Gaurav, who was visiting from Australia, joined us over the Christmas 2024 and New Year’s 2025 holiday period. His trip just happened to overlap with Suyog’s visit from LA and Roshani taking a break from her school and work, so it turned into a lovely time for everyone to catch up!
The weather in Minnesota during his visit was unusually warm—definitely not the the winter Gaurav had hoped for, who had arrived with his winter gears packed. Unseasonably high temperatures and Christmas-day rainfall melted all the snow on the ground, leaving Gaurav disappointed that he didn’t get to experience a classic Minnesota snowfall.
In fact, Minnesota’s December weather shattered all records, with nine straight days above 32°F. There was even a high of 52°F on the 7th and a record-tying 47°F on the 28th. From Christmas through New Year’s Eve, the region was covered in dense fog and limited visibility, thanks to warm, moisture-heavy air coming up from the south.
Despite the lack of snow, we had an amazing time with Gaurav on his first visit to the U.S.! We spent plenty of time cooking meals together at home and showing him around St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Duluth—making sure to hit the beautiful North Shore and Lake Superior.
Cooking Together
After Gaurav arrived, Twin Cities received two straight days of rain, making it tough to go out. To make things worse, the rain melted all the little snow that was on the ground—quite the disappointment for Gaurav, who had packed his winter gear and was excited to experience snow for the first time. Taking advantage of the weather, we decided to make the best of it and stay in to create a cozy family experience. We spent the time cooking up some tasty, healthy vegetarian dishes—like momos, apple pie, salads, and homemade pizza—so we could enjoy some quality time together.
Mall of America
With the fog still lingering outside due to the warm weather, making it tough to see the Twin Cities clearly, we decided to take Gaurav to the Mall of America—a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area. Located in Bloomington, the Mall of America is the largest mall in the U.S., stretching over a 96 acres with more than 500 stores spread across three levels. But it’s not just about shopping—it’s also a full-on entertainment hub! From thrilling rides to endless shopping options, there’s something for everyone.
We wandered through a few shops, did some gift shopping with Gaurav, and of course, tested out some delicious food—something Gaurav, being a chef himself, really enjoys.
Como Conservatory
Once the fog cleared up a bit, we decided to take Gaurav to the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul—another must-visit spot in the city. It’s a popular destination, especially during the Minnesota winter, since it’s perfect for indoor activities. This historic, glass-domed Victorian garden, inspired by London’s Kew Gardens, is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The conservatory features a stunning central palm house, a beautiful sunken garden, and areas dedicated to utilitarian plants and ferns. With over 260 plant varieties, it’s not just a peaceful place to explore—it’s also a vibrant venue for more than 275 weddings each year. Plus, they offer seasonal flower shows, classes, concerts, a charming gift shop, and a fantastic bonsai collection.
MN State Capital
After our tour of the Conservatory, we took Gaurav to the Minnesota State Capital, a historic place of its own. The Capitol dome, finished in 1905, houses the state government and is filled with fascinating historical artifacts. Its beautiful marble dome, 19th- and 20th-century artwork, and flags from the Civil and Spanish-American Wars make it a must-see spot.
We took a tour around, enjoying the stunning views of downtown St. Paul, and also paid a visit to the memorials dedicated to Vietnam and Korean War veterans. It was a great way to reflect on history while enjoying the beauty of the Capitol.
Exploring Minneapolis
Roshani took Gaurav on a tour of the University of Minnesota campus and gave him a glimpse of Downtown Minneapolis. It’s such a vibrant, culturally rich area with so much to offer, from entertainment and dining to cultural attractions. Home to the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings, it blends historic charm with modern performances and a lively art scene, all within a pedestrian-friendly city.
During their tour, they checked out some historic spots and buildings and even tried some local delicacies along the way.
Roseville Neighborhood
With Roshani busy and Suyog returned back, we decided to take Gaurav around the Roseville neighborhood. Located just north of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Roseville is a lively suburban community with nearly 700 acres of public parks. It also offers some great shopping, dining, and lodging options, including the well-known Rosedale Shopping Center.
During the tour, Gaurav did a bit of gift shopping at the local Walmart, and we also stopped by Roseville Area High School, where both Roshani and Suyog went to school. We also passed by Falcon Heights Elementary School, where Suyog spent his elementary years.
Duluth
On New Year’s Day, we took Gaurav on a day trip to Duluth, hoping he’d finally get to experience some snow. We left at 8:45 a.m., made a quick stop at the Tobies in Hinkley for a snack, and arrived in Duluth by 11:00 a.m.
Duluth, an industrial city on the shores of Lake Superior, blends rugged charm with stunning beauty. Despite the chilly, windy weather, we drove around its neighborhoods, which are known for their breweries, restaurants, and the iconic lift bridge.
Unfortunately, the snow had melted due to the warm weather earlier in the week, and an Arctic cold blast made it too freezing to walk around except around the Lake Superior Aerial Lift Bridge, then driving across into Wisconsin.
We drove up to Two Harbors to enjoy a brief stretch of the North Shore drive, but since it was too cold to explore further, we decided to head back home after spending just a couple of hours in Duluth.
Los Angeles
On January 2, Gaurav set off for the next leg of his journey to Los Angeles, just as an Arctic wind chill gripped Minnesota and much of the country, bringing dangerously cold temperatures. Suyog received Gaurav at the airport and handled this part of Gaurav’s visit.
Los Angeles, the second most populous city in the U.S., is a vibrant hub and home to more than 90 incorporated cities, such as Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and Long Beach. Famous for its world-class museums, iconic Hollywood landmarks, tech industries, and sun-soaked coastline, LA has something for everyone.
Suyog took Gaurav around the city, showing him some iconic spots like the Hollywood Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, other places. They also explored local grocery stores and ended the day watching the stunning sunset at the Rancho Palos Verdes cliffs.
Las Vegas
On a road trip to Las Vegas, Suyog and Gaurav spent a night exploring the Entertainment Capital of the World. Known for its casinos, live music scene, fine dining, and luxurious hotels including Trump hotel, Vegas, being the most visited tourist destination in the US and offers a one-of-a-kind experience to everyone. During their short stay, they checked out some famous casinos and enjoyed some delicious local cuisine.
After nearly two weeks of family fun and experiencing a glimpse of life in the United States, Gaurav flew back to Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, January 5th, departing from Los Angeles. Suyog bid him farewell at the airport, marking the end of Gaurav’s short but memorable U.S. visit for all of us.