Travel should broaden one’s perspective. We have just returned from a three week trip away from winter. The ‘away from winter’ part wasn’t very successful, but the first week’s weather was nice. Our initial stop was Phoenix, AZ. It’s been about 15 years since we were in Phoenix. The growth of this area is phenomenal. The temperature was in the mid 80s, very nice indeed for winter-weary Midwesterners. However it is extremely dry and the cooling effects of perspiration do not apply. All that glitters is not your damp skin.
Phoenix is an easy city to navigate as long as you don’t confuse Streets with Avenues. We did and I nearly got heat stroke looking for the Museum of Geology. Fortunately some very nice people in an attorney’s office took pity on us, offering cold bottles of water and a place to splash cool water on my very red and hot face. They were kind and helpful to the two senior yokels who stumbled into their offices on 15th Street. Unfortunately we should have been on 15th Avenue. Back to the map…
Both young people and middle aged people were amazing courteous throughout the city. We never entered a bus or the new and nice light rail without someone offering a seat, giving a smile. People answered questions and would phone for directions if needed. This rapidly growing city has not lost its small town character. Folks care about each other in Phoenix. What a nice change.
As is our habit, we visit libraries wherever we can. The main branch of the Phoenix Public Library System was very modern. Some of their ideas were very innovative. Some things were a surprise. On the front door of the library there is a sign which reads: “No weapons allowed in the library. Please check your weapons at the security desk.” Oh my! That’s not a sign this librarian is accustomed to seeing. Of course it perfectly legal to carry concealed weapons in AZ; probably better to expect people to have them. I wonder what the compliance rate is for checking them at security. It’s just not something you expect—perspective broadening though.
Phoenix, as a location, is not really new. There was a thriving Native population living there several hundreds years ago. The Hohokam devised a system of irrigation canals that could not be bettered by modern engineers. The area was a center of trade and the early Native Americans traveled over large areas to trade. Agriculture flourished. The Pueblo Grande Museum features archeological ruins that indicate sophisticated astronomical knowledge. The Hohokam loved their sports. A game court provided a means to excel. Only one problem however, the winners lost their heads—literally. One really needs to think about that outcome!
More about our winter get away later; Southern California chapter coming soon.
Phoenix is an easy city to navigate as long as you don’t confuse Streets with Avenues. We did and I nearly got heat stroke looking for the Museum of Geology. Fortunately some very nice people in an attorney’s office took pity on us, offering cold bottles of water and a place to splash cool water on my very red and hot face. They were kind and helpful to the two senior yokels who stumbled into their offices on 15th Street. Unfortunately we should have been on 15th Avenue. Back to the map…
Both young people and middle aged people were amazing courteous throughout the city. We never entered a bus or the new and nice light rail without someone offering a seat, giving a smile. People answered questions and would phone for directions if needed. This rapidly growing city has not lost its small town character. Folks care about each other in Phoenix. What a nice change.
As is our habit, we visit libraries wherever we can. The main branch of the Phoenix Public Library System was very modern. Some of their ideas were very innovative. Some things were a surprise. On the front door of the library there is a sign which reads: “No weapons allowed in the library. Please check your weapons at the security desk.” Oh my! That’s not a sign this librarian is accustomed to seeing. Of course it perfectly legal to carry concealed weapons in AZ; probably better to expect people to have them. I wonder what the compliance rate is for checking them at security. It’s just not something you expect—perspective broadening though.
Phoenix, as a location, is not really new. There was a thriving Native population living there several hundreds years ago. The Hohokam devised a system of irrigation canals that could not be bettered by modern engineers. The area was a center of trade and the early Native Americans traveled over large areas to trade. Agriculture flourished. The Pueblo Grande Museum features archeological ruins that indicate sophisticated astronomical knowledge. The Hohokam loved their sports. A game court provided a means to excel. Only one problem however, the winners lost their heads—literally. One really needs to think about that outcome!
More about our winter get away later; Southern California chapter coming soon.
