Utah too

This blog begins in Midway, the small town in the Wasatch Mountains where Sarah is leading a retreat for the faculty of the Neale A Maxwell Institute - a research institute connected with Brigham Young University. Our hosts had warned us that the resort we stayed in was slightly over the top ‘Swiss’ in style and it was so - but beautifully comfortable and apt for the conditions!

It was too cold and snowy for extended time outside, but short walks revealed beauty near and far.

Where’s Wally??

Driving back to Salt Lake City from the conference centre we crossed a pass at 2280 metres, 62 meters higher than Mt Kosciusko! 

 From here, conditions deteriorated quickly. It started snowing again and the state highway became more and more congested with snow, cars and trucks. Jason, our driver, did a magnificent job of getting us to our destination. 

Safely back in Salt Lake City and having bid a fond farewell to our BYU hosts, we made our way to the famous Temple Square. This is the domed exterior of the Tabernacle.

And inside, its extraordinary organ which we heard played in a short afternoon recital. It has 3600 pipes and the longest is 32 feet. 

Thanks to a tip off from Jason, we then went in search of the Red Iguana for the best Mexican food in Salt Lake City. Even in mid-afternoon people were queuing for a seat. 

It was worth the wait!! We had a delicious late lunch/early dinner with a delicacy of flavours we’ve not experienced in Australia. Enchiladas with mango mole (moll-ay) and green mole if you’re interested!!

Later that afternoon we received a text from Matt Wickman (professor of literature at BYU and whose podcast with Sarah a couple of years ago is responsible for our being here) inviting us to a choral concert at the Assembly Hall in Temple Square just next to the Tabernacle. The theme was Easter and the choir, orchestra and organist were wonderful.

More treats were in store next day…