The Amazing Grand Canyon

One of the most amazing places to see in the US is the Grand Canyon in Arizona. To reach the place, one has to travel a long way, depending on where you come from. For us who are California-based, it takes some 7 to 8 hours to reach the Grand Canyon proper.

Lucky for us, we had a Formidable team — my son Frederick who took the wheels going there and Felicia taking over in coming back to Orange County.

Before proceeding to the place, we had an overnight stay in Las Vegas and were billeted at the MGM hotel. As usual, in all our visits to Vegas, the ever-hospitable couple, Dr. Jonathan Reboton and wife Beth invited us to a Japanese buffet dinner along the Strip. With them were their sister Bing and husband Gami Malazarte who actually works for a company in Arizona. From him, we got all the needed information on how to go to the Grand Canyon.

Early next day, we hit the road and proceeded to our destination. Estimated time of arrival would be 3 hours or a little more, adding the stops on the way. Several miles before we reached the place, traffic started to come our way. Although moving quite slow, we finally touched the entrance to the Canyon even as we saw piles and piles of cars and vans positioning, not to mention those already on top near the Rim. Immediately, though panting from the long walk from below the Rim, we started taking shots of the marvelous sights Mother Nature has created on the Canyon. Awesome indeed, especially the huge rocks making spectacular light and shadows across the canyon.

As we paused, we pondered on how this spectacular wonder of the world was created into what it is today. And we were given this: The Grand Canyon is more than a chasm carved over millennia through the rocks of Colorado Plateau. It is more than an awe-inspiring view. It is more than a pleasuring ground for those who explore the roads, hike the trails, or float the currents of the turbulent Colorado River.

This canyon is a gift that transcends what we experience. Its beauty and size humbled us. Its timelessness provokes a comparison to our short existence. In its vast spaces, we may find solace from our hectic lives.

The Grand Canyon we visited recently is a gift from past generations. Though tiresome, we enjoyed watching the changing play of light and shadows.

As the shadows lengthen across the spires and buttes, time passing into the depths of the canyon, we understand what this great chasm passes on to us - a sense of humility born in the interconnections of all that is, and a willingness to care for this land.

When President Theodore Roosebelt visited the Grand Canyon 100 years ago, he implored to the assembled crowd, saying: “Keep this great wonder of nature as it now is...Keep it for your children and your children’s children and for all who come after you, as one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, should see!”

Today, people from all over the world come to see this great wonder which, the people managing the Grand Canyon National Park, are doing all they can to preserve Grand Canyon for future generations.

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To all pilgrims,  balikbayans and friends, welcome to the Queen City of the South - Cebu! May your stay be enjoyable and pleasant. God bless you all as you celebrate with us the feast of our beloved Señor Santo Niño. Pit Señor!