Got picked up by Ray at 8:00am. For the Nava-Hopi Tours (Grayline). Went to the Grand Canyon. It was great! (All on video. At this point I found my video machine wasn't working as well as it could. (The eye lens was loose)  Met Bob and Ute fleetingly. Ute was an attractive 22yo German girl. Bob had only met her that day too, so I thought, oh well. But I was curious! Hey, I'm on holiday, I'm single. I think I can ask her out! Right Bob. You've got competition. (Actually, I'm an extremely shy person so I was pretty sure Bob had already won. Still, she was the most attractive girl on the trip so I was definitely interested.) (Keep reading to find out what happens!!!)

We headed to the Imax theatre which contains a 7 story screen, 70mm film, 6 track stereo sound. 35 mins approx. The pictures were breathtaking. Made in 1984, the film wasn't as good as todays but it was worth $7.00 (This was at Tuseyan)

After that the long drive back. The trip actually took a total of 9 hours but we did have two hours lunch break and we got out at most stops. (Including Duck Rock!) I'm feeling slightly sick at the amount of money I spent. Hope I can get this stuff through customs!

Anyway, asked Ute out! I remained quietly mysterious, not talking much to people but occasionally asking intelligent questions of the bus driver, (while on tour) then when we got to the IMAX theatre I was in line, but Bob waited for Ute to finish her ice cream. I saved two seats for them which they were pleased about. A calculated break of the ice! We got seats to the far back/top and in the middle. Very good seats for the film. 

On the bus I left it to the last minute to ask her out for dinner so I didn't have to sit in embarrassing silence for most of the trip if she said no. ('99 note. Really, I'm not that shy anymore, honest!)

We met outside the Nava Hopi bus terminal (Or rather, that's where we were supposed to meet. Met at the crossing)

Went to a cafe she recommended and talked until about 10:00pm. Then went to a YHA club. I wasn't allowed into the bar because my Aussie ID wasn't acceptable. Looks like I'll be carrying my passport. He still let me through 'cos I only wanted coffee. ('99 note. Aussie's are used to the age laws of 16 for sex, 18 for buying alcohol, cigarettes and knives. Get the the US and suddenly you've got to prove you're over 21)

Ute was studying English and sport at University so that she could be a sport instructor at school. Plays the flute and the piano. So we had absolutely nothing in common!

So Ute and I chatted to around 11:00pm then I took her to her hotel and SHOOK HER HAND! I'll be writing. ('99 note. We didn't write)

My current problem is that my jaw is killing me. Like I dislocated it in my sleep or something.  I'd ordered a turkey burger when with Ute but couldn't eat it 'cos of it being too difficult to open my mouth much. (So I probably portrayed the 'true' Australian by speaking without moving my lips!)

When I'd got back from the tour I found that my room had been 'cleaned'. I was not impressed. They'd seen my socks and underwear on the floor. I wanted the freedom to throw things around. Oh well. Also missed out on photographing McCoy Motors and Ace Furniture. <grin> ('99 note: A very tragic Doctor Who related joke!)

(Note for new travellers. Good hotels will clean the rooms so keep valuables safe and make sure there's some semblance of neatness before you leave. You never know, you may have the opportunity to bring someone back to your hotel!)

Tomorrow. Amtrak for 1 1/2 days. AARGH.-
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