La Paz!

For over a year now, my roommates and I have made Thursday nights our dinner nights. All of us seem to have something going on during the week and we never get the chance to talk about what we are doing and what’s going on with our lives. However, Thursday nights have become our time to catch up on everything that has happened during the week. Usually by Thursdays we are exhausted from the week’s activities, so going out to dinner has become a norm instead of cooking.

One of our places to frequent for roommate dinner nights has been La Paz, one of Lincoln’s highly rated authentic Mexican restaurants. La Paz has the greatest food and the best customer service that the Lincoln restaurant scene has to offer. Between the free chips and salsa, and the large portions for the entrees, the food keeps us coming back at least once a month. Though we are college students on a tight budget, the reasonably cheap prices allow us to each a lot of food when we do visit. 

Though La Paz has managed to win over the hearts of my roommates and I, La Paz does more than just satisfy the hunger of loyal customers. La Paz has been an active member in the community since has been open. La Paz has sponsored numerous fundraisers for causes in and amongst the Lincoln community such as the American Cancer Society, Hope for Heroes, Federation for the Blind, and the Girl Scouts. Also, La Paz reaches out to the hungry by participating in fundraisers for Lincoln’s Food Bank every year and also donating food during the Christmas season for the Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach. In addition, La Paz donates gift certificates to churches, school, and other charities doing auctions and other fundraisers. 

La Paz will continue to be one of my favorite Lincoln hot spots as long as my college career keeps me in Lincoln. Between the great the food, friendly staff, and community building, La Paz has a lot to offer the Lincoln community. Visit La Paz at 321 N Cotner Boulevard in Lincoln, Nebraska

La Paz 

Henry Doorly Zoo

                 Whenever I think back to my days in grade school, I cannot help but remembers all of my class field trips. Every spring, my class would always manage to make a trip to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. These trips were always so exciting because going to the Zoo was my chance to see all of my favorite animals. Lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, sharks, monkeys—I loved them all. When I was younger, I actually wanted to be a zoologist or a veterinarian; I just always knew that I wanted to work with animals. Although my answer to “what do you want to be when you grow up” has changed a little since these days, I still love animals and would love to take care of my own someday. My friends even poke fun at me for my dream to own a few goats. Now who doesn’t love goats?

                Every year, our trips to the Zoo would usually include stops at the Scott Aquarium, the Desert Dome, the gorilla and cat complexes, and the Lied Jungle.  It seemed as though the Henry Doorly Zoo was always bringing in some new and exciting animals and always improving the exhibits. 

 

                These days, I don’t make it to the Zoo as much as I’d like to, but the various renovations and new exhibits always keep the Zoo in the back of my mind; just in case I have some free time, I always have something to do. The last time I was at the Zoo, the new Skyfari was finally open to zoo-goers. The Skyfari takes the Zoo experience to new heights, transporting customers from one end of the Zoo to another. The low-thrill ride goes over numerous exhibits, giving the riders an aerial view of the animals. 

                With the recent demolition of Rosenblatt Stadium, the old home to the NCAA Men’s College World Series, the Zoo plans to take over the land for expansion. Although I am sad to see Rosenblatt go, the anticipation for the Zoo’s future is exciting. 

                My hope for the future: I want my children to make new and exciting memories at the Henry Doorly Zoo just as I did when I was a kid. Those memories will stick with me forever.  

Souq

                I don’t make it to the Old Market of downtown Omaha like I used to, but when I have the chance to walk around in this historic area, I always make a stop to my favorite store Souq (pronounced Söök). This unique little store is tucked away in the Passageway along with other shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The smell of incense infiltrates the air as soon as you step foot in the door. Inside, Souq offers a wide variety of contemporary imports and goods at really cheap prices. From incense to home décor to clothing and jewelry, Souq seems to have the best little knick knacks that the different cultures of the world have to offer.

Every time I walk in this store, I can never get over the clear keychain of a pregnant belly with a fetus inside. Seriously, who would buy that? Obviously people do buy the weirdest items that this store has to offer because this shop still seems to be doing well despite the a poor economy and the high priced rent of the prime Old Market spot. And what would this store be without Buddha. From little figurines to gigantic statues, you’ll find your perfect sized Buddha at Souq.
It was at Souq that I met Dexter. Dexter is part of “the Original String Doll Gang”. Though these little voodoo like key chains from Thailand are a bit strange, each different person has a unique feature about them in which they are supposed to help whoever owns the key chain. I instantly fell in love with Dexter. He's a little dorky looking but super cute nonetheless. Dexter is supposed to “help you fly through your homework”. Yes I’m in college and I still believe in stupid little superstitions like this. Though Dexter may not have powers to help me with my homework, he does manage to hang on my bulletin board on my desk. When frustration with school overtakes me, I just look to Dexter for a little laugh or two. To see other string dolls like Dexter, visit kamibashi.com

              
          Though I wish I could visit this little store more often, Souq has become something that I look forward to visiting every time I know that I am making a trip to the Old Market. It’s always THE place worth visiting. 


Visit Souq in Omaha's historic Old Market