If you have never been to Las Vegas, it is one of the coolest places to go, and definitely a ‘must do at least once in your life’ kind of place.  There are pirates, lions, clowns, jousters, sphinx’s, Roman Empires, the Eiffel Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, Venetian Water Ways, water shows and a million other free and not so free things to do!

Having traveled to Vegas a few moths earlier, I had other things in mind for my venture!

Nestled in the desert and shadowed by the Arizona Desert Mountains, Vegas is a truly picturesque destination with a vast amount of wildlife, foliage, and topography you won’t see in too many places in North America.

I ventured out for a day trip, and was fascinated by the Hoover Dam.  For $30, the tour is an education regarding a structure that is truly defined as amazing.  Powering homes across California, Nevada, and Arizona, the Hoover Dam was built in the late 20’s amidst the Depression, bringing new hope to a generation and electrical power across hundreds of miles powering millions of people’s day to day activities.

Another beautiful day, I made the 5 hour drive to the Grand Canyon high in the Arizona mountains.  Breathtaking is a word that only slightly describes the view from Grand Canyon State Park.  Pictures do not do justice to what it is like in person.  Climbing down into the canyon gave tranquillity that left me eerily insignificant among the rocks that began forming the canyon some 900 million years ago.  They say seeing the Grand Canyon is one of those things every one should do in their lives, and I agree.

Having travelled all over Europe, North America, and the Caribbean, my side trips from Vegas to the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon will be remembered and spoke about for the remainder of my life.