Yes there is more to tell about Day 72 - Wednesday, June 30.....
After our visit to Hell and subsequent respite in the Grotto, the day was still young -- How could it be after spending an eternity in Henager's Purgatory Museum? Guess we got our second wind after a bit of lunch and the artful spirituality found at Father Thad's grotto. We aimed for French Lick, Indiana. Yes the hometown of the famous Celtic NBA star but that was not what drew us to such an interestingly named burg. Even after that earlier experience, we reached deep within our souls and sought out "The Hair Museum."
This particular and weirdly specific collection is housed within the walls of a working hair salon. Huh? Oooh, that so sounds like something one would find in Pueblo, CO (after all they did have the "Wall Gallery Art Gallery" that shared space with the wheelchair, walkers and prosethics dealer). The window display of lovely mannequin heads in vintage beehive and 50's waves compelled us to step inside......
Yep, sure enough there was a tinge of that perm smell and those ubiquitous red naugahyde salon chairs. A woman was getting a new "do" as her young daughters watched and cooed with fascination. Another chair contained an older woman sitting under one of those Jetson-like bubble shaped chrome dome dryers. This was a functioning and busy hair salon. There was nothing out of the ordinary until....... the side wall housed the items honored in "The Hair Museum". Our wandering in off the street seemed to not be odd in any way as the camera started clicking away. We were told "Tony will be with you shortly. Feel free to look around."
After checking in on the lady under the heat blowing mega-bullet, Tony greeted us with a Hollywood level smile. He told us about the collection and how it all started. We then told him about our "Oddasee",he was genuinely amused and intrigued. He had dye and curlers to attend to and told us to snoop, touch and play at will.
Susan had to make use of the finer aspect of all public establishments -- the restroom. The camera was in full blossom as the fine curator/director/stylist would stop by with more tidbits and stories. Upon Susan's return from the "Elvis Bathroom" we got even more info. It was all smiles and hair follicles for everyone; the place was a hair laugh riot.
Tony offered up a few hair related pearls of wisdom:
1. Older women that have short hair that stands up are very healthy and will a long life --
Susan qualifies.
2. Men with hairy arms/bodies will be successful -- Rodney not sure if he confirms that one.
3. Most ex-porn stars are bald -- Oh, no, my past has been exposed!
As you can tell by now, we were having a great time and our host seemed to be just as entertained. A connection and kindred spirit had been found. Then after some idle chit-chat about how long we'd be in town and where we'd be staying, Tony said "Wait, I have an idea for you. Give me a second to make a call." After a short conversation and aside questions for us, we we're informed that there was a complimentary room waiting for us at the French Lick Springs Resort Hotel..... Say what? Yep, a freebie in some nice no bed bug ridden room in a fine establishment just down the street.
Well little did we know how nice. Holy crap, people! This was a four star historical hotel looming to the south as we peered down the street. After the beginning of our day in hell and less than a week from our insect infestation, this was beyond a dream come true. We were so grateful for such a treat that we practically floated to the front door. Un-frickin' believable!
The lobby is decadent with it's gold leafed balconies, incredible ceiling murals, and mosaic floors. It was crazy cool! Like lotto winners we went to our glorious room overlooking the pool from the 5th floor. Like kids giddy with Christmas gifts strewn about us, we beamed with joy. The place is beautiful and just a notch or two (or 25) above motels off the interstate with 8s or Inn as part of their name. After a short skip around the room, we made a beeline for one of the three pools and jacuzzi. The scum and weariness of our day's less than fortunate beginning was instantly washed from our Oddasee bodies. We went from hell to heaven.
Then we returned to our room/palace and changed clothes and headed for the sister hotel via the shuttle. The West Baden is impossible to describe. Beautiful in ways that the photos below cannot begin to express. Okay you Colo. Springsers or anyone that has visited The Broadmoor.... This place absolutely makes that fount of snootiness look like Motel 6. The place is full on 5 Star incredible. Just check out the interior "lobby" and the dome looming above with it's changing lights. And, the gardens surrounding both places are equal to many a botanical garden or park. The place has a long and storied history. OH - MY - GOD! How did we get so lucky? And, it was all a FREEEEBIE!
After a wonderful meal, we headed for our cushy bed and fell into blissful slumber. It was a night to remember for all the right reasons. Needless to say, we would not have just bopped into this wonder with our Oddasee budget in hand and blown a week's worth on one night. There was a morning swim and with regret mixed with gratitude, we checked out........
Rejuvenated, rested, recharged and with a lightness of feet and spirit we set off on the next leg of our journey to more unexpected (nothing more unexpected than that night) sights and sounds. Before leaving town, we stopped by and kissed the feet of our benevolent new friend, Tony the Hair Museum God.
How awesome was that? The angel of surreality had returned with flowing blond hair and the key to healing our tired but intrepid traveler souls.
After fluffy towels, fine dining and a cushy bed, it is with rejuvenated gold-gilded spirits that we wish you Love and gratitude,
Rodney the King and Susan the Empress
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