DAY 7: FROM THE GRAND CANYON TO VEGAS...


Today was a definite highlight for us...a trip to the Grand Canyon, made even more special with the company of Monica.  Whilst on our drive to the canyon I was privileged to podcast with her and listen to the stories of the educational and life journey of her family.  What a journey they have had!   While she spoke of her grandmother being taken as a child by the white man to a boarding school where she was abused and that she ran away from multiple times, I was taken straight to the TV spin-off of Yellowstone called '1923'.  When we see things on TV I often think, nah...it's overly dramatised for the screen, but
Monica's story fits right in with the storyline told on that show.  She spoke of the trauma her people suffered over the years through colonisation and I drew many parallels between her people and indigenous people around the world.  I was fascinated to learn about the traditions that had been passed down to her through her ancestors and how she still practices them today.  I was humbled by her humility, her peace within herself and yet her strength as a 'wahine toa'.  She was very proud of her parents who were teachers and of her children who have all graduated high school and gone on to make lives for themselves.  

PODCAST - Education with an Indigenous Lens: Monica

When we got to the Grand Canyon we walked amongst the many tourists who were there to see this amazing place.  If you haven't been, you have to go.  It is an incredible place and Monica told us a few stories about the place and some of the history of it.  I was blown away...again.  Like Monument Valley I found the place quite spiritual and stunningly beautiful...it was like stepping into a painting where I could hardly believe my eyes.  I could have sat there all day and just stared at it.When we left, we went on to have lunch at a little place called Cameron where we were treated to a menu of Native delights such as the amazing Navajo Burger.  These are burgers made with fried bread rather than your usual burger buns.  It was delicious and as is everything in America they were huge.  Needless to say, I couldn't quite finish mine but it was yummo!

After lunch, we farewelled Monica and made our way to Las Vegas...another massive road trip but the time always goes fast when you're allowed to contemplate our learnings on this adventure along with the incredible scenery.  Arriving in Vegas was a huge culture shock...people, people and more people.  It was crazy...I've never seen so many people just wandering in and out of hotels and walking the streets...there were thousands of them.   I realised very quickly this was not somewhere I could feel comfortable, while it was amazing, I also found it formidable, smelly and crazy.  It made me appreciate home a whole lot more.   It all just seemed like some bizarre fantasyland, very fake, very big and very bright.  Kind of creepy, not really my cup of tea but I'm sure incredibly exciting to others.  In reflection on the day we had today, I was once again gobsmacked by the juxtaposition of the two places we visited.  Only in America!

NARDI

You can’t come to Arizona and not visit the Grand Canyon!  It truly is a magnificent corner of the world.  I don’t think people really understand the enormity of the Grand Canyon and are quite taken back when they see it for the first time - 447km long, 29km wide and 1.8 km deep.  There are two main entrances - the North and South rims, with smaller access entries from the East and West. 

Like Michelle and Mary, there is a very strong spiritual presence in the Canyon.  It is difficult to put into words the feeling of connection I have with the whenua but there is a sense of belonging.  Or is it understanding? If only mother earth could talk?

The drive back to Flagstaff was a reflective one on the history of the area.  Our guest Monica continued to share the local stories of the people and her personal experiences with colonization.

Confirmed hui for tomorrow - cancelled

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