Peña Boulevard enters the great stream of I-70 on the northeast edge of Denver. To the east is the Great Plains. The intersection thus serves as a collection point of humanity, both from DIA nearby, as well as the Interstate highway system.
The Aloft is located in the clump of mid-prized hotels on the west side of Peña. On the east side are business that cater more towards the ground-based migrant population. It has all the elements of life----Walmart, Home Depot, Best buy, Office Depot, Starbucks, Wells Fargo, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Brakes Plus, Discount Tire, and a couple fast food places, including a Del Taco and a Dairy Queen Grill.
The parking lot of the Wal-Mart had more than a few cars that looked possibly abandoned---the ground was untouched from the last snow storm. A large truck with a stenciled sign "Aliens on Board" was being used to jumpstart a smaller truck.
Trying to buy oranges in the Wal-Mart proved comical and lengthy, due to the absurdities of the self-checkout system. It was clear the staff there is hovering just in the functional area.
This is part of Colorado that feels the most like Fresno---broken down, disconnected, somewhat desperate below the surface, the folks who are on the edge of the economic system yet can still partake of it.
Colorado is lucky because this is as bad as it gets. It's a paradise compared to the worst of other places, even in the rest of America.
It feels beautiful, the collection of businesses at the interchange---a perfect little bit of civilization, reflecting the needs of the average person of today. I managed to get a little work done at the Starbucks, as well as some errands.
Then I got in my car in the mid afternoon and drove to Boulder, where I checked into a motel.
Just another migrant.
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