Day 14 - Joplin, MO - Conclusion

I've been told that I needed to have toasted ravioli (or T Rav, as the cool kids say) before I leave Missouri.

While "The Kids" didn't need anything additional to eat, I was ready for something before calling it a night.

So I looked up the closest place that was serving T Rav.

There was a local pizza chain that was about 3 miles away from me so I decided to go there by myself.

I could check off the T Rav quest and I'd get to see a little bit more of Joplin.

There is a curiosity factor in play when you are in the location of a great disaster. I wanted to see a little bit of where the unthinkable had happened. Driving down South Ridge Line Street, there were pockets of nothing that were most likely caused by that tornado.

Empty commercial pads of property that were just wiped clean.

In the morning, I would see the remnants of the street signs that lined the street. It is unbelievable that a year later, the evidence of the chaos and destruction is still present.

I find the pizza place and walk in to a mostly empty restaurant.

It is being run by 4 girls, none of them is older than 19.

One invites me to take a seat anywhere and I find a booth for two.

Tonight, my server introduces herself as Kaylie. She's a tiny thing. Still has braces on and is shy with her smile. She can't be more than 16 years old.

She asks what I'd like to drink and I see her struggle with coming up with what type of beverages she has to offer.

I order a Diet Coke and then I tell her that I'm here for the toasted ravioli but I don't know what else I'd like to get.

I ask her for a recommendation.

She sheepishly tells me that this is only her second day on the job.

I ask if this is her first job too and she nods.

I tell her to just go with the toasted ravioli and we'll see what we do after that.

Two boys from the local high school grab a booth next to me.

They both know Kaylie and they are here to flirt with her and give her a hard time.

The T Rav comes out sooner than expected. I got the small order and in no time they are gone.

I ask Kaylie for the bill and she asks if I'd like to take my drink to go.

I pay the and leave Kaylie a $5 tip.

It feels good to be spending some money in Joplin.

On the way back to the hotel, I notice something else about Joplin.

There are "Now Hiring" and "Accepting Applications" signs on every business.