touring the Mayo Clinic

During my Mom's trip here, Josh showed us around his new stomping grounds. It was my first time to explore Mayo, so I was really looking forward to it. I love seeing how passionate he is about this place. He learned the history behind Mayo at orientation and was a great tour guide.

We started out in the Plummer building, which was built in the 1920's. The architecture and design is beautiful. We toured the library and walked through a small museum that is centered around Dr. Mayo's son's office.

From there we went to the Gonda building which, to me, is the "face" of Mayo. They have a beautiful "wave wall" of windows and blown glass chandeliers by a famous artist named Dale Chihuly. Next to the wave wall, there is a piano that anyone is welcome to play. It reminded me of the flag room at Texas A&M. All of Mayo's buildings can be reached by an underground "subway" of tunnels. I guess they are necessary due to the winters here.

Later that week, we brought lunch to Josh at St. Mary's Hospital. It is the oldest of the two hospitals affiliated with Mayo. It was founded in 1889 by the Sisters of St. Francis with the intention that Dr. Mayo and his sons would provide care. Josh said we had to see the chapel there. It is breathtaking. It can seat 400 if that gives you a better perspective. We didn't stay long because Peyton was feeling adventurous.

Peyton kept saying "Hi Dr. Daddy!"