While driving in Utah I was greeted with various Jesus and Trump signs. After my experiences in Boise yesterday, I figured that today would be very similar. I was completely wrong, Utah is very different from Idaho in many ways. Including the importance that they put on mask wearing and social distancing.
Salt Lake City is a beautiful valley city. The city is surrounded by the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges. With that being said, I was surprised at the amount of smog that the city has. They even had freeway signs encouraging people to "drive less this week" in order to clear the air.
Today I had nothing planned, so similar to yesterday I wandered around the city. As I was walking towards the State Capitol, I passed Temple Square. Temple Square is a large area that is owned by the LDS Church. On the west side, part of the square is surrounded by a large wall. They had a gate open with a sign that said visitors were welcome. I was a little apprehensive to enter the grounds because of my own feelings towards organized religions, but the large wall made it seem mysterious which peaked my interest. I went in and talked to the young women at the front and kindly asked if I could walk around and take pictures. The two women were very welcoming, approved my request and even gave me a map of Temple Square.
Here is a picture of the assembly hall. It was built in 1830 and is by far my favorite building in the area. The architecture is really pretty.
Here is a close up of the entrance for a better view of the stain glass window, which honestly still doesn't do this building justice:
And of course, I couldn't leave without taking a picture of the Conference Center where the largest LDS conferences happen twice yearly:
(All of the information that I learned came from the map that the women handed to me. I am really ignorant on most things that have to do with organized religions.)
After this picture, I continued on my way to the State Capitol. The Capitol is located at the top of a VERY steep and VERY long street. When I was standing at the bottom of the hill, I almost turned around to explore other parts of the city purely because of the hill. Instead of being dramatic and lazy I decided to hike my way up. The street is lined with gorgeous homes and so many trees, but on a very busy street.
And yes, I made it all the way up the hill:
I also took a picture of this building across the street because I thought it was cute!
When I was heading back down the hill I noticed a black lives matter sign in someone's yard. I was surprised to see it, but very happy. In red states, it is SO important to bring awareness to the systemic issues in our society.
I also spotted a park. I stopped to relax by a pond for a bit and watched as a mother duck and father duck took care of their many ducklings. I tried to get a picture of the baby ducks, but I was too slow to switch to my long lens and the lighting was terrible anyway.
After relaxing for a bit, I headed down to Bourbon House a speakeasy style restaurant and bar. I enjoyed a pear flavored cocktail called "Juicy Pear" and the cobb salad. The cocktail I had tonight has been my favorite drink that I've had so far on the trip. Also, this was my first time eating fully in doors. (PS do not mind the iPhone 7 photo quality. The lighting in the restaurant was terrible so I did not have either of my nice cameras out).
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Bourbon House prices are surprisingly affordable.