Maya Goto, student blogger, experiences her first American Thanksgiving and the Grand Canyon

This Thanksgiving, with my host mother, I ventured into the heart of Arizona for a holiday filled with special meals, natural wonders, and unexpected encounters. The trip unfolded into unforgettable moments, weaving together the beauty of the Grand Canyon, delightful feasts, and chance encounters with wild donkeys and horses. Leaving Reno and Truckee Meadows in the rearview, our journey began with a seven-and-a-half-hour drive through Nevada and Arizona's scenic landscapes.

One of the most unexpected highlights of our trip was the encounter with wild donkeys and horses. Their gentle manner captured our hearts as we observed them in their natural habitat, a special moment that added a unique touch to our Thanksgiving adventure.

The culinary delights of Arizona

The dishes of Arizona added a flavorful aspect to our holiday. We savored special meals mixed with southwestern spices and flavors — a delicious fusion that showed the vibrant culture. Savory dishes highlighting local ingredients became a celebration of gastronomic diversity.

Be a farmer!?

One amusing thing during our adventures occurred when I got up and looked outside in the morning. Collecting eggs and greeting animals like pigs, turkeys, and goats at our friend’s house, a quirky tradition in some parts of Arizona, creates memories of laughter and wonder.

Grand Canyon: Nature's Masterpiece

The wild landscapes in Arizona led us to the stunning Grand Canyon. The rock layers that build up their walls are made of red, brown, and black tones from the earth. The majestic surface of the canyon has been cut through by the water for thousands of years; the depth, the length, and the width of the Grand Canyon allowed the spectators to enjoy a spectacular phenomenon. Freezing cold wind stimulated our cheeks and exposed skin. People were talking and laughing as they took pictures by the edge of the cliffs. What a scenic destination in the Southwest of the United States!

Another World

As our adventures in Arizona neared their end, we strolled through the vibrant streets of Las Vegas. The glitz of the city's lights juxtaposed against the serene beauty of Arizona's landscapes provided a captivating contrast, offering us a taste of both worlds in one remarkable journey.

Our trip to Arizona was about the moments that caught our hearts’ gratitude for the wild and the wonderful moments that made this Thanksgiving journey an unforgettable chapter in my book of adventures.

Mai (Maya) Goto from Japan is studying business at Truckee Meadows Community College.