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Day 1. Phoenix.
I left Charlotte cold and raining off to warm and sunny Phoenix. The plane ride wasn't to bad. We hit some turbulence along the way, but other than that the ride was pretty smooth. As we approached Phoenix I couldn't help but marvel at the landscape that spilled out before me as it turned from desserts to magnificent mountains ranges. When we landed in Phoenix I couldn't help but be amazed by the beauty that surrounds this city. Everywhere you look you are enwrapped in some of the most amazing sites.
I made my way to rental car section and Hertz had canceled my car!!! They had the audacity to tell me the travel agent canceled it! That is me!!!!! I know I didn't cancel the thing. I had to get my sister-in-law on the phone (no internet connection there) and get her to reserve a car for me. 2 hours later I finally take off and not in the convertible I reserved and envisioned.
My first stop was at the Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium in Tempe right near the airport. It is located on the Arizonian State University campus. Frank Lloyd Wright had the initial design but died in 1959 before work began. It was completed by his peers and the auditorium was opened in 1964. The acoustics are near perfect here. Wright fans can just simply drive to the campus and you can admire this beautiful building,
Since I was held up 2 hours with Hertz I missed several things I had planned. My next stop was the Dessert Botanical Gardens. The gardens were listed in the book "The 1001 Gardens to See Before You Die" with very good reason. I arrived about an hour before sunset. The garden is deliciously spread over 145 areas with the back drop of the sandstone buttes of Papago Park surrounding the pathways. The gardens boast on of the largest succulents collections in the world.
As you walk towards to mountains your eyes try to take in all this beauty that is at every corner of this amazing place. I stop every few seconds to try to get that perfect picture. As I make my way towards the buttes and make the loop I am blessed enough to catch the sunset. As you see the sky awash with these rust colors, you notice you have stopped breathing. When you start breathing again you can not help but try to catch this perfect moment with the camera. I also start to notice the twinkling lights of the surrounding cities. As the sunset gives way to night time, this place lights up with strategically placed lights that show off this special desert refuge. Sounds of jazz music drift through the evening air and smells from the restaurant waft though. I had just missed what had to be a once in a life time experience as master glass maker Dale Chihuly. As always when Dale leaves, he leaves something behind. In this case, at the entrance there are 3 delicate glass trees for visitors to enjoy.
By now I was starving and had to get some food. I plugged in the address into the GPS system and headed out to the Hard Rock Phoenix. I ordered up a veggie burger and salad and called my mom and dad while waiting. After filling my tummy I head to the gift shop and get shirts for John and I and get pins for myself and my buddy Steve who was a sweetie and worked some of my shift.
I was now on my way to check into my home for the next 2 days at the Arizonia Biltmore. This place is scrumptious. Of course Frank Lloyd Wright assisted with the design of the hotel. This place is spread out and you need a golf cart, Segway, bike, or some form of transportation to get around. I have the cottage that Ron and Nancy stayed at when they were here. I have a divine fireplace and floor to ceiling windows on each side. Yep, I am continuing my high flalutin' lifestyle!!!
I talk to John a while and crash out. I am up early tomorrow to check off something off my bucket list….a hot air balloon ride!!!!
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