Dialect Magazine – Page 14 – culture in action

Consider visiting Native American reservations while in AZ

Arizona federal lands indian reservations map IMAGE SOURCE: worldofmaps.net

Everyone should know that America was originally home to Native American Indian tribes. Even today, Native Americans contribute in various ways, including in the state of Arizona. Some Native American reservations include the Hopi Reservation and the Walapai Reservations– in Arizona.

The Hopi Reservation is surrounded by the Navajo Nation occupying northeast Arizona and southeast Utah. You would find a system of villages here based on three tablelands known as mesas. One of these villages is home to the Tewa people who live in the First Mesa. The Second and Third Mesa are occupied by the Hopi.

The Walapai is another reservation. Walapai is derived from the Hualapai translation of the word for ponderosa pine which, when translated into English, means ‘people of the ponderosa pine’. The tribe has its own government, courts and constitution, although it’s within the United States. This independence allows them to follow and preserve their rich culture.

These are just a couple of the many reservations that can be found in Arizona. Others include, but are not limited to, the Choctaw, Navajo, and additional reservations that make up the 22 across the state of Arizona.

Consider this visit if you are seeking an educational and culturally rich experience for your family vacation.

Road Less Traveled | Harquahala Mountain

Harquahala | Image Source: minefindergold

Arizona is known for many tourist hotspots – the world famous Grand Canyon being one of these. Another rather underrated site is that of the Harquahala Mountain which is 3360 above the desert floor and the peak of the mountain sits between Phoenix and Los Angeles. The name Harquahala is derived from the Native American people in the region called Aha qua hala which, when translated into English means, water that is high up. This is one of the largest desert mountains in the state of Arizona and it reaches a high point of 5691 ft. in the western side on the Haraquahala peak itself.

Historically, the mountain was used by the Smithsonian Institute which studied the impact and effects of the sun on the climatic conditions of planet Earth and mules were used to bring up supplies. You can still see the mule tracks today. For those of you interested in camping, you could take your camping packs and beds with you but be sure to bring lots of water, as there are no water sources here. It would be better for you to visit during the winter months as opposed to summer because it gets extremely hot that time of the year.

Getting to the Harquahala Mountain isn’t a difficult feat – you could get here on a four-wheeler without any qualms. At the highest point of the mountain you get a panoramic view of the desert and of other mountains surrounding the Harquahala Mountain itself.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Recreation.gov

Visiting Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon by train

Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion | Image Source: viator.com

The Grand Canyon and Flagstaff are just one and a half hours away from one another. While some tourists choose to drive to and from Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon on their own, others would rather go for other modes of transportation such as tourist buses and trains.

For those of you who opt to go on a train, you will arrive at your destination a lot faster, enjoy the entertainment a lot more, and take in some excellent scenery. Either way, you will come across great scenery and you should take pictures of what’s known as the Red. However, from my experience I have to recommend the Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion. You can take a step back into a history filled with box car entertainment, train robbers, and historic journeys. This includes certain sites and view stops that will be unique to your journey.

After a stop in Sedona, you get to go through the Oak Creek Canyon that winds through 2000 feet of the red-walled canyon which emerges at the Coconino National Forest (a state-owned forest) surrounded by the ponderosa pines. The South Rim of the National Park is worth checking out too. You can take pictures here and shop and take a stroll at the rim. The Grand Canyon is a few miles away from here. Once at the Canyon you can check out the Painted Desert where you can check out Navajo craft and artwork before you go back to Flagstaff from the Grand Canyon.

Brussels – The city of beer and chocolate

Many call Brussels, the capital of Belgium, the unofficial capital of Europe…it’s also known as a chocolate lover’s paradise. The chocolate shops take the craft very seriously and the results are amazing. Although the dark delicacy doesn’t come cheap, if you love chocolate it will be worth every cent. Some of the most famous chocolate stores in the city are Pierre Marcolini, Mary’s and Neuhaus. Every shop has at least a hundred years of experience. Don’t forget to try the chocolate dipped strawberries and the famous Belgian waffles.

We can’t talk about Belgium without mentioning their beer. This is another category they are experts in and you’ll be surprised by the variety of beers available. Don’t leave the city without trying a few legendary beers like Orval, Duvel or Chimay.

La Grand Place, Brussels | Image Source: whcunesco

After you’ve done tasting the local delicacies, head down to the Grand Place (Grote Markt), which is a central square in Brussels. Many beautifully designed buildings including the Town Hall and several guildhalls surround the square. A short walk from the Grand Place will lead you to another famous Brussels attraction – the Manneken Pis – a small statue of a child fulfilling one of the most basic human needs. If you’re staying for a couple of days in the city you will notice that the statue has different clothes every day, usually celebrating certain nation’s holiday or similar event.

Finally, board a train and head to Atomium, a very unique building in a shape of an atom. You can climb the upper sphere, where you will be met with the spectacular view of Brussels, so don’t forget to bring along your camera.

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Downtown Phoenix | Image Source: phxre.com

Experience the South of France, rich or not!

South of France has attracted the world’s elite for several decades, as well as average travelers who want to experience the life of the rich and famous. Many people choose not to stay in Monaco, instead opt for nearby Nice or Cannes and take a short train or bus ride to this tiny city-state. If you want to travel in style, you can take a short helicopter ride to Monaco, but it will set you back about $200-$500.

Although Monaco is a very small state, it is divided into four areas: Fontvieille (the newest district), the Condamine (port), Monaco-Ville (the old-city), and the most popular Monte-Carlo, which is the center of business and recreation.

When you step out of the train (most tourists use this method of transportation), you will most likely notice the port and what appears to be the infinite amount of very expensive yachts. Luxury is everywhere around you, from 100-feet yachts and newest cars to expensive designer stores such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Hermès. One of the most popular locations in Monaco is the famous Grand Casino where you can try your luck, along with numerous other tourists and celebrities. Both the exterior and the interior of the building is exceptional, so make sure to take a photo before you enter. Note that you will not be able to use you camera once you enter the casino.

Monaco Grand Casino | Photos Credit: Dusan K

Don’t forget to visit the Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier), which located in the old part of the city (Monaco-Ville). Guided tours of the palace are available throughout the day, if you are interested in learning a little about its history. If you have the time, make sure to visit the nearby Monaco Cathedral, which was built in 1875. Many famous couples tied the knot here including the Prince of Monaco Rainier III and well-known American actress Grace Kelly.