever you need. 

We closed the place down and then scoured the town for a bite to eat. I’m not sure if the lack of dining options was due to the pandemic or if that’s just how Topeka functions, but we ended up with Papa John’s back in bed. And I’m not complaining. 
The next day we took a trip to the quiet Topeka Zoo. Being one of very few people in the zoo that day made for the best experience. We took our time and didn’t have to fight any crowds. We looked at all the different animals, but the biggest draw for us was their new Kay McFarland Japanese Garden. My Dad loved bonsais, orchids, and everything that has to do with Asian culture. Quiet and natural, Japanese gardens use stone, plants, and water to provide a place of pure serenity in our hectic lives. There are feminine and masculine attributes and certain ways to experience the garden. We were given a thorough education by a nice young man, and I wish we had some kind of literature or pamphlet to have explained it in more detail. There is a constantly circulating water source that will continue to flow throughout the life of the garden.

Our Topeka theme song:

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby, oh
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true-ooh-ooh
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops that’s where
You’ll find me, oh
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to
Oh why, oh why can’t I? I
Someday I’ll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top that’s where you’ll find me
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to
Why, oh why can’t I?