Greetings from Phoenix
I had previously only ever stopped in the airport of Phoenix. This time, I spent a week. What a beautiful place. I’m struck by all the panoramas one sees in all directions. It’s very flat, with these gigantic rock formations jutting out in random places. I talked with a woman from Phoenix who had visited Boston and she said she felt closed in there. I get it. Here in Phoenix, one can see for miles in the clean clear desert air.
While here, I witnessed a rare Phoenix event: Rain. I walked outdoors on Wednesday, having spent all day at the conference I was attending , to find the ground all wet from rain. On the way to dinner (at Mastros Ocean Club which was excellent!) God’s fireworks were on display. The thunderheads were rolling over the flats, dumping sheets of rain in spots, with the lightning jumping from cloud to cloud and cloud to earth. It was magnificent. Behind the the action, the sun was setting in the west in an awesome orange glow, the likes of which I have never seen. It was truly spectacular nature.
At the end of the trip, we had a few hours to kill so we made the trip east of town to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesen West. This is the home where Wright spent 22 winters, and opened an architecture school that lives on. The students work in a wing of the house, and live in tents spread out over the sprawling grounds. If you think think that sounds unorthodox, consider the architecture they build; equally unorthodox. The house was very interesting to see, with odd shaped doorways, large stone fireplaces, and canvas roofing. We took a very entertaining tour, learning about Wrights buildings, philosophy, and wives. This is worth a stop next time you are in Phoenix.
I would also highly recommend the resort, Marriott Desert Ridge, where we stayed. The place was really comfortable and nice. It reminded me of a big Vegas hotel with a grand entrance, fountains, and shorted valets running every which way. The golf was fun, although I did spend a great deal of time in the rocks. Also I caught the groudskeepers painting the grass green. What’s that all about?
Mastros Ocean Club Fish House
15045 N Kierland Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254-2185
Cross Street: East Greenway Parkway
Phone: (480) 443-8555
(Try the seafood tower! I know… seafood in the desert? Trust me, it is outstanding!)
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Phoenix
5350 East Marriott Drive
Phoenix, Arizona 85054 USA
Phone: 1-480-293-5000
Fax: 1-480-293-3600
Sales: 1-480-293-3950
Toll-Free: 1-800-898-4527
(There is a fabulous restaurant on site called Roy’s. )
