Wanna Get Away

I’ve been in need of a change of scenery for such a long time. I truly cannot remember my last vacation. And I’m not talking about those trips that I take to visit my family that usually take place  during the holidays. Although I love my family, that doesn't count as a vacation…it just doesn’t .What I am talking about is taking a trip somewhere…anywhere for no apparent reason other than to just get away and experience something new.

I finally got my chance to do just that. I have never considered visiting Arizona…it really never crossed my mind. Arizona typically (at least in my social circles) doesn’t come up as place to visit. However, one of my longtime friends recently began working in Phoenix and I thought to myself “Self, you’ve never been to Arizona, now would be a great time to take that much needed vacation.” So I purchased one of those Southwest “Wanna Get Away” tickets and a hopped a plane headed to Phoenix.

Since I’ve been stuck inside a cubicle for the last few years, I’ve had this crazy desire to be outdoors, when the weather permits it, of course. There is nothing like feeling the sun on your skin after you’ve been indoors all day. But, I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that it gets pretty hot in Phoenix and you’re right, this is not the sun I was talking about. The temperature reached 105 degrees daily, even the breezes I look forward to were hot and cutting. In order to beat the heat, most of my outdoor activities were reserved for the early mornings or late evenings. However, despite this my friend and I ended up at the Desert Botanical Garden in the middle of the damn day and it was horribly hot! We still walked around and were able to take in some sights of the desert, but eventually we had to do like the animals were doing and retreat to the shade.

One of the highlights of my trip ended up being saved for the end…the Grand Canyon. I never imagined visiting the Grand Canyon. I just happened to be surfing the internet for things to do in Arizona and I had another thought, “Isn’t the Grand Canyon in Arizona?” It is and instantly I became determined to go. So this past weekend, my friend and I made the 4 hour drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon National Park.

First off let me say, even the drive on the way to park was amazing. Being from Florida and living in Texas, it’s not every day that I get to see mountains. I have to say if I had to choose between the beach (and I do love the beach) and mountains…I would choose to go see mountains every time. There is just something so majestic about them.

Anywho, we finally arrive, park our car, and begin our walk to the Grand Canyon. I couldn’t believe how anxious and excited I was, especially since visiting the Grand Canyon was a recent idea. I don’t know what I was expecting, but when we finally arrived to the canyon I was struck with a speechless smile. It was simply amazing. It felt like I was witnessing one of the many instances of God’s love and existence…even the air was clean and crisp. I honestly could have stayed there forever or at least all day.

While I was standing there taking in the view, I began to reflect on my life and where I came from. I grew up in a working class neighborhood. My family worked extremely hard for what we had which is why I have such a strong work ethic. Our yearly vacations consisted of places like Universal Studios and Bush Gardens. This was truly a treat because some of my friends didn’t have vacations and never visited a theme park much less the Grand Canyon National Park. It was in that moment that I felt truly blessed and my heart was open.

So I had to share my experience because so often people don’t get a chance to experience moments like this. I also decided that I need to take more moments like these for myself. It’s so easy to get caught up in the minutia of everyday life because most people are just trying to survive. Needless to say I can’t wait to go back and when I do I plan on hiking into the Grand Canyon.