For some reason I’ve never really been capable of sleeping in. This morning was one of the few really lazy ones that we allotted ourselves, but for some reason my internal alarm still went off bright and early at 6:30. I made the best of it though by sneaking down to the lobby to read two newspapers and drink a few cups of coffee before anyone else even woke up. I got an email from Zoe about 8:30 though wondering where I was and letting me know everyone else was up too. Before long we were all back in the lobby enjoying more of the chocolate cake we received last night as a breakfast.
In all the planning that I did for the trip I spent next to no time at all investigating Salt Lake City. I knew that Temple Square was something we should check out, and that was about it. After considering borrowing bikes from the hotel we decided to walk since everything in downtown SLC is pretty compact anyway. With no real destination in mind we started wondering the streets and soon stumbled across the official visitor center (formerly the Olympic Press Center). We picked up a map that was pretty, but ultimately pretty useless and continued our wondering.
We had heard that there was a noon recital of the Mormon Tabernacle organ so we made our way toward Temple Square. After a brief stop at the visitor’s center we headed to the Tabernacle to wait for the doors to open. Once inside we were awestruck by the huge open building and the massive pipe organ at the end of the room. As Molly mentioned we aren’t religious people, but I’ve always been intrigued by religions and the institutions and structures that go along with them. It was fascinating to see this beautiful creation that came from nothing in the middle of a desert. We were treated to a half hour recital showing off the sounds of the organ and skill of its player. I think the girls were both very grateful when it ended that we don’t spend more time in church.
Next we walked up a few blocks to the Utah state capitol building where we were able to see all the branches of Utah’s government and learn more about its history. Clearly the Mormon church played a crucial founding role in the state. Yet, the state government seems to be able to maintain some degree of separation, no small feat when the building that houses it came 50 years after the construction of the Mormon temple.
By this point we realized that it was already 2:00, we were starving and all we’d eaten all day was chocolate cake. Fortunately, we came across Eva’s bakery and the delicious sandwiches they’d prepared. We even managed to snag a table outside on this perfectly beautiful day.
I’m not sure how it’s possible but when we returned to the hotel there were even more treats being delivered for the girls: snacks, drinks, and Melissa & Doug sticker activities. Awesomely crazy. We spent the afternoon resting, writing, and enjoying some of our treats. As 5:00 neared we headed down for another fabulous wine hour to discover that today was national bourbon day. As I enjoyed a Knob Creek & lemonade the girls snacked on bourbon cherry ice cream floats.
Somehow we weren’t yet full after all the snacking so we made a quick walk to Lamb’s Grill. A local restaurant that we discovered has been open since 1919. Everything we ate was fabulous: short rib poutine, Cobb Salad, grown-up grilled cheese, lamburger (yes with an “l”), and E’s Asian bowl. It’s sad to be leaving the amazing Monaco SLC, but I think we did get the right amount of time in this city. Tomorrow we’re off to Cedar Breaks National Monument and Tropic, UT. We can’t help but wonder what other adventures we’ll have and what other surprises may be in store for us. Perhaps they’ll even be more wishes granted – just like a prayer.