When my friend Tez and I decided on an impromptu trip to Denver, our mission was simple- have fun, see as much of Colorado's famed landscape as we could and to find ourselves a cowboy. (after all, what is a trip to the state with the same name as their poet Laureate - John Denver - without a be-hatted man? ) As luck would have it, our drive into the city was practically littered with hotties in hats and so our mission got off to a good start. One thing I really loved was the quirkiness of the city. Downtown is just like the movies -there are piano's on nearly every street corner with the occasional sing song taking place, old men playing chess in the middle of the street and always something going on and stuff to look at. Street musicians, artists and even the occassional nutter popping out at you (gotta love a nutter. Our first ten minutes we got asked if we would let this guy use our shower guy - erm no?? Not even mentioning the one that chased us down the street..) grabbing your attention. For those in search of a little retail therapy, 16th street mall is a must. Downtown at night is pretty amazing too, and definately took care of the fun part. It's really pretty when all lit up and has an incredible vibe with music pumping out from every which way. From the Hardrock Cafe, Coyote Ugly bar (yes, like the movie. Up on the bar with you!) to the more low-key martini bars there is something for everyone. Too tired (or in our case - too drunk hehe ) to walk the rest of the way? Just hop on a horse and carriage or even a bike and carriage. Some of them, even come pimped out with their own sound system. Even late at night, when all the music's died down and everything is eerily quiet, the old men are up battling out their chess games. To some it up - its just the coolest place. :) Next up - a total change of scenery - the beautifully named Garden of the God's. (The name comes from a young man Rufus Cable, who in 1959, along with a fellow surveyor happened upon the formations of sand rock and said that it was a place fit for the Gods to assemble.Use it, don't use it..) The park is absolutley gorgeous, with all these incredible sand-rock formations. You can climb up, climb in and climb over them and this will keep you busy all day. (Just don't do what we did and get stuck in one and then get lost in the dark. Blair witch project anyone?). Apart from the quiet chatter of other visitors and the rather loud giggles of one Tez and one Claire (bloody foreigners :*) , its really peaceful and with the snow-capped Rocky mountains in the distance, it's hard not to feel calm and inspired here.

Our trip was definately the best of both worlds-The craziness and bustle of the city to the quiet and beauty of the countryside combined with alot of giggling and randomness that comes from being with a good friend - will definalty remember this trip for a long time to come. Can't wait to go back!! :) Thanks Tez