Salt Lake: A City with Breathtaking Views and Wonderful People

We just came back from Salt Lake City, a week-long vacation. The experience was fantastic! 😀

I was in awe by the breathtaking views, wonderful highways and beautiful people. The vast landscape and snow peaks were expected. The intricate and well designed roadways took me by surprise. However, I was blown away by the welcoming attitude of most residence and the integrity of one FedEx store employee, named Vance.

I included below some of the pictures I took on our way to the mountains and the story about Vance.

Although, I tried to capture the vast plains and gorgeous scenery, it is impossible to convey the impression of being surrounded by these tall and massive rock formations, the sounds of walking on the white blanket of flaky powder nor the feeling of being there connecting with nature.

I loved it.

The trip was planned with the purpose of learning to ski. The first day we tried cross country skiing, also known as Nordic ski. We did well during our private lesson, giving us enough confidence to practice on our own. Robert was great! He did better than I. Even though we both fell a few times. I was the one with a pulled muscle (calf) and twisted wrist 😦

He had some training about 20 years ago, which must have helped him keep with his balance and avoid hurting himself. I was happy for him, because he was able to take the regular ski classes the following day at Snowbird Mountain Resort. He was hooked and already planning to go back before the end of the season. This means I have about three months to prepare and to get stronger. Yoga will help me with balance and working out at the gym will give me stamina… I am ready!!!

Oh! The story about Vance… we bought all our winter gear the morning after we arrived at Salt Lake. This meant that by the end of the week we would have to buy luggage for the extra clothes or send it in a box. The last day, we finished so late, we had no time or energy to look for suitcases, so we decided to send it via FedEx. This is when we met Vance. We gave him the package with the slip filled out but their computer was down. Vance, knowing that we were leaving the next morning (to Miami) offered to keep the box and send it when the system comes up again. He would call us to get the payment information. I was hesitant. In my head, there was no room to trust this stranger. On the other hand, Robert accepted Vance idea without even pausing to think about it. While driving back to the hotel I finally reacted, telling Rob that we didn’t even get a copy of the slip, a tracking number or some proof that we left the box at the FedEx store. After a few minutes of debating what to do, we decided that the worst thing that could happen was to loose the money we invested (compared to being healthy and alive, it was nothing :D) So, we let it go. Early next morning we were on our way back home. The moment we arrived, Rob turned on his phone and noticed a couple of missed calls. It was Vance.

I have to admit that this man’s honesty changed me in many ways and I feel joy that we crossed paths with him.  😀