Geography of the Middle East and North Africa
"Hey Everyone!
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Welcome to the example tour for the "Wayn Game" component of GCU 328 Geography of the Middle East and North Africa. While I might be Dr. Groom in the classroom, right now I'm just your humble tour guide, Kaelin. Before traveling all over the MENA region, let's start a little closer to home: the US Southwest!
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Where should we start? Hmmm... Best if we just meet at school -- OUR school, of course!"
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"Go for it: jump from one state to another to another to another! This is the only place in the USA where four states share a single boundary. Little known fact: this junction is actually on Navajo (Diné) land. That means it's managed and protected by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation, which was established in 1957 providing native populations agency and independence in the protection of their heritage and tribal properties. Our next location is also culturally-rich and represents another group of people who have had a profound influence on the history of 'The West'."
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Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO
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"Looks just like something right out of the movies, huh? It almost feels like we're in the Sahara but then you turn around and BAM: snow topped mountains all around. It's so surreal how this one special 'nook' in the Rocky Mountains is situated perfectly to trap sand and fine materials from all the deserts to the south and west. What's that our neighbors have here? A sand sled! Heh. They're taking the fun way back down. Come on, let's join them!"
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Forest Surrounding Los Alamos, NM
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"It's humbling sometimes how resilient nature can be--just look around you. This entire forest was obliterated in the massive Cerro Grande wildfire in 2000. Hundreds of homes were destroyed and the fire got dangerously close to consuming the infamous Los Alamos National Laboratory, home of the Manhattan Project. Decades later scars from that fire is still here, like that burnt tree over there, but look at all this new growth! Trees, shrubs, grasses... The forest is healing! This area certainly has a complicated relationship with 'death'... something it shares with our next destination, perhaps?"
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Arizona State University, AZ​
"Wow. The view from the top of Coor Hall sure is impressive, isn't it? You can see some of the Phoenix and Tempe mountains on the horizon! It's also great how ASU is leading by example: check out all those solar panels covering the parking lot! We certainly get enough sun here, might as well make the most of it. Is that why we're Sun Devils? While I doubt we'll run into any devils at our next stop, they're DO claim to have ghosts..."​
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"Taking a stroll through this historic mining town is like going back in time. Many of the businesses here have been operating since the region's massive silver boom in the late 19th century. Check out some of these names! Red Dog Saloon? Bucket of Blood Saloon? There are even rumors that the town's stately Piper's Opera House is haunted! Nevada is certainly... unique... And so is our next destination! Don't want to give too much 'four'-shadowing but it's geographically one of a kind."
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Death Valley National Park, CA​
"Geez... There really is nothing quite like the overwhelming emptiness of this place... It's crazy how small those people look down there! This outcrop, aptly named 'Grandstand' is a beautiful example of spheroidal rock decay: these incredibly resilient rocks have only decayed along their thinner sharp edges leaving a rounded and softened appearance. Almost seems otherworldly, doesn't it? On our way to the next stop, want to stop for 'alien jerky'? I saw a sign."
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"Nestled in the West's stark Basin and Range topography right along Nevada State Highway 375, also known as the 'Extraterrestrial Highway', this funky little inn and cafe is the best place to grab a burger, talk with alien-spotting hopefuls, and maybe plan a run on Area 51. Or, if aliens aren't your thing, the star gazing from this remote hamlet is absolutely spectacular. The surrounding mountains block out all the light pollution -- Just like how the Rockies help "trap" our next destination.
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Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT
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"How about a meal with a view? Built at the very center of Salt Lake City, Temple Square is sort of like the 'Mecca' of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). Just as Islam is profoundly influential in most Middle Eastern cultures, Mormon history is practically inseparable from US Southwestern history. In fact, many of the original settlers and founders of major western cities were LDS members. You don't have to believe in a religion to appreciate its history--and, in Temple Square's case, its architecture. Look at the golden statue on the pinnacle: it looks like it's on fire! ... perhaps a poor choice of words considering our next stop?
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