SLC

Spent a peaceful couple of days in Salt Lake City with friends (Keegan and Jennifer and their families). The weather was perfect (no snow:), the Grand America hotel was luxurious, and the company delightful. Since I didn't have to cook, this T-day was a true holiday for me; thanks Keegan and Jennifer!

Walked around SLC this morning.  I really enjoy this town; it is diverse and inviting but doesn't come with the stress of a big city. The taxi driver who took me from the airport to my hotel was an Iraqi who has been in the States for 31 years. The hotel courtesy driver is a young, recently married Pakastani who has been here less than 2 years. One of the few benefits of traveling as much as I used to was chatting with taxi drivers from around the world:)

Found yet another good meditation book (always learning:) at Eborn Books, a quiet, used and rare book store on S. Main; read a bit over a cup of Jasmine Green Tea at the Coffee Garden, a low key coffee shop which shares an entrance with the book store.

Friday night we walked around the Temple area looking at Christmas lights; beautiful but I couldn't help thinking about their electric bill:) It was a delightful walk in unseasonably warm (57 degrees!) weather; great way to spend the evening!

Southwest view from my hotel room on the 24th floor.

Beautiful table setting awaiting the feast!

Jennifer's mouth-watering pumpkin bread pudding dessert - delicious!

Bikes for rent ($5/day) downtown.

SLC says put your spare change in here...

...instead of giving to panhandlers.

Found a well written book on meditation techniques at Elborn - a used and rare book street on Main. Highly recommend this book store. An added benefit is the low-key coffee shop (Coffee Garden) next door.

My hotel (Grand America), formerly owned by Earl Holding; prior to his death last year, Mr. Holding's other assets included Sinclair Oil, Little America, Westgate Hotel in San Diego, and two ski resorts - Sun Valley in ID and Snowbasin in UT.

Some of the many Christmas lights downtown.

Me and Keegan (Keegan is the tall, good looking guy on the right:)