There’s something that’s rather familiar and mysterious about traveling in the midwest. All the cities claim to offer some kind of homeyness, a sense of being treated to enormous comfort and hospitality, but people who understand what these things are really all about. At the same time, the larger cities always surprise me with their unusually cosmopolitan outlook, and I forget that the waves of immigrants that made up these populations a few generations ago are being followed by more waves. Culture keeps growing and expanding, and this always means there’s more to see, and more to learn.
It also means that the definition of hospitality changes, and becomes much broader, and there are more notions of hospitality that enter into the picture. All kinds of hospitality, of course, are delightful, and you can certainly find perfect comforts in Indianapolis. Luxury hotels here have the global perspective to keep their guests living in the lap of luxury indeed, with some very nice amenities that help keep you connected to the world at large. There are also plenty of remnants of the kinds of hospitality our grandparents knew, reflecting old world sensibilities that are enormously charming. There’s a lot to see and do in this city, and if you can get yourself away from your pillow, check out the African Art at IMA.
The Eiteljorg Gallery, named for Industrial giant Harrison Eiteljorg, was a few hundred pieces that represent parts of an enormously complex and fascinating continent. You can find art from the East, West, North, and all over South Africa, just enough to get a taste for it. It’s also on display outside of glass, the way Eiteljorg wanted it for the people of Indianapolis. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place, because Indianapolis has a very interesting local culture of Africanists, with experts in art, history, as well as ritual, and it’s an interesting place to get busy meeting people.
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