Main stop on our agenda in Salt Lake City was obviously Temple Square, the Mormon City Center. This 10 acre landscaped garden and building complex was a sight to behold. Firstly, we were greeted by a friendly young Australian woman at the Visitor’s Centre, and invited to look around. Upstairs, we found a delightful gallery of paintings of Jesus’ good works. So far, so normal. Next, the 11 foot statue of Jesus, positioned in an empty room painted to represent the solar system. A little weird, but beautiful in a way. After, a quick stop at the Mormon Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, and Beehive House, in all of which we were greeted by more young, attractive ladies dressed in similar modest attire. Where were all the old people, the men, and the ugly people? Things were starting to feel a little more cult-ish.
Beehive House, was built between 1853 and 1855 for Brigham Young and family when he was President of The Mormons and governor of Utah. A short tour of the house (by two young attractive ladies) gave an interesting overview of Brigham Young and his endeavours, as well as the early days in the church. Our tour guides were very quick to point out that nowadays the church didn’t condone polygamy, even if Brigham Young had multiple wives, and even built a second house (Lion House) to fit all of his wives and children. They were also very vague about how new prophets were chosen. Although ‘God chooses each new prophet’ I have a feeling that quite a bit more earthly politics are involved. All in all, Temple Square seemed like a beautiful, shiny advertisement to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The flowers were blooming in bursts of color, architecture was spectacular, the people were beautiful, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that a scam was afoot.
Beehive House, was built between 1853 and 1855 for Brigham Young and family when he was President of The Mormons and governor of Utah. A short tour of the house (by two young attractive ladies) gave an interesting overview of Brigham Young and his endeavours, as well as the early days in the church. Our tour guides were very quick to point out that nowadays the church didn’t condone polygamy, even if Brigham Young had multiple wives, and even built a second house (Lion House) to fit all of his wives and children. They were also very vague about how new prophets were chosen. Although ‘God chooses each new prophet’ I have a feeling that quite a bit more earthly politics are involved. All in all, Temple Square seemed like a beautiful, shiny advertisement to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The flowers were blooming in bursts of color, architecture was spectacular, the people were beautiful, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that a scam was afoot.
Arches National Park
Well, the name says it all really. This park has LOTS of natural rock arches. Unfortunately, by this point in the trip, we had seen lots of red rocks, and were both sick with some kind of mystery stomach bug. So, we took the tour of Arches the American way. By driving round their road loop, and only exiting the car to eat and use the bathroom. Occasionally we walked a loop of a couple of hundred of meters, but otherwise, sat back and experienced sightseeing like the locals.
Bryce Canyon
My favorite of all the US State or National parks, Bryce was a series of tall, red ant like hills, spread throughout a valley. Short walking trails lead you right down and onto the valley floor, under natural bridges and around the base of giant red spies and spikes. I found Bryce Canyon totally magical, and couldn’t help imagining the giant human/ant people that might have created this breathtaking panorama.
Zion National Park
Zion is another of the USA’s super National Parks, with a well-orchestrated bus system to ferry tourists around the park. While our visit was badly timed (we arrived on National Park weekend, where the $25 entrance fee was waived) once you left the path, the park was big enough to leave the crowds behind. There were so many places to climb and scramble, it was definitely the most interactive of any of the parks we visited. Sadly, I was sick and wasn`t able to enjoy as much of the walking as I would have liked.