Saturday, July 14, 2007

Glorious highs from the Grand Canyon to a Chilean hotel



canyon.jpg

Best experience


In a year of travels to the remote (Chile\’s Patagonia), the paradisiacal (St. Lucia) and the exotic (Easter Island) my “it” moment came at an iconic spot I had visited half a dozen times before but never really experienced.


As 5 million annual visitors can attest, the Grand Canyon is a wonder to behold. But most see it only from the rim, as I had, until November, when I ventured down a steep, 7-mile trail to Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor.


Descending the canyon warps perception; human scale loses meaning. It is intimidating and humbling and powerful. Upon reaching the bottom, I gazed up at towering red rock castles and was moved almost to tears.


Or maybe it was just exhaustion.


READ MORE:

The world\’s 8th wonder: Readers pick the Grand Canyon | Interactive graphic


Worst experience


I\’m no camper, and I\’m no good at erecting a tent. But I can disassemble one in seconds flat. (Discomfort is a powerful motivator.) And so, while thrilled at the chance to visit a deserted island in Fiji where in September two cyber-savvy Brits led a Web-based “tribe” into the physical world, I had misgivings about the do-it-yourself nature of the accommodations.


I had hastily bought a tent. My only criteria: that it fit in a carry-on and not cost much.


Upon arrival, we tribe members claimed our turf. By the time I%


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