My husband and I recently visited two places in Arizona that were on both our bucket lists.
Our first stop in the Grand Canyon State was long overdue. We were visiting the amazing Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the only place former president Teddy Roosevelt advised all Americans they “must see.”
We had reserved tickets to take The Train from Williams to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. There are numerous packages available, some with discounts for booking both hotel and train reservations. The least expensive is Pullman class, and we were quite happy with that option.
Words can’t really describe the spectacular scenery viewed from the canyon. Truly one of God’s best masterpieces, it left us speechless. The only sound to be heard was that of cameras or smartphones clicking as everyone rushed to try to capture its magnificence.
Once we grew accustomed to the altitude and the splendour of the view, it was time to explore the architecture of the Grand Canyon Village. The railroad hired architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter to design many of the buildings, such as the Hopi House, Lookout Studio, Bright Angel Lodge, Desert View Watchtower, and Hermit’s Rest. It was unusual for a woman in the early 1900s to receive such a prestigious design contract.
After walking around the South Rim for a while, we went back to the historic El Tovar Hotel to enjoy Navajo tacos and other local favourites for lunch in the elegant dining room. Tables were spread with white linen and well-trained waiters hovered to take orders. But the best part of dining there was the stunning view of the South Rim on display through the large windows.
