The Final Goodbye!

Sadly, this trip has come to an end!  I always have mixed emotions with the finality of an adventure.  I always appreciate home, and look forward to being where life is familiar, predictable, and safe!  But, I also long for the daily adventures and unknowns our trips always bring us.  Through our travels, I have learned a lot about myself, and learned how much I actually don't know!! Seeing the world,  experiencing foreign cultures, and meeting people from all over the world has brought me joy, and a huge appreciation for our life in Canada, and what the passport actually means!  Being a Canadian brings world respect, a rich, diverse lifestyle, tolerance, opportunities, and a culture that is truly concerned for its citizens.  Canada is not perfect, but once you step off its doorstep, into the great blue yonder, you realize how lucky you are to be born in this country.  See you again next year!  Ciao!

Good Company

We were fortunate to be able to get together again with friends, Debbie and George, on the last night we were in the Phoenix area.  We met them for dinner in Scottsdale at the Wildfish Grill.

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)

Frida Kahlo is a Mexican artist known for her self portraits, pain and passion, and bold, vibrant colours!!  During our time in Mexico City, it was very disappointing when we weren't able to visit her home/museum because the hop on hop off bus we were on became bogged down in traffic, and by the time we reached the Blue House (Frida Kahlo's home), it was late and closed for the day!!  So when we arrived in Phoenix and discovered her work was showing at the Heard Museum I was ecstatic!  And it is the only showing in North America!!  Her husband, Diego Rivera's work, was also included.  This was a small showing because it came from a personal collection.

Frida Kahlo is celebrated in Mexico for her attention to Mexican and indigenous culture, and by feminists for her depiction of the female experience and form.  

              The museum has a nice restaurant where we had a lemonade and appetizer.

                                         The next 5 pictures are done by Frida Kahlo.

                                         
                                 The next 5 pictures are done by Diego Rivera.

A photo of Frida and Deigo.

  

Rio Salado Audubon Center

A couple of weeks ago we went to a Nature Fest over by the racetrack.  We were introduced to the Audubon Center at one of the kiosks, and so today, we had some time, and decided to visit the audubon center.  It involves a river walk on both sides of the Salt River, or Roi Salado. It was very interesting, but being a rural gal, I get to see nature and all its glory every day!  It's a great place for city folk to take their kids and introduce them to another form of life!!  We did encounter a snake, of the constrictor kind!!  It was a good thing it was dead, because I would have either killed it, or hit the dusty trail full tilt screaming!!

                                        This rock is called conglomerate.  

                                        More conglomerate.

                                       


 Mr. Constrictor...the California King Snake, non-venmous but powerful.  An opportunistic hunter feeding mostly on rodents.  It also falls prey to many predators.

This Guy Has It Figured Out!!

As we pulled into the parking lot of Tres Rio for a round of golf, we couldn't help but notice this guy's wheels!  Now if one could figure out how to also pull a boat you would have it made!!

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale is where the Old West meets the New West!  It is quaint, interesting, and filled with restaurants, lively bars, art galleries, souvenir shopping, and night life.  We spent an afternoon walking around, taking pictures, and stopped in at an Italian restaurant to watch The Masters, have a drink, and a bite to eat!  We highly recommend this area to locals and visitors!

                                      These olive trees are well over one hundred years old.