Touring a Mormon Temple

I spent the holiday weekend in Utah and while the red-eye back to New York City yesterday morning was rough I am so glad I got to spend three days with amazing people in such a beautiful place. I visited one of my best friends from college, her husband, and their two adorable children and I am so glad I decided to fly out and I am still impressed with how much we squeezed into those 72-hours.  So much so, the trip will be getting three separate posts, one for each day. 

The highlight of Saturday was definitely having the opportunity to tour the Payson Utah Temple on the last day of the open house.  It was an opportunity to learn more about my friend’s Mormon faith and a rare occurrence, even if you are a member. After arriving late Friday they graciously let me sleep in after picking me up from the airport.   In this three-day weekend recap there will be a ton of photos of Lily – she is 10 months old and just about the cutest thing ever. Here is proof: 

Saturday morning we went to downtown Provo for a delicious breakfast. I loved the small town feel when we walked into Communal and the staff knew my friends. Honestly every single item on their Saturday brunch menu looked to-die-for but at the suggestion of my hosts I went for the  pancetta hash with poached egg, spring vegetables, and horseradish cream. Yum! I enjoyed the dish along with copious amounts of their Charming Beard coffee and I could not have asked for a better welcome brunch, especially with the brûléed grapefruit we got for the table. 

From there my friend Kortney and I got pedicures and were really able to catch up on everything that has been happening in our busy, busy lives.  Afterwards I truly got to have a once in a lifetime opportunity, I went in a Mormon temple as someone who is not part of the faith.   Saturday was the last day of the open house of the Payson Utah Temple, only a thirty minute drive from where my friends live, and it was open to the public as they had just finished building it but had not yet dedicated it. Usually you can not go in the temple unless you are an endowed member of the church and are there to perform different ordinances (similar to sacraments). Basically I would never be allowed in unless I became LDS. 

It was absolutely breathtaking and I swished around all the floors in the little booties they gave me to cover my Jack Rogers.  You can not take any pictures inside but please believe me when I say that it is absolutely stunning, especially the celestial room. This room with thirty foot ceilings, gorgeous glass chandeliers, and plush couches is where people sit after they have just been married to be quiet and reflect.  It is modeled to depict the beauty of heaven and every temple has one. I think I learned more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) on Saturday than I had in the seven years I have been friends with Kortney. A very unique experience I will not soon forget! 

We ended the day at a Mexican restaurant called Maria Bonita where they may not serve alcohol but the food certainly is super sized. I had a massive mug of Diet Pepsi (no Coca-Cola and no margs) to go with my Taco Vallarta Salad,  ground chicken with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, beans and served in a crispy tortilla bowl.  I ate only a small portion and could have easily shared with a few friends. ¡Muy delicioso!

Oh, and did you know that David Yurman cable bracelets are loved by teething babies?  

Me neither.  🙂  

Sunday we went to Sundance and Monday Park City, stay tuned tomorrow and Friday for those!