Tucson
I remember my one and only visit to Tucson, almost 15 years ago, like it was yesterday. My husband and I went to visit our good friend of 25 years, Mikie; excited to see him and the place he calls home.
I'd heard a lot of things about the desert. Some were good. Others unimpressive so I wasn't sure what to expect. We'd been to Taos and Santa Fe and loved the New Mexico landscape, but folks said Tucson was different.
They were right. From the red rocks and southwestern part of New mexico, to the desert with its hundreds of cacti and the mountain ranges surrounding Tucson, I fell in love with the area instantly.
Mikie was a wonderful host. He took us to Sabino Canyon where we could walk and see the cacti up close. Then he took us down country roads leading to Mexico (where the tacos are prepared differently but delicious) and old churches, giving us a real feel and flavor for the land and its abundance of history. We stopped often, not to stretch our legs, but to stare and breathe in the beauty around us. I was simultaneously excited and humbled and caught myself wondering about the people who'd come before us, those who'd forged this great state to call home.
Rich and bold in color, a variety of people from all walks of life, shopping, restaurants and an Air Force base; Tucson offers much to see and explore. I wished we'd have stayed longer, especially in that used book store where I thought I'd gone to heaven--that was my first time in one and I must have bought twenty books that day. I discovered hidden treasures in the old churches, whose structures and intricate detail took my breath away and left me in awe. I discovered a way of life in Tucson I could easily adapt to and not just because of the shopping. Looking at the cacti and exploring those churches is something I'd never tire of.
Someday, I hope to go back. Mikie is still there and it really is our turn to visit. He's been to see us numerous times. Plus, he has this gorgeous cactus in his front yard that I'm dying to dig up and take home. I probably would if I didn't fear so much I'd kill it.
When I do get back, I'd like to stroll along 'old Tucson' and learn more about its history--I became even more engrossed with the city when I researched it for my western romance, Lady Luck. I'd also like to visit Tombstone and other small towns in the area, and of course, another hike through Sabino Canyon is a must. But most of all, I want to stop, get out of the car and stare at this wonderful land, soak up as much of it as I can and never take it for granted. It's too beautiful to do it that type of injustice.
I'd heard a lot of things about the desert. Some were good. Others unimpressive so I wasn't sure what to expect. We'd been to Taos and Santa Fe and loved the New Mexico landscape, but folks said Tucson was different.
They were right. From the red rocks and southwestern part of New mexico, to the desert with its hundreds of cacti and the mountain ranges surrounding Tucson, I fell in love with the area instantly.
Mikie was a wonderful host. He took us to Sabino Canyon where we could walk and see the cacti up close. Then he took us down country roads leading to Mexico (where the tacos are prepared differently but delicious) and old churches, giving us a real feel and flavor for the land and its abundance of history. We stopped often, not to stretch our legs, but to stare and breathe in the beauty around us. I was simultaneously excited and humbled and caught myself wondering about the people who'd come before us, those who'd forged this great state to call home.
Rich and bold in color, a variety of people from all walks of life, shopping, restaurants and an Air Force base; Tucson offers much to see and explore. I wished we'd have stayed longer, especially in that used book store where I thought I'd gone to heaven--that was my first time in one and I must have bought twenty books that day. I discovered hidden treasures in the old churches, whose structures and intricate detail took my breath away and left me in awe. I discovered a way of life in Tucson I could easily adapt to and not just because of the shopping. Looking at the cacti and exploring those churches is something I'd never tire of.
Someday, I hope to go back. Mikie is still there and it really is our turn to visit. He's been to see us numerous times. Plus, he has this gorgeous cactus in his front yard that I'm dying to dig up and take home. I probably would if I didn't fear so much I'd kill it.
When I do get back, I'd like to stroll along 'old Tucson' and learn more about its history--I became even more engrossed with the city when I researched it for my western romance, Lady Luck. I'd also like to visit Tombstone and other small towns in the area, and of course, another hike through Sabino Canyon is a must. But most of all, I want to stop, get out of the car and stare at this wonderful land, soak up as much of it as I can and never take it for granted. It's too beautiful to do it that type of injustice.
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