The Grandest of Canyons!

HI GUYS!

This is coming a little bit late because I'm very naughty and keep forgetting to do it. My Gran isn't very happy with me for making her wait so long so I apologise!

We are currently living it up in Salt Lake City, Utah but we will do a proper post on that after we leave. What I really want to talk (gloat) to you about is the brief, but incredible, few days we spent in Flagstaff Arizona. 

Flagstaff itself was such a cute little place. Our hostel was one of our favourite ones so far and the downtown area that we stayed in was full of little boutiques, independent cafés and fun markets. We spent our first afternoon wandering around after a very early start in Vegas, before heading back to the hostel for an early night. 

Yasmin didn't feel very well the next day so we had a quiet day, but after three days in Vegas it was quite nice to just relax and catch up on some sleep. Brief excitement came in the form of Yasmin FINALLY receiving her new cards. She was very happy to say the least!

The next day however shall henceforth be known as 'my favourite day of the trip so far'. We opted to do a day long tour organised through the hostel as it was by far the cheapest and easiest way of doing it. It was definitely the right decision as we had two incredible tour guides who were not only lots of fun but knew so much about the Canyon. 

I could sit here and talk to you all day about how amazing/ incredible/ awe inspiring/ breathtaking/ incomparable/ ridiculous the Grand Canyon is but you just can't understand it until you see it. We spent a whole day there, travelling about 40 miles around it, and we still only saw about 25% of it. Every bit you see not only takes your breath away but also totally boggles your mind at how nature can create something so incomprehensible.  

On our second pitstop we asked if it was possible to climb out to a small plateau of rocks just across from the main ledge. With a handy guide and some rock climbing skills that Mark would've been proud of we managed to get across and take some incredible pictures. 

After a quick scramble back to the mainland we headed off to our next point, stopping briefly to play with some wild elk...

Now this next bit might shock those of you who know me well/ have met me only for five minutes but our next activity was a hike down into the canyon itself. That's right, you heard me, HIKE. I even had my trainers on, which despite being purchased almost two and a half years ago are still as white as the day I bought them home. Whoops. 

Apparently over 9 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year, but only 1% go below the rim. Without any puns intended- remember my Gran reads this blog- me and Yasmin were more than happy to be part of that 1% and show that rim who's boss. The hike down was incredible, the views were amazing and we were part of a very fun group so there were bants to be had wherever you looked. Once we reached about a mile we stopped and took some more pictures. It was crazy how high up we still were in relative terms and me and Yasmin were jumping all over the rocks like mountain goats, freaking everybody out and having far too much fun. 

As fun as the hike down was however the hike back up was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Canyons are fudging steep. Who knew?! It definitely gave me and Yasmin a huge sense of satisfaction however, not only did it make us feel better about the previous 6 weeks of junk food, but we were the first two back up which is basically ridiculous considering the most cardio I've done in the last three years is running downstairs to the fridge.  

Our perfect day ended with a mile walk from one of the small museums, along the rim, to the Grand Canyon village where the bus was waiting. After stopping for another photo opportunity we realised that the path we had taken was quite quiet and most of the group we were with had gone on ahead of us. With a cheeky grin on our faces we decided to say goodbye and thank you to the Canyon in the only way we saw fit. 

First by taking a really attractive picture of the two of us,

And then by showing it how our tan lines are getting on,

It was a giggly, perfect end to an over excited, perfect day and something we will both remember forever. 

Thank you Grand Canyon. You were great, and if I get my way I'll be back. 

VIVA LAS VEGAS 💰💵

Right now I would love to say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.. But that would be a lie because I want to share our experience in the most insane place I've visited with you all! 

Insane, crazy, weird, fun, amusing, ridiculous, mental, exciting.. 

These are just some of the words I could use to describe Vegas but really there's only one word that fits.. And that's Vegas. Vegas simply is Vegas and you have to visit it yourself to see this. 

We landed in Vegas late Wednesday / early Thursday morning. Once departing the plane into the airport we were immediately greeted with a mini casino and betting machines everywhere. We were hit by Vegas instantly. The buzz of all the bright neon lights, the cirque du soleil adverts and limos where over whelming. Everything is just too much but to begin with it was all great fun. As much as I was itching to go straight out, getting into bed seemed much more appealing. 

Vegas is 2 hours behind (i think- its all getting confusing) Dallas so we awoke early not quite adjusting to the time difference. The guys we met in New Orleans were in Vegas at the same time so we met up with them at there hotel, The Stratosphere, which was a 10 minute walk from our hostel. I spent the day with them by the pool and enjoying the hot tub whilst Kate and Patrick enjoyed each others company after a week or so apart. Nawwwwwww. 

After a quick change of clothes we headed to Old Vegas, where quite literally everyone there was old. I'm unsure what worried me most.. Being under age and trying to avoid all eye contact with the security guards or the fact elderly ladies (in there 60's) were wearing stockings and little leather mini skirts. 

After a cheeky picture with Hello Kitty we headed to the famous Vegas strip. So many people, so many lights, so much of EVERYTHING! if you're not drunk it's every bit over whelming to begin with! Anyway, we went to the Bellagio hotel and watched the fountain show. We watched it twice because it was simply amazing and beautiful to watch. From where we were watching it, the mini Eiffel Tower stood behind the water display. The whole thing was very picturesque but you know how it is.. Pictures don't do that sort of thing justice! It's definately a need to see yourself moment!

We then made way to the largest casino in Vegas, MGM. Drinks are extortionate, $5 for half a pint of Pepsi, $11 for a G&T. Yes, we weren't in there long but it was definately worth paying the place a visit! 

Once walking around a little more we got a taxi back to the stratosphere.. This proved eventful as our taxi driver got pulled over and ticketed! It's all good fun hey!

Friday morning came and we got a taxi straight to the famous 'Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada' sign, queued to have our picture taken and made our way back to the strip. It's just as chaotic day time as it is in the evening! In 38 degree heat and in the middle of a desert, we were feeling a little grouchy. So that's when we popped into urban outfitters. MISTAKE. I came out feeling extremely depressed because there was so many cute dresses and the most gorgeous pair of shoes that I desperately need to get my hands on sooner rather than later! We got a taxi back to the hostel to have a nap. The heat and travelling had started to hit us and we were feeling slightly bleughh. I cannot tell you how amazing it was to open the door into an air conditioned room and to lay on my bed sipping ice cold sprite. Simple things hey! 

A few hours later we mustered up the energy to get ready and head back out. We went to Panda Express for dinner which was amazing! Chow mein, fried rice, orange chicken and mushroom chicken all for $8. Yummy! We made way to ceasers hotel, New York New York, the bellagio and took some more pictures of the famous strip. 

(Ironic fortune cookie)

Our last and final day we spent by the pool topping up our sun kisses tan! We are both glowing and very much loving it! With a piña colada in one hand and ice cold water in the other, it was a good day! We were tempted to join in with the volley ball but I just didn't want to show anyone up you see, so we let the others play whilst we spectated sitting on the edge of the pool cooling down. I would guess that the weather hit 40degrees at one point but because of the breeze it was quite pleasant to lay in! Another day done, time to leave the pool and get ready for our last night in Vegas. I had spoken to a few people that said you have to do the rides at the top of the stratosphere at night so that's what we done. Up 111 floors we found ourselves on The Big Shot. OH MY GOD. The ride is like the mega drop but that high up it certainly turned your stomach a fair few times. Thankfully the ride didn't go on too long because I genuinely think I would have been sick mid ride. None the less, the view was incredible. We made our way down 3 floors and queued for Insanity on 108 floor. This ride hangs you over the edge of the stratosphere so all you see when looking down is the bright lights of Vegas. It spins you around, faster and faster.. Again, OH MY GOD! The ride was amazing and was definately worth it but you just didn't know where to look and focus. I can't describe the rides in great enough words but if you pay Vegas a visit, you definately have to do these! It's amazing what you see whilst having a bit of fun also. 

Having my stomach do multiple turns it was definately time for me to go to bed. And the fact we had to get up at 5am.

So this leads me to what I'm doing right now and that's sitting on a bus venturing from Vegas to Flagstaff, Arizona. I'm so glad we opted for the 5 hour bus journey there (even at the ungodly hour) because the scenery is beautiful. I always forget the fact Vegas is in a desert but it is, and it's amazing. There's mountains, rocks and cactus everywhere! 

From my calculation we are around 1 hour away from Flagstaff and I am ever so slightly excited. I FINALLY get to see the Grand Canyon eeeeekkk. And potentially Death Valley and the Hoover damn! 

I'm desperately needing a wee now so I may have to give in and use the awful one at the back of the bus 😖😷

Speak soon

Yas xo

VEGAS BABY

The amount of Bridesmaids quotes that are swirling around my head right now is unreal. We are currently sat in the terminal waiting to board our flight to Vegas and I don't think I've ever been this excited. Ever. 

I mean right now, I feel like this...

However I feel like by the time we leave on Sunday I'll be more like this...

But whatever, because its Vegas, and apparently it's approximately 41 degrees there. We plan to spend half of our time pool side and half of our time losing all of our money and it's going to be great. 

Before we leave however let me catch you up on our last few days in Dallas. Dallas is a quiet place, we probably didn't need a whole week there but it was really nice to relax for a bit after the craziness of New Orleans. We spent our last few days making the most of Dallas' attractions, including the aquarium and the art museum. 

We spent our last day today back at the pool topping up our tans/ sorting out my panda eyes- they're still here FYI, lucky Vegas. Texas has been hot, way hotter than we imagined, so there was no better way to end our time here than alternating between the pool and the sun beds. 

We will try and update the blog whilst we're in Vegas but there are no promises. I feel like our Instagram feeds are going to go crazy though so look out for that!

Love you all lots- I would say I was missing Britain, but with the exception of not being able to find Pimms after Murray's win, I'm doing alright!

Kate xxxxx

Lets have a catch up!

Hello, all the way from Dallas. 

First of all we need to apologise. We have been extremely slacking the last week or so when it comes to blogging. But Yas is back and ready to fill you in on all the antics and our up to's. 

Dating back a few days now, New Orleans followed suit of the last blog once again. However we decided to check out bourbon street as its one of those.. 'Because you just have to' kind of thing. We had walked down it a few days prior mid day and it was horrendous then, at 1am it is just as bad. The whole street just stunk of vom, neon lights evvvveerywhere and even the odd (by odd I mean quite a few) strippers trying to lure us in. UMM NO THANKS. so we bypassed bourbon and got to Frenchmans which is where there are more bars with jazz bands etc.. And it was very, very fun. A few too many vodkas were consumed because next thing I found myself and a girl we met Rachel up on stage dancing with them. I don't know why either.. But Kate also faced the raf of the jazz leader when he summoned her up on stage to wear a wash board. FUNNIEST. THING. EVER. It was the worlds longest song also so I don't think she was loving life at that point! 

Anyway, after a hot diggididy dog and a ghetto burger we left and went home. 

The next day me and Kate went on a swamp tour to see some gators! Around 15 of us got into a boat and headed up the swamp. 

Fun Fact: did you know alligators like marshmallows?

Well it's true, the captain threw some marshmallows in and along came the alligators. They are such a funny animal to watch, the way they swim up all slowly, with just there eyes out of the water and as soon as they are close to the food, there mouths slowly opens but then snaps the food and swims away. Haha!!! 

After a couple of hours touring the swamp we headed back and got some dinner at this seafood place. At this point we were starving so deep fried shrimps and catfish went down an absolutely dream! One of the best meals I've had out here. Nom nom nom. 

So there's New Orleans pretty much all up to date and caught up on. Now for the LONG trip to dallas. The greyhound trip wasn't quite 21 hours but it was more of a mission than that itself. We left at mid day and was supposed to arrive in Dallas around 2am. Our bus driver was drunk (swear down) and managed to make us over an hour late to our connection bus, meaning we missed it. After being told various things, we finally managed to get our tickets changed. This meant we were supposed to get to dallas at 4am. BUT NO. We were late again to our next stops meaning that in fact we got in at 6am. 

I was in the worst mood ever. It also didn't help that someone requested the air con colder so by the time I got to dallas I could barely feel my feet, toes and ears. With no sleep and no moving limbs, I was extremely grouchy. 

We arrived at our hostel and literally went to bed. The next day after a few hours sleep was a bit of a downer and it was supposed to be Insane as it was 4th July. It didn't help that our hostel is like a house. There's no reception and the guy that owns it wasn't around. We are in the middle of know where and because of the public holiday, there's no public transport running. We had no idea what was going on and at that point we were looking into other places to stay or to leave dallas full stop. The only thing stopping us was that our flights to Vegas were booked from dallas, and all other hostels in dallas were crazy expensive. At this point I thought it was going to be a loooong and boring week. Anyway, we tried to go out and enjoy Independence day after a quick change of clothes (sporting the red, white and blue) we got a bus into dallas. (The only bus running) however this didn't go all the way and we had to get off to get a connecting train. This was supposedly running but after an hour of waiting we just opted for a taxi. 

We went to dinner at this stocky BBQ restaurant and had a typical American meal. 1/2 pound of brisket and pulled pork with mac & cheese. Yeah, it was soooo good. Waddling out of there an hour later we came across the iron cactus restaurant/bar. We went up to the top roof and had cocktails whilst over looking a beautiful fountain. There was a live singer wacking out the American tunes and a very rowdy table of ladies singing and dancing along. They were so drunk it was hilarious, and that was our entertainment for the evening!

Next day we headed back to downtown dallas and looked around the farmers market. It was pretty cool but I think we missed out on a lot as we didn't get there until mid day. That evening we went to forts worth and watched a rodeo. OMG it was insane and just how you imagine it to be except when they lasso the baby cows they look like they are in pain, but they weren't so its ok. 

The place to go after the rodeo is billy bobs bar, I'm not 21 and they were strict but I snuck it so it was all good at that point. Until we tried to buy a drink and I didn't have a stamp, we got asked to leave. Oh maaaaan! This lead us going to a restaurant and ordering chicken fried steak. And I bet you are wondering what that is? It is intact, steak deep fried in batter. 

Do you know what calves fries are? 

Find out and try them ;)

After nearly catching up on sleep we had a lazy day down the pool yesterday. Kate had the most hilarious tan lines... SUNGLASSES marks. So it's all white eyes and bronzed face for her at the moment!

And this leaves us with today. I woke up around an hour ago and I'm still siting in bed. I can hear kate and all the others staying in hostel screaming ever so often at the Wimbledon's final.. I have no idea about tennis but at this current moment they seem kinda happy..

Hmm.. How long do these games go on for! I'm hungry and want pancakes. 

Nice to catch up, and we won't leave it so long next time! :)

Yas xo