Jamie Thingelstad

Our family enjoys playing Ticket to Ride and we have some of the expansion packs. When I saw the new Japan expansion pack I knew that was something we would like. We’ve now played both the Japan and Italy (the flip side) versions.

Japan

The Japan expansion pack is interesting because it introduces a new cooperative element to the game in the form of the bullet train. All players work together to build the bullet train, and in fact you are rewarded and penalized for how much or little you work on it. It’s like a game in a game. The bullet train can then be used by all players. It changes the game a lot and is a really fun way to play. I think this version of the game will reward players that draw a large number of tickets.

Italy

Italy is more traditional. There is no communal play like the bullet train. It introduces Fairies to the game to build water routes. It also has a bonus concept of connecting a large number of regions. It is fun, and if you enjoy Italy it’s fun to play with all of those cities. Gameplay is pretty standard.

Playing some Skittles this morning.

Grilling cheeseburgers like it’s summer! 🔥🍔❄️

Just ordered a Raspberry Pi 3B+ so that I can finally setup a Pi-Hole server at home!

Finished my LEGO Yoda!

Brandi Carlile opened the new Fillmore Minneapolis tonight with an amazing sold-out acoustic performance. So good! 🎵 She is an amazing talent!

See list of Brandi Carlile shows.

Family selfie at the Fillmore Minneapolis!

The chandeliers at the Fillmore Minneapolis are a classy touch.

Impressive progress in Minneapolis development shared at the Minneapolis Downtown Council Annual Meeting! Mayor Jacob Frey, Karin Lucas (go #TeamSPS), and Steve Cramer amongst the speakers hosted by Amelia Santaniello!

Great to see Jeremy Messersmith playing at the Minneapolis Downtown Council annual meeting!

Grateful to be able to partake in the Annual Meeting of the Minneapolis Downtown Council!