It Might Happen... 2024 Olympics, Paris or Bust! By: Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker / Out & About As I watched the televised finale of the 2020 Olympic Games, I was surprised how fast the two weeks of competitions had sped by. Initially I had been a typical naysayer, thinking that with all the frightening complications of an ongoing international pandemic, the expense and risk of going forward with Tokyo’s Olympic Games might be a disaster. After all, it had already been delayed a full year. But surprisingly the opening ceremony piqued my interest. Even though the stands were empty, the enthusiasm of the performers and the dedication of the athletes as they entered the stadium were enough to make me rethink my skepticism. By the time the opening ceremony was underway, with thousands of tiny drones dangling in the night sky, it was obvious this was a far cry from the original Olympic games in ancient Greece. In 776 BC, the first games were held in a grassy area near Athens called Olympia. For many centuries, young men travelled there every four years to compete in strenuous games. The winners wore simple crowns made from olive branches and not much more, but the ancient games were so popular, even wars were halted, just so their warriors could participate. The concept of peaceful physical competitions among citizens developed further in 1896 and amazingly has continued to survive and expand since that time. Now, after being dazzled by the 2020 Olympics, I wondered if France, the next setting for the Olympic Games, would be intimidated by Tokyo’s amazing presentation? That would certainly be understandable! But once Japan’s closing ceremony ended and the Olympic flag had been presented to France, a cheering crowd joyfully greeted the world, and it was obvious Paris expects to be up to the task. Their 2024 Olympic Games will feature many of the city’s most famous sites - like the Eifel Tower, and this is certain to bring new excitement to the Games. If you are interested in attending, and would like information on the 2024 Olympic Games, please call 702/463-0966. Tres bien! Crystal Merryman-Sarbacker is a travel agent and the owner of Vegas Vacationers Inc. She can be reached at: Merryman2@aol.com By: Kathy Manney / Around Our World Considered North America’s most grueling historic trade route, the Old Spanish Trail connected New Mexico with California. Comparable to other primitive trails; it had its share of outlaws and brave adventurers. Before the arrival of the Spanish, Native Americans had a system of sprawling, unmapped footpaths networking what is today Northwest New Mexico, Southwest Colorado, Southern Utah, Northern Arizona, the bottom tip of Nevada passing through modern-day Las Vegas and Southern California. Santa Fe was a longtime established Spanish city when in the early 1800s the Spanish sought a direct trade route between Santa Fe and Los Angeles. A Mexican trader led the first commercial caravan from New Mexico to Southern California. His path followed a combination of original footpaths. Later followed by Spanish priests and mule paths. The route grew with traders transporting tools and woolen articles from Santa Fe to Los Angeles, which were bargained for horses and mules. John C. Frémont and guide Kit Carson named it the Old Spanish Trail and officially mapped it for the United States. 44 Old Spanish Trail September 20<strong>21</strong> Before long it grew treacherous. There were attacks by indigenous groups, horse raiders who stole hundreds horses and slave traders seizing human captives. Nonetheless, for a time, advantages outweighed disadvantages. Offering interior New Mexico access to Pacific ports, it bolstered Los Angeles as a trade center and allowed immigrant travel into California. Eventually freight wagons brought demand for easier routes. The Old Spanish Trail became less used and then abandoned. The Old Spanish Trail was Nevada’s first commerce “highway” crossing the Las Vegas Valley at its southern edge. In 2001 and 2002, portions running within Nevada were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The nearby town of Blue Diamond established a marker designating a section of the once winding pack route. Correspondingly, adjacent Blue Diamond is a 5.9 mile moderate trail fragment used for moderate hiking of the historically notable Old Spanish Trail. Kathy Manney enjoys visiting interesting places and being an Adventure Diva. Her “Must See” travel journeys continue - always with enthusiasm.
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