Fantastic Feathers

M for Monument Valley

15 April, 2025

M for Monument Valley #BlogchatterA2Z

Monument Valley, Arizona

This red sandstone region is a park on the border of Utah and Arizona. This is called Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

This is neither a national park nor a National Monument, but it is more scenic than most other national parks we visited. It is a must-visit place if you are visiting Utah. The scenery reminds you of Wild West movies (Cowboy movies).

There is a 17-mile scenic drive to see the magnificent red sandstone formations called buttes, spires, and mesas. Some areas of the park are accessible only through guided tours. Monument Valley is a window to the Navajo culture.

Here is our travelogue.

Did you see the movie "Forrest Gump"? Then, you might remember this view. Many people park their cars on the side of the road and take pics from the middle of the road for this view.. We did too :-)

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts:

14 April, 2025

L for LasVegas #BlogchatterA2Z

Las Vegas

Everyone knows about the casinos and party fun in Las Vegas. But, I am talking about a family-friendly vacation to Las Vegas with kids.

Las Vegas strip is the most buzzing place with several theme-based places like Newyork Newyork, The Eiffel Tower, Gandolas at Venetian, Egyptian Pyramid, etc., Our favorite and not to miss place is the Bellagio. The flower show is fantastic and the musical fountain is fascinating to watch.

Here is our travelogue.

That's from Bellagio, Isn't it awesome?

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts:

12 April, 2025

K for Kasha - Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument #BlogchatterA2Z

Kasha - Katuwe Tent Rocks , New Mexico

Does that name seem a little odd? I couldn't find info on how it got its name. Maybe it is due to the local tribes living nearer to it?

This National Monument is in New Mexico and is 45 minutes away from Santa Fe.

Santa Fe is our favorite destination and a wonderful place to spend a vacation, but that's for another day.

The unique cone-shaped rocks formed by the layers of volcanic ash and rocks by pyroclastic flow from the volcano of Jemez Springs are beautiful to watch/hike. This eruption that occurred 6 to 7 million years ago caused the slot canyon and tent rocks.

Here is our travelogue.

The highlight of our trip is this view after the hike.

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts:

I give you one travel recommendation for each letter of the alphabet. So, follow my blog every day in April for travel recommendations.

I might post these on social media as well, here are the links if you want to follow me there..

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

11 April, 2025

Amy's Travels by Lilly Khripko - [Book Review]

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Amy's Travels

Author: Lilly Khripko

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Children's Fiction

Publisher: Quick Home Ltd (July 19, 2024)

Print Length: 40 pages

Recommended Age: 6 to 10 yrs

Source: A copy from the author for review

Blurb:

This tale is about a tweenage girl retelling her baby life. When she was young, her family made the decision to leave their native country. They looked long and hard to find another residence somewhere else.

The little family had to suffer without food and a place to stay. Eventually, they found a good shelter to stay at. Just when things starting to look up, the father got offered a job from a different continent, so he had to move away. The girl formed close bonds with a kangaroo, a friend, and even a tuba!

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This story is about a little girl 4.5 years old, her family, her move to Australia, and making new friends, etc., This is kind of a biography from the perspective of a child.

You get the drift when I say from the perspective of the child. Children at that age say everything they feel without a filter. That's what it feels like reading the book.

Even though Amy is a little child of 4.5 years of age, she behaves maturely in some places like not crying hard which might make her parents feel bad when they are already sad, and trying to figure out the solution to their problems.

She behaves like a child in some places like crying immediately after her dad gets into flight, feeling comfortable hugging her mom, and thinking everything will become normal with her reassurance.

What do I like about the book?

The writing style is spontaneous and sometimes shows her anger and frustration when things don't go as expected. It is written by a kid and definitely it gives you a peek into the kids' emotions.

The writing feels genuine and honest. There is no sugarcoating of characters and no detailed unnecessary descriptions. This is suitable for kids aged 6 to 10 years.

What might have been better?

For adults and teen kids, this might not look that appealing. If you want to read something about the perspective of a little child, this seems good though. But, if you are expecting a story with twists and fiction, this is not right for you.

The book cover is great and the title is ok. I thought the title might have been different because based on the title I was expecting Amy to travel to many places or her experience with different cultures/ people. But, the story is not mainly about travel. It is about the family, relationships, struggles, money problems, settling into a new place, etc.,

I thought it might have been categorized /edited well. It is divided into parts, but a few parts are too small and a few are big. This feels like a journal note.

My Rating: 4/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Until next time,

J for Jackson Hole #BlogchatterA2Z

Jackson Hole

This popular town in Wyoming is a valley and wilderness with a view of the jagged Teton Mountains.

This is also a gateway to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Majestic Teton mountain range, lush green landscape, and alpine lakes attract many visitors to this place. This is also home to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and is a good skiing destination.

Here is our travelogue.

That's Teton Pass!

Until next time,

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z

Other A2Z Posts: