Road Tripping...

On January 1 I am flying to the USA to spend two weeks with my dad. I am looking forward to this greatly because it will involve several firsts for me.

First I am flying Emirates. So I have layovers in Dubai. On my way to the states it is short but coming back I have time to go visit the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.

Secondly I am looking forward to eating at In 'n Out Burger for the first time ever.

Dad is meeting me in San Francisco and we are doing a road trip into Arizona. Ever since the movie "Cars" came along, I have had a fascination with all things Route 66. I have looked a thousands of Google images, read forums, and pored over maps of the Mother Road. We are going to drive the section of the route that remains in Arizona, and see some of the remnants of the old places along there.

We went to the Grand Canyon two times as a family when I was a kid. Both times were in late Summer and it was difficult to enjoy in the blazing heat. I have always wanted to visit there in Winter. So we are. It will be interesting to see the different ways the colours will be affected by the winter weather.

After that it is down to Phoenix, to visit some members of my mother's family, and to visit the church where Greg Iehl, my salvation pastor in England, is Pastoring.  Really looking forward to that.

I really wanted to avoid Las Vegas. Of all the places I have ever been, it is the only place I can honestly say I hated. But that was 1992, and by all accounts they have cleaned thigs up. But my dad has an old work colleague tht lives there, so we will go visit them. I might hire a Harley Davidson for a day and do a desert ride, or we might take a Grand Canyon heicopter ride. After that it is back to Seattle for a week of visiting sisters, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews, and a few old frends from school.