We're not being pushy! Options

[GMc]

There is a great interview with Maxim Vengerov describing his first violin lessons. He refused to touch it desite having asked to learn. Teacher looked strict! She finally said perhaps he should go away and find something else to do. His mother cried. He felt sorry for mother and played. Then he hated to practise but she would keep nagging from the kitchen, "play Maxim, play". And cos he wanted to please her he did. Something finally clicked but it wasnt entirely auspicious from the start from what he remembered. So insteadof tiger mom she did crying mom with a touch of nagging....

[soccermom]

If you are a non gambler the only reason to be in Vegas IMHO is if you are very partial to flashy hotels! On the other hand we have walked down and up from both rims of GC and whitewater rafted there and its one of the great sights of the world. When the crowds clear early or late and the sun is rising or setting from the rims it is like seeing eons of geology spring to life. Not sure DD would think that was a great holiday although she would like the down walk if the weather was good. She would probably want a 4 legged friend to ride but I thought they looked worse than walking - they go to the end of each hairpin bend and stick their heads over the edge to have a look before taking the turn! If you want to camp at the bottom book well in advance. I have a great picture of a squirrel sharing my picnic half way down with a vista like a painted backdrop behind us., really

There are great places around there apart from Vegas if you are prepared to drive. Phoenix is an alternative airport. Sedona, Flagstaff, Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley, Petrified Forest ....I remember thinking that I never wanted to eat a steak again though after a couple of weeks and that people really do put horns on their utes in Arizona!

My father rode a mule down the Grand Canyon in his 60s. It was the first time he'd ever ridden anything and said it was the most frightening experience of his life! The Grand Canyon, Sedona and Monument Valley are all on my wish list. (Vegas is not)! We're hanging on in the hope that my 30 yr old nephew, who lives in Arizona, will be getting married in the next couple of years so we can combine our trip with his wedding! We won't be able to afford to go twice.

We arrived back from a less exotic but nonetheless very enjoyable holiday to Brittany very late on Saturday night. My teenager emerged from her bedroom around 1pm on Sunday, had a shower and went straight to the piano and started playing a Schubert Impromptu. After that, I didn't have the heart to moan about the state of her bedroom! She hasn't picked up the violin yet though...

[FullofWind]

Well I suggest an eight day trip with Arizona River Runners! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Dulcet]

Well I suggest an eight day trip with Arizona River Runners! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I have had to leave DS1 home alone a lot this hols. He has done very effective practice and theory papers and composing. I should leave him on his own more often ;-)