–They say that about 40 people fall into the canyon every year: How many years would it take to fill it up I wonder? We did spend some time at the Pioneer Cemetery. There are many new graves including a young couple that were buried last year. One in particular caught my eye…a small stone for an 8 month old boy. On his marker was a poem that may have been written by his parents. It was hard to read because of the time had weathered the brass plate, and it was hard to read because of the emotion that was poured out of the short paragraph.
–When I say something funny, I expect people to laugh: Even when they do NOT speak English. I found that it was hard to tell just by looking at a person if they spoke English or not. Some of my best one liners were lost in translation this week…and what’s up with European guys and Capri’s? Guys don’t wear those around these parts
–Diversity in service: The canyon is run b a company named Xanterra L.L.C. (pronounced Zanterra) they operate the hotels, food service, bus tours and the train. They do a great job. They employ many young people from around the world. My hamburger was made by a girl from Thailand, and someone from Ecuador took my money. My table was bussed by an old Indian woman, and there were people from far away places like California and Washington states. Xanterra has a slick operation. They picked up our bags and delivered them to each of our rooms. There was plenty of courtesy and the only complain I had is that we never got the extra blanket we ordered.
–Meeting people from all over the world, and from not so far away: I struck up conversations with plenty of visitors. It is truly a world wide destination. That being said, we ran into 5 or so families from San Diego. I found it pretty easy to strike up short conversations with complete strangers. When people found out that we live in SD, they were more than eager to come home with us. It seems that we have a reputation for nice weather and friendly lifestyle.
–Super Size Me: After four days of eating out for B, L, & D I’m ready for some home cookin’. We don’t eat out all that much, and after a couple days, the whole family is out of sorts. Time for real food…tonight a huge pot of spagetti with salad and garlick bread…carbo load
2 Comments
May 31, 2009 at 5:36 pm
The Grand Canyon was beautiful. I liked Arches National Park better.
May 31, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Arches is a great park..hotter than “H-E-double hockey sticks” in the summer…Brice takes the cake in my book. my wife and I camped in both parks 12 years ago.
for this trip we had great weather…some thunderstorms with light rain.
We’re going back in a few years when the kids can make it to the bottom.