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(U) SID Around the World: A Glimpse of Utah
FROM:
URLC Operational Staff Officer
Run Date: 03/30/2006
(U//FOUO) Did you know that NSA SIGINTers are living and
working in Utah (at the Utah Regional Language Center - URLC)?
Here's a taste of what life is like there:
SERIES:
(U) SID Around the
World '06 - '07
(U) Utah has much to offer. While you can't get the whole picture
in just one page from just one person, I offer you a glimpse of my
Utah.
1. SID Around the
World : Sugar Grove,
West Virginia
2. SID Around the
World : Living in
Thailand -- A Single's
Perspective
3. SID Around the
World : A Glimpse of
Utah
4. SID Around the
World : Misawa and
Tokyo
5. SID Around the
World : Colorado
Springs
6. SID Around the
World : Life in...
Central Maryland??
7. SID Around the
World : Walking the
Streets of Turkey
8. SID Around the
World : Jumping Into
Yorkshire's Village
Life with Both Feet
(U) My first look at Utah was from the dusty lanes of Interstate 15.
As a child, my family drove from our home in southern California to
Bryce Canyon National Park. Apart from the soggy sandwich and
squabbles with my big brother, I recall a mile-long tunnel, beautiful
red rocks, and wonderful views.
(U) I traveled Interstate 15 many more times over the years and
the landmarks were always the same: Joshua trees in Apple Valley,
the strip in Las Vegas, the red cliffs at St. George, and the
manicured farmlands stretched out under the Wasatch Mountains
as we rolled into Utah County.
(U) As a college student in Utah, my experiences were off the
beaten path. I explored underground caves, climbed the 11,000ft
peak of Mount Timpanogos, drove in the Moab Jeep Safari, cycled
to Balancing Rock, hiked to Rainbow Bridge at Lake Powell, soaked
in natural hot springs, skied at resorts, and drove four wheelers
through the back country of Uinta National Forest. All of these
experiences left vivid and lasting impressions on me.
(U) Dating introduced me to cultural opportunities in Utah. I admit
to enjoying at least parts of an opera at Salt Lake City's Abravanel
Hall, and most of a symphony. I liked all of Handel's Messiah at the
Mormon Tabernacle, and who wouldn't enjoy fine dining at the top
of the Joseph Smith building with its view of the Salt Lake Temple.
Equally impressive was the after-dinner stroll through half a million
Christmas lights on its grounds. When it came to ballets, I passed,
but James Taylor at the Sundance outdoor amphitheater on a
warm summer night -- now that's a memory!
(U) After five years away, my return to Utah has been somewhat
nostalgic. Though I am not as adventurous as I was before, I still
love to get outdoors. My son and I like to fish and explore along
streams, and our family always takes the scenic drive through the
Alpine Loop in October when the leaves are at full color. My wife
gets a lot of mileage out of the zoo and the library near our home.
As I've matured, I have gained an appreciation for local history,
such as events commemorating the pioneers' arrival into the valley
and a living history museum in the spirit of Williamsburg.
(U) For me, one of the best parts about Utah is being back along
Interstate 15. Each year for Christmas and on other special
occasions, we pack up the car and head to Grandma and
Grandpa's house in southern California. I'm happy to report that
the landmarks appear just as faithfully in reverse order.
(U//FOUO) For more information about Utah and the Utah Regional
Language Center, type " go Utah " in your web browser.
(U//FOUO) URLC HQ in Draper, Utah (at a National Guard facility)
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid_comms)."
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DERIVED FROM: NSA/CSSM 1-52, DATED 08 JAN 2007 DECLASSIFY ON: 20320108