May 7

---

Today we're going through Navajo territory to Antelope Canyon. Luckily, some people told us the day before that you have to book time slots. You can only enter here with a guided tour. The Navajo people inhabit a vast territory in Arizona. The famous Antelope Canyon lies in the middle of this territory and is therefore under the administration of the native population. Based on a recommendation, we decide to take a tour of the Lower Canyon. It's more difficult to access and therefore has fewer visitors, but it's also far more impressive.

We stood ready for our booked time slot to be assigned to a group and thus a guide. But the smaller the crowd became, the more surprised Jan and I were. In the end, there were only four people left, and the person calling the shots said all the groups were full. I feel like I'm back in school, where it was always considered totally uncool to be the last one chosen for a sports team. When I asked why we couldn't go even though we had booked, she said we were an hour early.

Initial confusion over the time zone at the tour's starting point delayed our trip by an hour (the Navajo Territory actually has a different time zone than Arizona). Luckily, we arrived an hour early and not too late.

Luckily, we were called at the right time. And what can I say... WOW! Just WOW!

I never would have thought it would impress me so much. We descended steep stairs and then we were there. Closely embraced by bright red and orange rock faces, curves and waves. The sky is just barely visible as brilliant blue patches and stripes. The play of colors and the contrast around you is truly breathtaking. Jan and I were in awe! We took what felt like 2000 photos, all worthy of becoming our new Windows background. All similar, but still different. Fantastic! Our guide did a really great job and told us about the history from the Navajo perspective, but also about the formation of the canyon. He often stole a cell phone from someone in the group and took an unbeatable photo. He also generously gave tips on settings for ratio and filter. Everyone was able to take wonderful photos. Simply an unforgettable experience.

The next stop is Monument Valley. Will we be as impressed there? We'll see. So let's go.