Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is perhaps best know for being the Mormon capital of the world. This religious group came here in the 1840’s after having been driven away from settlements in Illionois and the East Coast. Polygamy, previously a common practice within the church, was offically banned in 1890, but I was told that a number of mormons still live in such arrangements.

I visited the temple area in the centre of town where young Mormon girls of many nationalities eagerly await visitors who are looking to receive a guided tour. I met a Swedish Mormon girl from Jönköping, the closest Sweden comes to having a Salt Lake City of its own. Above is a picture of the holy temple, which you can only enter if you are a Mormon.

My host Kristina showed that there is more to Salt Lake City than bible-studies, anti-drinking laws and polygamy. She is a big fan of rockabilly music, swing dancing and 20s burlesque performance art. One night she took me to a club full of tattooed, beer-drinking locals, where I (despite futile resistance) was forced to participate in an introductory swing-dance lesson. I experienced a short-lived sense of relief as we left, only to be subjected to further public embarassment at a karaoke bar later on. Half of Salt Lake City are strict followers of the Mormon faith, while the other half seem more devoted to partying and wreaking havoc. Kristina was good fun.

written by  niklasbergstrand on January 17, 2009 from Salt Lake City, United States
from the travel blog: Niklas in America
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