National Parks of the Western U.S.

My travels in Central America was an unforgettable tour through a part of the world that is diverse both socially and culturally. Be it in ancient cities or crowded markets, with relative ease I was able to absorb elements of many distinguished cultures -- many dating back thousands of years. The lessons in history, anthropology, sociology, and politics that presented themselves were as exciting as they were ubiquitous.

Alas, I returned from Central America and embarked upon a new part of the world. Here I found a decidedly different set of lessons to be learned. Alone, I explored California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah both under the desert sun and the star filled night sky. In this part of the world, the lessons which presented themselves most saliently were on a different magnitude of time -- geological time. By comparison, the time since the existence of the ancient civilizations of Central America is merely a snap of the fingers.

I will end by simply exhorting you to GO VISIT A NATIONAL PARK. They are so close, and more amazing than words -- particularly mine -- can possibly describe.

May they speak for themselves:

Death Valley National Park, California

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Zion Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Capital Reef National Park, Utah

Arches National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park, Utah