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Published: March 28th 2008
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Las Vegas, my departure city. It felt I'm almost home, just one flight away now. We've seen the movies so not much to add about Vegas. Opulence, glitzy, grand, elegant. I felt this place is a world part from all the places I've been. Thinking back to the simplicity of the Pacific Islands. I must admit I felt out of place at first as a backpacker. After few hours it was enough. My highlight, Bellagio casino fountain show.
The next day we were off to the road trip! Driving along the route 66 was great, just miles of empty road and desert. We were in the wild west! This is really different experience of America. So far I had only been in Big American cities on my previous visits. So many times I'd felt like I am in a movie this time. We stayed in a town called Williams. There was snow and it was cold. So different to being in the California sun a week ago! It's actually a small and cozy town.
A visit to Grand Canyon is mandatory. Its immense size is overwhelming. We came back to have another view, this time for sunrise. The temperature
was -2 degrees and I really wasn't prepared or expecting my time in U.S to be this cold. Sunrise view was good too. The north rim was closed and we only went to the south rim. Then we drove into Utah, American West!
Monument Valley! Amazing bright red colour rocks surrounded by empty and sandy desert! So much open space and amazing outback scenery!
Arches National Park (very appropriate name), has some fascinating arches and rock formations. Great landscape of contrasting colors and landforms. We stayed at the Delicate Arch for the sunset. Next national park, Canyonlands National park! What can I say? It just gets better and better, geological show case. In Mesa Arch for the sunset.
We stayed in a town called Torry - elevation is 6830 feet, gateway to capitol reef national park And what a lovely town. The wooden houses, trees, mountains. Really cozy! It's so quite and peaceful here. I've never been to any town like this before. Driving in snowy mountains this really is a good addition to the trip. The people here are really friendly and there are really great places in Utah. This trip gave me a different perspective
on America.
Next - Bryce Canyon National Park. Rim elevation between 8,500 to 9,100 feet. Geological wonderland, red rock spires and horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters. Unbelievable rock formation.
We drove through Zion national park to St. Geroge. This is where we stayed overnight to catch a shuttle bus back to Vegas! My last night of RTW trip now in Vegas. Got to see more casinos and lost money on slot machines. I was in good company so just enjoyed being in Vegas. We also got time to check out Fremont street before I left for my flight.
This brings the 4 month RTW trip to an end. What an amazing trip it has been! Starting from the Graduation Ceremony in Singapore to amazing national parks in the U.S. Needless to say I'm very sad that the trip is over but looking forward to being a home again!
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