Live Off Groupon is Over
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See Deals at Groupon.comMay 13th
Day 4
24 hours in The Circle City
I stepped off the bus in Indianapolis at 10:45pm. At that moment, I was acutely aware that everything I own was on my shoulder. I made a call to Amanda and Matt (friends of friends who were letting me crash at their home for the night) to find out where to meet them. While walking I brought up the Groupon application on my iPhone to see where I could get something to eat and drink since it had been about 12 hours since my last refuel. I found a couple of places in the area but after calling them, I realized I was out of luck (closed for the night). I found my friends a few blocks away and they recommended we stop at a bar nearby since our options were limited. After dinner we drove back to their place where I proceeded to doze off in the car (let me tell you, it was not a long drive, maybe 20 min). After getting ready for bed, I threw my clothes in the washing machine, and passed out in a matter of minutes.
I’m not sure how long I slept, but it felt like days #glorious (I’m not sure why I decided to throw in that #twitterspeak but it just felt right). After a quick shower and a bunch of computer related Groupawn duties, I tried to convince Amanda and Matt (from henceforth referred to as A&M) to go out for food with one of my Groupons but Matt had other plans for us. A&M are about to move out of Indy, so they decided today was the day to visit their favorite hotdog joint (King David Dogs) for the last time. I admit, I was skeptical…never again…they earned my trust after one bite. Matt ordered the special (a dog with mac-n-cheese on top) while Amanda got the Chicago Dog (in my honor I’m sure). I asked the guy behind the counter for a recommendation and he said Matt had the right idea. Everyone made a point to tell me to get the tater tots as my choice of side. Matt commented that he didn’t know why they even had fries
on the menu. If that didn’t sell me, the employees were wearing this (which I tried to procure)——> I don’t think there is anything I could possibly say to convey how incredible everything was, so I won’t bother…it would only make you hungry anyway. Apparently they make their own dogs and you can’t get them anywhere else…bummer. I told the manager they should do a Groupon #fingerscrossed (Edit - 6/22/10 - Today’s Indy Groupon…King David Dogs!) .
After lunch we wandered aimlessly through downtown Indy looking for something 
to do. We happened upon monument circle and decided to stop for pictures (I’m really going for that whole touristy vibe). Afterwards we took a look around the gift shop and I convinced the girl behind the counter to buy me a souvenir in exchange for $10 to Pita Pit. Then something terrible happened. Amanda decided it would be a good idea to go to the top and look out over the city from the 24th floor observatory. She also thought it would be a good idea to walk to the top since the elevator costs $1/person on the way up. I personally think this policy discriminates against the elderly, fat people, and really anyone with common sense. Honestly, the only reason I agreed was that I was feeling a bit self conscious after seeing someone had posted the picture of my lunch on www.thisiswhyyourefat.com. About half way up, Amanda and I decided this was a terrible idea and we should quit, but Matt just kept going without us, shouting down encouragement while we hurled profanity in his direction. Well, 331 stairs, 15 breaks on landings, and 2 heart attacks (both mine) later, we made it to the top. Of
course the air conditioning was broken at the top, so in addition to not being able to breathe, I quickly transformed into a miserable puddle. Amanda informed us that she was going to vomit (I concurred) and Matt just continued to taunt us with statements like, see…it wasn’t that much further & at least the elevator is free on the way back down. In my defense, I’m pretty sure my bag weighed more than Amanda. We got a few shots of the city from the top and when I could finally catch my breath we rode back down to Earth. Amanda proceeded to lay down on a bench in the gift shop and I stood in front of a fan for about 10 min. Lyndsey, the girl behind the counter, laughed at us. Fantastic. As we left, I cursed this place and A&M. Amanda apologized and admitted it was a terrible idea. I forgave her…Matt, not so much.
As we were leaving, I got a call from an Indy resident named Andy. He offered to meet up with me and show me around town. He also agreed to trade me a new t-shirt as I didn’t want to be stuck in the one I’d just soiled. After I got my new shirt, we walked all around the downtown area. Andy, who was well versed in all things Indy, gave me a pretty comprehensive tour of the city (fun facts and all). I had a Groupon for a
gondola ride in the canal (Old World Gondoliers), but they didn’t seem to be running that afternoon. Despite my disappointment, the Canal District was my favorite part of the city. With just about an hour until my departure, Andy and I walked towards the bus stop. Down the street was a Pita Pit, so we stopped for dinner before I hit the road for Cincinnati.
I’ll leave you with one final thought: a realization I had upon reaching the top of the monument. Life is better if you don’t jingle. This new life of mine with no keys nor coins = sweet release from the jingle-jangly shackles of everyday life.
- The Groupawn
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19 Responses to “24 hours in The Circle City”
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Excellent work as always, Josh.
Have you seen Up In The Air? That last line about “jingle-jangly shackles” reminds me of George Clooney’s character. Not sure if you can trade a Groupon for a movie viewing, but I would suggest watching it. Strangely similar. All of this assuming you have not seen the movie.
Keep on keepin’ on, sir.
Mike - I have seen Up In The Air and really enjoyed it. More than once have I identified in the last week..especially while figuring out what to put in my bag.
What was the name of the Hot Dog Place? =)
JOSH!!! Well done my man! Keep up the good work!
I just started reading your bloggie blog and am very much enjoying it thus far! That hot dog you ate sounds like it would have made my heart sing Frank Sinatra ballads straight through my chest!
If you come through KC give me a shout at work:
Sallas Auto Repair, 816-765-6060, http://www.sallasauto.com
My bosses & I are Groupon shoppers and they’re trying to get the shop on Groupon so we will support your adventures! I’ll even drive you around our fair city, I used to work in hotels so I know it inside out. Best of luck to you Sir!
Josh,
Another great post. I’m always looking for more so post up man. Is there an app for your blog posts so you can do them from wherever!?!
Until the next post -
Ore in L.A.
Fantastic! Glad to hear that you are getting the hang of things… Best wishes!
Too bad you weren’t in Indy for two weekends from now…bet you’d be able to Groupon your way into the 500!
(And in response to a tweet … are we going to be able to get near you by the time you’re in Massachusetts? Or are the autograph hounds and the paparazzi going to be too near?)
WooHoo! I feel famous! For the record - I’m still sorry about talking you into the climb of death.
Would it be funnier if everyone knew that when you called me at work, I was in the bathroom?
@Darlene: Josh went to King David Dogs http://www.kingdaviddogs.com/
If they had a Groupon, I’d get it in a heartbeat.
‘Twas fun. Hope to see you again, Josh.
loved the monument story! super hysterical!
Josh, I hope you’re having fun. When are you coming back to Chicago?
Loved the post and following your adventures. If you end up in Phoenix, AZ you have a place to stay with us!
sounds like the adventure is getting greater by the day Josh. Keep it up man.. There are plently more of us groupies, grouponians, grouponanites. Out there willing to help. Haha. Can’t wait to hear that ur back in the Chi..
Paul
I heard you will be passing through Ohio soon…if you are around Akron, and you need something, let me know. I’d be happy to help you out!
Ore - I do have an app for the blog but they often are far too long to consider doing from my phone. Thanks for following me!
Amanda - You are forgiven.
Andy - I’m glad to know that little tidbit
girlpawn - I love you, Baby!
Isabella - I don’t know when I’ll be able to make it back, but I can’t wait!
Paul - Thanks again for all your help, say hi to the crew for me!
Jessi - I’ll be in Cleveland tonight…not sure how close that is
Everyone else - Thanks for all the offers for help and kudos!
Make sure if you make it to the A-T-L (NOT Hotlanta — or I can’t hang out with you) you look me up!! How do I get you my info. I have Groupons to trade and would be willing to help you out in any way you may need. I LOVE GROUPON!!!
Great post! I saw you might come to Boston over Memorial Day - I hope you delay it a bit as I would be happy to take you out or pay for your tip, etc!
Josh,
we’re in Phoenix…keep our facebook info on hand. We’d be glad to help you once you get here with place to stay, transportation and other stuff…we have a guest room and pretty free schedules….we do have toddlers but they are well behaved