LAS VEGAS

Grand Canyon;

Discovering the majestic wonder known as the Grand Canyon was a revelation beyond compare. As we approached this natural marvel, its name suddenly made perfect sense.

Our journey began amidst a flurry of snow, nature's own grand welcome, which temporarily confined us to our cozy retreat, providing an unexpected opportunity for productivity with school and work catch ups . The following morning, as the sun gently unveiled the landscape, we were greeted by an awe-inspiring sight. Stretching over 350 kilometers in length and plunging to depths of 1.6 kilometers, the Grand Canyon's sheer scale is almost incomprehensible. Its expanse, spanning from 6.5 to 29 kilometers in width, defies the imagination.

Although the snowy conditions prevented us from embarking on a hike down into the canyon, we were treated to a series of breathtaking vistas. From the ethereal glow of sunrise to the vibrant hues of midday, and finally the serene majesty of sunset, each moment revealed a new facet of this natural wonder. Paired with piping hot pizza and chilled beers, our experience was nothing short of sublime.

Yet it was the sunset that truly stole the show, as the canyon walls were bathed in a symphony of warm, creamy colors. Sitting in silent reverence, it was impossible not to feel dwarfed by nature's grandeur, as if being swallowed whole by the very earth beneath us. In that moment, worries washed away with the fading light, leaving only a profound sense of humility and wonder in their wake. This little trip will always be a highlight of our family’s trip to the USA.

Vegas;

Our Vegas escapade was certainly... something. Our dive into the heart of Vegas, shaped by our modest budget and familial bonds, was a journey unlike any other. Let's be real, Vegas operates on its own set of rules – or rather, the lack thereof. The city pulsates with a wild, untamed energy, where anything and everything goes. From sipping drinks on the streets to lighting up wherever you please, and with poker machines beckoning from every corner, it's a realm where the peculiar, the extravagant, and the extraordinary collide.

For many, Vegas is an oasis of liberation, a place where constraints fade away, and entertainment, indulgence, and excess reign supreme. Our family eagerly embraced the Vegas vibe, especially as we had the chance to witness history with the inaugural Rugby League event in the USA. Watching our beloved Brisbane Broncos take the field at Allegiant Stadium in a thrilling double-header organized by the NRL was a dream come true.

Our time in Vegas was a whirlwind of sensations. We walked until our feet ached, indulged until our heads spun, and marvelled until our eyes grew weary from the neon-lit spectacle. And yes, our wallets felt the pinch from the myriad temptations vying for our attention. Yet amidst the sensory overload, one moment stood out: the Fan Night at Fremont Street.

Decked out in our Broncos gear, our kids and Josh had the chance to meet their heroes, collecting signatures and sharing moments with the team. It was an experience that left us buzzing, as we made our way back to our motel, filled with anticipation for the upcoming clash against the Roosters.

In the end, whether in the highs of meeting sporting idols or the lows of sore feet and depleted wallets, our Vegas adventure was nothing short of authentic – a rollercoaster ride of excitement, exhaustion, and exhilaration. And as we prepare to depart for New York, memories of our time in Vegas will linger, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that await in every unexpected corner of the world.

Next STOP....NYC!