I spend part of the year in the Southwest of the US.  I never understood the fascination with the desert until I started spending time there.  It is so different than the Midwest where I've spent nearly my entire life.  Water is something we have in abundance in the Midwest yet it is incredibly precious in the Southwest.  Much of the Southwest is about grand vistas while the Midwest is about more intimate images. The difference is largely due to the availability of water I absolutely love the contrast and find both areas so inspiring.