July 17

Last night, I had the best sleep I've gotten all summer. The pull-out mattress was comfortable, and the basement was so cool and quiet. The family even made breakfast for us.

The four of us (and my friend's cousin, our local tour guide) headed to downtown Denver. We drove to a transportation hub, and then took the public rail and bus system into and around the city.

We mainly walked the 16th Street Mall (some ten blocks) and browsed the storefront windows. Unfortunately, the U.S. Mint and Colorado State Capitol were both closed for the weekend. We asked the tourist center for a good place to eat lunch. She said to go to Sam's #3 Restaurant.


Sam's served all kinds of food, seemed like a diner, but felt like a fun, informal, friendly restaurant. I had a hot beef sandwich.

It was very good and filling. I bought a shirt there too.

At night, our hosts graciously supplied our dinner- a cookout complete with watermelon, burgers, and salad. We followed our meal with a fire in the backyard and s'mores.