Nice article in USA Today about the IMA's Sacred Spain exhibit.

Strawtown Koteewi Park- Noblesville, Indiana

For us, it wasn't a hard choice this weekend between facing shopping crowds or taking a walk outside. We decided to take a break from our Ft. Harrison State Park routine and head north to the Kotweewi Park in Noblesville. While it isn't as woodsy as Ft. Harrison, the north and south loops had their own beauty and provided ample walking. We walked both loops and we walked for about an hour and 45 minutes. It was very quiet and not crowded at all which was quite nice.

There's not a lot of color outdoors right now so we were grateful for these greens and reds:

We like the contrast of the white on the trees:

The path was a little muddy but not too bad. It's a multi-use trail so bikers, walkers, and joggers are welcome.

Part of the path leads you under Strawtown Avenue:

El Bodegon- Fishers, Indiana

Empanadas:
Arepa with cheese:

Bocata with Spanish Serrano ham:

Spanish potato omelette tapa:

Oh happy day! We were just lamenting when we got back from New York that arepas aren't as prevalent here as they are there and we found El Bodegon. They have a nice variety of Colombian style and Venezuelan style arepas. We tried the Colombian style arepa with cheese and we loved it. It is certainly bigger than we're used to getting at the New York street fairs and only $2.49. We also tried their beef and chicken empanadas and they made us so happy. These were really flaky empanadas and the meat was seasoned deliciously, especially in the beef one. We also enjoyed the Bocata de Jamon Serrano (sandwich with Spanish serrano ham). It was perfect in its simplicity; crusty bread rubbed with tomatoes and sprinkled with olive oil and tasty serrano ham. Plus, it was the perfect size to enjoy but not feel overful after eating. And just because we wanted to try as much as possible, we ordered the Spanish Potato Omelette Tapa. After all, who could resist that for only $1?

We pretty much want to try everything on the tapas menu and all of the arepas too. When we can order all that we did and still come in under $13, we should be able to justify doing that. El Bodegon is on 96th Street (the Walmart side, not the Meijer side) in the back of the building with Panera and the Beauty Brands store. We know that it is fairly new but we were the only ones in there on Saturday afternoon and we dearly want this place to stay open. It is extremely casual so don't let the term "tapas bar" make you think that you have to get gussied up for it. It is quite spacious, the service was very friendly, and the prices are budget friendly. We got our order to go which is a great option anytime but especially great for entertaining during the upcoming holiday parties and football Sundays. We also think it would be an ideal place to meet a huge group of friends so that everyone can maximize the amount of dishes that they can try.

8510 E. 96th Street; Suite D

Fishers, IN 46037

Happy Thanksgiving

We absolutely love Thanksgiving and wish everyone a great holiday. Along with celebrating with family, food, and the Macy's Parade, we are looking forward to our annual viewing of Planes, Trains & Automobiles. "People train runs out of Stubbville."

Sacred Spain at the Indianapolis Museum of Art

[No photography of the exhibit is allowed]

For some reason, Mrs. WYA! is drawn to icons in art so she was really excited about the Sacred Spain exhibit at the IMA (on display now through January 3rd, 2010). It did not disappoint. First of all, we are amazed that the IMA can offer this for free. We are lucky enough to have this great art museum that doesn't charge admission and to not have a fee for a special exhibit is really generous. We are grateful to whoever made this possible because it is obvious that a lot of planning and manpower went into the exhibit. The walls are different gorgeous hues in each room to showcase the pieces in them. Some of the paintings are really large and all of them are so vivid and bright that you can hardly believe that they are from the 1600s. There are also well preserved books and sculptures. A figure of Christ in the middle of one room is so striking; it has been used in the Good Friday procession in the Spanish town of Navalcarnero since 1652! In the special gift shop at the end of the exhibit there is a film running showing it in the procession.


Even if this art doesn't represent your belief system, anyone who appreciates beauty and history will enjoy it. Show the IMA some love by buying a little something in the gift shop (we bought a Virgin of Guadalupe magnet) and/or putting some money in the museum's collection boxes.

We like to fully savor Thanksgiving before we think about Christmas activities but, if you're ready to get in the yuletide mood, Shelbyville is having a holiday parade tonight. The Strand Theatre is getting into the spirit by showing Holiday Inn on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The holiday open houses are in full swing too. Gallery 116 in Fishers has theirs this Saturday with a demonstration of glass blowing. Gallery One 36 is having a holiday sale on Saturday from noon to 5PM in Westfield. It's also Midnight Shopper time on Mass Ave. so there will be ample time to shop at that great store for gifts, At Home in the City/Silver in the City.

Happy 100th Birthday Johnny Mercer