While hiking last week in Zions I noticed an unusual number of Europeans. Due to the current changes in economy, travel to the United States by foreign tourists has skyrocketed. We found ourselves surrounded by tourists from all over the world. As you know I am a very out going person and love to talk to people. As I began to realize how many foreign visitors we had in the park I began to formulate a plan to reach out to these people, to welcome them to our country and provide them with a positive experience. I put on my Scout Uniform (with my Kilt) and set out to shake hands and meet as many different people as I could. The following is a list of as many of the different countries as I could remember.
Holland, Germany, Bavaria, Italy, Belgium, Austria, England, Scotland, Canada, Check Republic, Bulgaria, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, France, Hungary, Norway, Turkey, Netherlands, India, Korea,
This was an incredible experience. Though some of these people showed little interest in this strange American and some spoke little or no English. All were welcomed with a bright smile and my own jovial personality. Many many of them were both kind and excited to meet me and visit as much as time would permit. Quite a few of them wanted either my picture or have their picture taken with me. I am quite sure most will return to their countries with a memory of our beautiful National parks and one particularly friendly American who looked like Santa Claus in a Scout Uniform.
It is also important to note in seeking out these many foreign visitors I also met many hundreds of American tourists from all walks of life and all four corners of our great country. All of these folks were greeted with equal kindness and welcomed to this great State and one of our most beautiful National parks.
And Yes I did hike to top of Angels Landing in a Kilt
