{"id":5654,"date":"2010-12-04T14:50:00","date_gmt":"2010-12-04T14:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/?p=5654"},"modified":"2021-07-24T19:07:48","modified_gmt":"2021-07-24T19:07:48","slug":"amerika-entdecken-sept-nov-2010","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/amerika-entdecken-sept-nov-2010\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovering America Sept-Nov 2010"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

On a Great Journey 2010-2012 Part II<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Border Games<\/h3>

\"Aaaaah, oooooh, uuuuhlalala...\" Speech warm-up exercise. Like every time, the excitement rises when we, like now again, stand before the border control. For Seraina and me alike. The big sign over there, \"Welcome to the USA\", we don't rust quite yet.<\/p>

We see that the driver in front of us, after a short conversation with the official, is allowed to continue. This will not take long. It didn't the last time. At that time, the older officer was in good spirits and just said that unfortunately he would have to arrest us, because I had run the stop sign without his permission. We should come in, the handcuffs would already be waiting inside.<\/p>

I relax and drive up. From the looks of it, the young man sitting in front of his computer in the guard's hut could have sprung from a U.S. war movie. And that's exactly how he talks. After the usual what-where-why questions, it quickly becomes clear to him that we need to be examined more closely.<\/p>

Well, not too bad. We sit down in the immigration office, where we have to wait only a short time until another official greets us politely. He seems to be nice. He doesn't keep us long. Unfortunately wrong. Because sometimes appearances are deceptive. Let's call him \"Officer Gwondernose\".<\/p>

On a questionnaire we give our personal data and declare the onion, the garlic and a few other things we have with us. At the address, which we don't have in America, since we are travelers, the first small obstacle appears. At my suggestion that we could give the address of a national park, as we did the last time we crossed the border into the realm of the free, he Googles the name of a never-heard-of place near Redwood National Park and the matter is settled.<\/p>

That was the starting signal for Officer Gwondernose for the actual interview. Because he also looked through my passport and saw that I get around a lot. \"Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and many other places. Yes, how do you finance yourself?\" \"When I'm at home, I work,\" I answer briefly. \"Oh yes, the coffee machines. Can you please explain again what you do?\"\u2009\"Certainly.\"<\/p>

So I try. Again. In my nervousness, my English becomes more and more fragile. Seraina is standing next to me and hardly understands me anymore either. She was quickly off the hook with her apprenticeship and the two years of work as a \"media designer\".
With me it takes longer. I always work temporarily and have had many different jobs so far. To keep the story simple, I only specify the coffee machine factory and explain that I had to pre-assemble various parts.<\/p>

\"I see.\" Judging by his doubtful look, he doesn't \"see\". Especially not that I can earn enough with a job like this to go traveling. \"Please sit down.\" Seraina and I obey and sit down on a bench and wait.<\/p>

The procedure has already taken us half an hour. Meanwhile, Officer Gwondernose and two other cops set about taking our car apart. Of course, we have already denied smoking weed or bring in other illegal substances. Of course, they don't believe us. Since we have nothing on us, it takes a long while.
Another man, who has also been questioned for some time, wants to bring an old VW bus to the USA. A pretext to smuggle drugs or children or something even worse in it. The matter seems clear to the border guards.<\/p>

But they find nothing and continue to squeeze the 35-or-so-year-old. \"Wearing him down,\" I think. He has to force himself to stay calm. Otherwise it won't be long and they'll book him. \"I've never experienced this before! They must love it!\" he tells me later when he's finally allowed to leave.<\/p>

I look at the clock as Officer Gwondernose returns. One hour gone. \"Can you tell me what those little white beads are that you have with you? The ones in the vials.\" Wide-eyed, I look at him. What did they find there? At first, I really don't know. Then it dawns on me. He means the homeopathic globules. \"You know, um, homeopathy, don't you? Um, natural medicine. For coughs, flu, allergies and so on.\" He remains challenging, \"They're white. They don't look natural.\" Flippin' heck! How am I going to explain this to him? \"Well,\" he then says, \" I'll ask my supervisor what to do,\" and goes to the back.<\/p>

Soon he returns with the next question. Looks like, I get to keep my globules. \"How can you prove to me that you have sufficient finances? I mean, it's not enough to just have a credit card.\" What more can I say. That almost knocks my pacifier out! We've been through this topic before, too. With difficulty I can remain calm. So he doesn't believe me that we both have enough money on several accounts. Unfortunately, I don't have a certificate from the Swiss Post in the bag and he also refuses me access to the Internet.<\/p>

\"All right,\" I start again, \"I'm going to go to the ATM in the duty-free store across the street, as you wish, and try to print out an account statement, even though I already know I can't do that abroad. Additionally, I'm going to withdraw money up to the machine's limit, okay?\"
If I would do that, he assures me, he would agree to let me pass. But two to three hundred dollars would be enough. After all, he doesn't want us to walk around with too much cash. That would be dangerous. Yes. Of course. Thank you.<\/p>

Annoyed, I go to the store across the street, check the account balance (not possible) and return to Seraina and Officer Gwondernose with three hundred dollars in my pocket. \"Thank you very much, you've done your part,\" are his exact words. \"My supervisor sends word that you should be careful when you go to Mexico. Mexico is a dangerous place to travel. Not a good place. Don't trust them.\"<\/p>

We are speechless. After ninety beaten minutes with Officer Gwondernose and his friends we are allowed to cross the border. For quite a while we drive on in silence. Humiliated. \"I hope he doesn't have any children\", Seraina only says and is glad that we made it after all. Who would have thought that!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Fascination Redwoods<\/h3>

About 160 years ago, redwood forests here in Northern California began to be cleared for their valuable timber. To secure their continued existence, groups have been fighting for the remaining trees for a century. Various organizations have been able to ensure that the first Redwood State Parks were established in the 1920s and the Redwood National Park in 1968. Land is constantly being purchased and efforts are being made to regrow the forest. Thus, these largest trees on earth, although only 4% of the original population remains, will probably survive humans, just as they have survived the dinosaurs, countless fires and insects.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Coast Redwoods, which grow only here, grow over 120 meters tall and more than 2000 years old, reaching their full height in the first 100 to 200 years and then growing only in width. A trunk of an old Giant can be up to 7 meters in diameter. Their siblings, the Giant Sequoias in the Sierra Nevada, central California, even grow to be over 3000 years old and up to 12 meters wide.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Many trees are charred at the bottom, scarred by many a conflagration, and yet continue to live. Although their heartwood may be completely burned at the bottom, nutrient exchange with the soil is ensured by the less damaged outer layers. These layers consist mostly of water, of which a mature tree can gulp down 2000 liters in a day.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

This unimaginable amount of moisture is provided by the Pacific Ocean, which covers the coastal region with a lot of fog even in summer, and extremely wet winter storms, to which even the biggest giants can fall victim, giving space and food for coming generations.
The redwood forests are habitats for many plants and animals. In the network of their crowns have even been able to form their own eco-systems. Plants and animals such as mosses, worms and salamanders are only found up there at 100m. A world of its own.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

What have they already experienced. The trees around us, according to the brochure here, are said to have seen their first rays of sunlight when the Mayas and Aztecs ruled Central America and Marco Polo found his way to Asia. It's hard to believe that this living thing here in front of me may have begun to grow at the time of the Roman Empire.
No matter whether it is drizzling softly and fog enchants the forest with ghostly swaths or whether the sun sends its rays from the deep blue sky through the dense foliage of the giants to the cool ground. The redwood forests are fascinating and a good example of an earth as it once was and perhaps could become again.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

What have they already experienced. The trees around us, according to the brochure here, are said to have seen their first rays of sunlight when the Mayas and Aztecs ruled Central America and Marco Polo found his way to Asia. It's hard to believe that this living thing here in front of me may have begun to grow at the time of the Roman Empire.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

No matter whether it is drizzling softly and fog enchants the forest with ghostly swaths or whether the sun sends its rays from the deep blue sky through the dense foliage of the giants to the cool ground. The redwood forests are fascinating and a good example of an earth as it once was and perhaps could become again.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Geoff, Diane, Mani and Linda<\/h3>

\"Well, well, well, there he is!\" It's been three years since we've seen each other, but fluently we pick up where we left off then. \"Hoi Geoffrey!\"\" \"Hey Schwizer, how are you?\" he replies with a grin.
We met in New Zealand, traveled together through half of Europe down to Morocco, and now meet again here in Boonville, California. As soon as we arrive, a cool, refreshing beer is on the table and Geoff begins to talk. To earn some money again, he is working in a wine cellar nearby before he will fly back to Haiti in December. The island has taken hold of him. He has already been there twice, helping with an NGO to rebuild after the devastating earthquake on January 12 of this year. But now he wants to start his own project. His idea is to record an album with local musicians, which he wants to market in the States to support Haiti in this way.
\"It's a difficult, dangerous place. There's anarchy,\" he says seriously... \"Still, I'm drawn back there. I've met a lot of people who have real talent and deserve to be heard.\"
As long as Geoff is here in Boonville, he gets to stay with Diane, a friend's mother, in whose backyard we pitched our tent.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Together we spend some fun days in Diane's little house. Whether it's playing cards and reliving old stories, attending the Mexican-inspired festival of the region's various grape growers and workers, or camping out under the redwoods.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Before we leave Northern California behind us, we want to see San Francisco. Linda and Mani, our friends from Olten and Buchs, my home town, also happen to be in the area and accompany us. They have been traveling in Central America for nine months and are currently visiting their new friends.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Before we leave Northern California behind us, we want to see San Francisco. Linda and Mani, our friends from Olten and Buchs, my home town, also happen to be in the area and accompany us. They have been traveling in Central America for nine months and are currently visiting their new friends.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

From Death Valley to Las Vegas<\/h3>

Death Valley, the valley below sea level. We come from the snow into the heat of about 30 degrees Celsius. In summer it would be clearly too hot here. But I feel comfortable from the first moment. The landscape consists of wide areas of nothingness and isolated shrubs and cacti. Beautiful sand dunes rise in the middle of it and red stone rocks adorn the end of the valley. I am mesmerized by the lake, or better, what is left of it. Honeycombed, the dried salt spreads out over several kilometers. I can only blink, the whole thing is too bright for the eyes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

A biker - yes, there are many of these motorcycle riders here - tells us about the stones that move driven by unknown forces. We want to see these and since the road is a dirt road, we first inquire whether this is at all possible with our car. The park rangers don't quite agree, but assure us that they will be able to pick us up at the latest in the evening during the control tour. With 15 m\/h we rattle over the sand and stone road. In zigzag lines I avoid every stone. This brings me to the discovery of a new way of meditation. The gaze is always directed straight ahead, the head is completely empty, only the arms are moving. If you do this for two hours, without interruption, the world seems totally different afterwards.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Mountains move, yes not only them. You feel connected to the whole world, your chest inhales shapes and colors and you could scream with happiness. (... of course, I also wanted to drive back later). So we arrived at the Rolling Stones - without a flat tire. The sand field is absolutely flat and patterned with small combs. Traces show how the stones have migrated.
And not only in one direction, which would confirm the wind theory. No, zigzag, back and forth and each stone a completely different path. Force of nature can be amazing and at the same time beautiful!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Now it's on to Las Vegas! Seraina in Las Vegas? I could (and wanted?) never imagine that. It is also hard to believe that in this nothingness of desert there should be a city, even mere civilization. But believe me, it is possible... And how! Giant fountains adorn the hotels, water shows, palm trees provide shade everywhere. The air is crowded with the twinkling and circling of the many lights. One casino-hotel towers over the other. From Eiffel Tower, Egyptian Pyramids, fairy tale castles, Venice with the St. Mark's Tower, Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty and much more.<\/p>

A gigantic scenery, where we can not believe our eyes at first. With hesitant steps and a somewhat anxious feeling, we dare to take our first steps through Las Vegas, like a child learning to walk. The life of the people here is dominated by show and money. Many weird birds cross our path. A city to bring a comfortable armchair, put it at the edge of the hustle and bustle and watch the goings-on for hours without the danger of boredom. Even though I see it now, I still can hardly believe that such a thing really exists. Not just a completely crazy movie. No. There is really everything here that is somehow interesting, but shocking at the same time. And yet you only feel like an outsider and observer. But for the beginning it becomes quickly too much for us. We retreat relieved to our campsite outside the city, enjoy the evening with a glass of wine and wonder about a driver who probably did not realize that the campsite is full. The sky is brightly lit by the city of lights behind the hill. This source of light is definitely enough. The motorist does not give up. Every row he passes. At our site, he's just through the second time - and now even puts the car in reverse. \"Strange things happen... \", I think - until I realize that he has shouted something to us from the open window.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\"What?\" - \"Do you have a spot free for us?\" it calls again in a very accented English. They are three Italians and an American with whom we want to share the next two nights. Angelo has been living in America for 13 years. His brother and his colleague are now visiting him for a few weeks. Here near Las Vegas they want to go climbing - apparently the most beautiful climbing area, as we learn. I am relieved not to be the only one with little English. A question often gets a totally different answer, but we understand each other very well. The next day we want to watch the climbers doing their thing a bit and drive to the Redrocks, which are really beautiful. Angelo and his company we can't find, only many other climbers who cling to the rocks.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Setting up the tent. Las Vegas glows in the background<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

However, this is to be our last night at this campground, because our moto \"You can soak in Las Vegas much better with a few Margeritas\" doesn't work well with driving back. We found a hotel room in town, which is not much more expensive than camping, and spend the next two nights in comfort and luxury in the heart of Las Vegas.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

National Park Hopping<\/h3>

What awaits us after saying goodbye to our friends is hard to describe. Therefore, I will be brief and let our photos speak for the wonder of the earth. A density of national parks, which there is probably nowhere else, pulls us from California's Yosemite NP (due to its imposing rock walls a Mecca for climbers, hikers and other nature lovers) and Death Valley NP through Las Vegas, Nevada, to Arizona to the Grand Canyon (brrr... That it can get so icy-cold in the desert! It is already November and we are at over 2000 meters above sea level).<\/p>

We continue to Utah through Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Arches NP and through the famous Monument Valley back to Arizona. It seems as if nature always wants to outdo itself. Each place is more spectacular than the last. Eye-rolling, we can hardly believe what the world has to offer us over and over again from new. \"These rock formations...\" \"And these colors...\" \"Wait, just this one more picture!\"<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

But winter is here. We spend only one or two days at a time in a park. The minus temperatures are too uncomfortable. But our $80 annual pass for all national parks in the USA has already paid off.
We travel on through the Navajo Indian Reservation, through New Mexico's Taos. In Saguaro NP, not far from Tucson, Arizona, we are allowed to enjoy the warming sun once again between various cacti (the saguaros grow over ten meters tall).<\/p>

Before it freezes again in the night, we crawl into our thick sleeping bag to the cheerful howling of the coyotes. And dream of warmth, beach and sea.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>
\"OLYMPUS<\/figure><\/a><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Joan and the Navajo culture<\/h3>

\"You don't have much, but you're happy with what you have. Why a big car, a lot of money? Most people can't handle it and it makes them miserable. Then you should leave it and live happily,\" explains a young Navajo who offers his beautifully painted sandstone slabs for sale on the street after we ask him about the situation of Navajos among Americans. This man impresses me heavily, he looks completely satisfied, almost apologizes for having to offer us his stones.<\/p>

We are in Chinle, one village further in Many Farms we are allowed to settle in with Joan, our second Couchsurfing acquaintance, for a few days. These two villages are located in the middle of the Navajo reservation, which is surrounded by the four sacred mountains. Here the Navajo, American Natives, lived in 6-sided houses called hogans. The men went hunting and gathered wood, while the women cooked, wove and watched for the children. The older children looked after the many animals. Life was cozy, everyone helped each other and people lived in the now. Even in language, the Navajos do not know future and past. Through ceremonies and herbs they kept themselves mentally and physically healthy. For example, when a young girl was plagued by nightmares due to the loss of her mother, they held a ceremony in which the whole family participated. In a special hogan, everyone was given an herbal brew with which they first rubbed their bodies. The rest was drunk and then vomited. In this way, one was cleansed internally and externally. After a few weeks the girl felt better again.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Joan\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Joan helps us with further travel planning<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

However, in the mid-19th century, after the Spanish, the Americans arrived to drive out the Navajos. Many were captured or even killed. It was settled with the prisoners that they would have to go to school if they were released. At school, they learned about American customs and the white God. The new youths now lived between two worlds. And since alcohol was forbidden, many began to deal in the black market. Many Navajos fell into alcoholism. Today they live in houses, usually rather poorly. Some sell jewelry on the street. There is a state school in English and a provincial school also in Navajo.<\/p>

Through Joan, we meet a woman who is Navajo herself and tells us a lot about her culture. Joan herself is an English teacher and mostly gives lessons to Navajo youth. Which is not easy, as she tells us. From an early age, young people learn neither Navajo nor English. So they have trouble improving the language at school.
We would like to stay longer with Joan, we enjoy the company with her, but now we are drawn to Taos...<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Taos and the Zen Priest<\/h3>

\"Indian pueblo, Spanish colonial post, artists' colony (...) The little town of 4,000 souls at the foot of the Sangre de Christo Mountains has seen it all.\" So begins the description of Taos, New Mexico, in the guidebook. It sounds like it's worth a visit. And really, as soon as we arrive, we know we're going to like it here among the adobe mud houses and the many pottery, stone and other art shops.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We sit down in an Italian bistro and are approached by a young woman. Paula promptly invites us to the Hanuman Temple for the Sunday lunch. That would be tomorrow. But we are not quite sure if we fit in with these \"Hare Krishnas\".
Sunday morning. To go there or not? Not too much thinking, we agree. Who knows what the day may bring.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

As we enter the building, many people of every age group are already gathered, waiting for other people to finish praying, singing and celebrating in the room next door, the temple. That's pretty much how we imagined it. We drink spicy chai and also wait in the narrow hallway in front of the kitchen.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Most come here every Sunday, we learn from Charlene, who has been attending for 18 years. \"Everyone is invited here to eat and be together, whether they are a follower of Hanuman or not.\" I wonder if that's the same in the Catholic Church. The vegan dish consists of various grains and vegetables, beans and soup, with delicious Indian spices.
Outside at the dining table, we chat with Giudetta. Born in Italy, she has lived in America for 18 years and recently moved to Taos. When an old man sits down with us, she introduces her neighbor good-humoredly, \"This is Stan. He's a Zen priest.\"<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

He doesn't necessarily look like that. \"Yes,\" he mumbles in slow, not-quite-easily-understood English, \"you can practice with me, but there's only soup and a single grain of rice in it. Not quite as nutritious as here.\" Not sure if he is just joking or really a priest, we watch him in silence.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\"How old do you think he is?\" Giudetta wants to know from us. Stan is rather short, has gray hair and a beard, shiny dark eyes and takes a stick to help himself walk. \"Twenty-five,\" the old man beats us to it. We grin. Seventy-five, perhaps? \"No, I'm 90, but still fit. I just got back from a six-week road trip with a friend and drove all the way to the West Coast and back by myself.\" Astonished, we look at each other. He still drives?
Since we haven't made any specific plans for the rest of the day, Stan suggests we come to his house. \"Then I can stare at your girlfriend a little longer.\" He smiles. \"Don't worry, I'm only a silly old man.\"<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

As we stand in his adobe apartment, he first has to assign us chairs, since everything is packed with all kinds of objects. He sits down on a comfortable couch in front of a small table, we on his left and right. There is hardly any room on the small table either, not even on the large shaman's drum, which he has converted into a stand. Caskets, figurines and unopened mail are lying around everywhere. Under the table are bottles of rum, whiskey, gin and Kahlua.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Still with a cigarette in his hand, he reaches for one of his pipes, into which he crumbles a bud of marijuana, puffs on it and lets it circulate. \"I'm really a priest,\" he solves the mystery, \"I could take you hand by hand and say, 'In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I pronounce you husband and wife,' or something like that, if you wanted.\"
And so begins an afternoon full of stories from a long, exciting life. To recount everything, I would have to consult a history book. We are constantly amazed at how this person can remember so many places and names. Since he went to school in Spain as a child, Spanish expressions slip out in between. His travels took him through large parts of Europe. He has also been to Italy, Switzerland and Austria, whose history he knows much better than we do. Many things happened thirty, forty, fifty years ago. It seems that at that time he also made acquaintances with important personalities of the upper classes. He tells us about it without any bragging, simply as facts of his life.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

\"Next, I might take on Scotland. And Ireland, that would interest me. Besides, I've never been to Southeast Asia. And the Dalai Lama's residence in Dharamsala is something I'd like to visit.\" He takes a drag on another cigarette. \"But you know, I like to think of every day as a surprise. Don't dwell too long in the past, don't dream around in the future. Live now and nothing will throw you off track so easily.\"
He rises and shows us his trick for an old man not to fall down immediately after standing up. \"Wait a moment for your legs to get used to the strain. Then focus on the point on the floor to which you want to take a next step.\" Shortly after, he waltzes into his crowded kitchen to make us an espresso.
We sit between the kitchen and the part of the room hidden behind a movable wall. \"There is my altar. I've been practicing Zen for almost sixty years. Come, I'll show you what to do there,\" he invites us after we've finished our coffee.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

The small altar stands against a wall decorated with pictures of his masters, Japanese characters and other things. Beneath it are Japanese wooden shoes, which Asian monks are wont to wear. \"I like incense, so I light one,\" Stan begins. He lights a match, ignites the stick and a flame in a golden container. \"Then I bow. To no one in particular. Just like that. It's good for the body. I prefer to put out the flame in the cup for initiation. Fire is beautiful, but dangerous,\" he knows. It may sound as if he doesn't take the whole thing seriously, but his charisma, his whole being, proves the contrary.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

He goes on telling us about his training, how he went from being a Zen master when he was old enough to becoming a Zen priest, and how, when he will be really old, he might become a Zen hermit.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

He has long since digressed from his ceremony. Suddenly he stops and looks at me, because I, overwhelmed by this man, can only grin broadly. \"Your laugh is just unique, let me hug you! And you too!\"
So the three of us stand in a circle and hug each other laughing until the tears come. An indescribable moment.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

It is already dark, but we are not tired of his words. After another pipe and a sip from his gin glass, he asks, \"Are you hungry? I have to eat something. I'll take you to my favorite restaurant.\" We don't have time to object, because we're already on our way to the little town, where Stan leads us to a small, friendly restaurant. With a glass of wine, we eat fried polenta and chicken in a curry coconut milk sauce.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Meanwhile, Stan continues to talk blithely about his acquaintances in foreign lands at times that we can't really comprehend. His memory is incredible. Despite smoking and drinking. Or precisely because he can enjoy his life so much, living carefree into the day. We are captivated by him and happy to have met him.<\/p>

For one day we enriched each other's lives. Just one day. And yet the parting seems to weigh heavily on us. With an almost wistful look Stan looks at us again (more at Seraina than at me, he has already admitted that he thinks she is prettier than me), turns around and trots away.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Thunderbird - A souvenir from the reservation of the Zuni people, who are masters in the use of silver and turquoise.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

USA - The last chapter (for now)<\/h3>

Back in the desert, which this time is characterized by the most diverse cacti. From very small, spherical to the over ten meters high saguaros. During a short walk through the spiny landscape we count nine different species, some of which are not cacti, as we learn later. They are thorny shrubs, of which only single stems rise several meters into the air. Another species of cactus is distinguished by its plate-sized, flat arms, which we have already discovered in the vegetable section of the local supermarket.<\/p>

We are invited by the campground keeper to look at our galaxy through his telescope. The amateur astronomer can tell us quite a bit about the stars above us. He proudly shows us the moons of Jupiter and the tail of Saturn, while nearby coyotes burst into howls of joy after a catch.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

This is the second time we've been to Las Vegas. One could think that we have not yet had enough of this city. But due to the flight to Cancun in the south of Mexico, we have no other choice. Honestly, we are not averse to a little luxury after the cold nights in the tent.
You can hardly believe it. Shortly before Las Vegas, we are actually stopped by the police for the first time. We almost get a fine for excessive speed. But since the policeman sees that the car is from Canada and we are from Switzerland, it seems to be too complicated for him. We escape with a warning.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

When we arrive in Las Vegas, we already meet with the possible buyer of the car. He is soon positive that he wants it. But that's just the beginning of the problems. Cashing in a Canadian car, and then from Quebec, is a difficult undertaking in Nevada. Additional paperwork would be needed from Quebec and since it would be in French, it would still need to be translated, all of which would take a lot of time and money. So, after many efforts, the car unfortunately ends up in the junkyard. In two days we fly to Cancun. I am happy like a little child. A new chapter of our journey can begin.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Continue reading the story, from the Yucat\u00e1n Peninsula to Chiapas, in the chapter:\nFIRST STEPS IN<\/h4>

ERSTE SCHRITTE IN\u00a0<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMEXICO<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

On a Great Journey 2010-2012 Part 3<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Border Games<\/p>\n

\u201eAaaaah, oooooh, uuuuhlalala\u2026\u201d Sprechaufw\u00e4rm\u00fcbung. Wie jedes Mal steigt die Aufregung, wenn wir, wie jetzt wieder, vor der Grenzkontrolle stehen.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5724,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36,25],"tags":[28,43,42,41,30,40,29],"class_list":["post-5654","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-auf-grosser-reise-2010-12","category-usa","tag-28","tag-arches-nationalpark","tag-bryce-canyon-nationalpark","tag-death-valley-nationalpark","tag-grosse-reise","tag-redwoods-nationalpark","tag-usa"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/PB035800.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5654","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5654"}],"version-history":[{"count":99,"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5654\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6854,"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5654\/revisions\/6854"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5724"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5654"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5654"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nimmerwo.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5654"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}