Thinking back on 2009, a very hectic year of travel, there are a number of items that could make traveling a more pleasurable experience for everyone. I’m sure many people could add to this list. (Feel free to write in and add your comments!)
As a frequent traveler, the new year has me wishing for the following in my travels – actually, in general.
10. And, last but not least, remember that we are all passengers on this “Earth Ship.” – Be nice to each other and the environment. I’m tired of people dropping their cigarettes, refuse and leftovers for me to squish with my shoes or sit in. Yes, be nice! A little kindness goes a long way!
What do you think, readers? Do you have some things you’d like to see more – or less of- in your travels? Write in and I’ll post them!
Enjoy your travels – even if it means just taking an elevator with someone. Try smiling and giving someone eye contact! That will really shake people up! They won’t believe you are just being friendly!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Tempe, the hometown for Arizona State University, is a vibrant city with business, social and quality of life issues well-handled. With a population of 175,000-plus residents, Tempe has a business center, new malls, revitalized housing stock and is just a fun place to be. It’s also near to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, so there is easy access in and out.
Housing in downtown Tempe
During the weekend of December 4-6, Tempe hosted the Festival of the Arts, an arts and crafts gathering that last year attracted 250,000. In 2009, over 400 artisans with some stunning work were displaying and selling their works. Pottery, glass, wood, photography, woven items, painting, sculpture and even food showed the individuality and quality of the handmade efforts.
With no two works identical, visitors had the opportunity to see and buy something for their use for as little as $5 or as much as thousands.
Colorful Pottery from Ken Foster Ceramics - and useful, too
(559-760-4549)
(As of early December 2009, his Web site was not populated yet.)
Doug Mader's metal art - Courtyard Art and Design
(No Web site available – 503-537-0720)
I tend to like usable art, so I was on the lookout for a small pottery casserole to replace one that had broken. I couldn’t find what I was seeking. Instead, I saw a gorgeous pottery French butterkeeper made by Liscom Hill Pottery Works that I purchased. (I did not take a photo – the display was crowded and I was intent on my purchase.)
Bands also performed throughout the Festival. On the jazz stage, we heard the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Band perform big band numbers. They had an interesting medley with “Auld Lang Syne” intermingled with Christmas carols, plus a rendition of “On the Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady.
To host the Festival, Tempe blocked off about fifteen blocks of the downtown area. Since these events occur regularly in Tempe, check out the light rail which travels right through the campus to save you time looking for a parking spot or $10 for event parking. The light rail is relatively new to the Phoenix area, but it is clean, on schedule and reasonable in cost.
http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail
It may be in the desert, but Tempe has an amazing amount of water. Tempe Town Lake, a manmade body of water, is a centerpiece for many community events. In the area adjacent to the lake, events from ethnic fairs to fireworks are held regularly.
If you’re coming to the Phoenix area for a visit, we recommend that you check out what might be happening in Tempe. There are hotels in Tempe if you care to stay; the aloft hotel is new, a “hip” hotel, and there are other hotels that can put you right in the middle of things or give you some quiet at the end of the day, if you prefer.
aloft hotel in Tempe
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3102
The Buttes
(Tucked into a hillside and next to a spring training baseball facility.)
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxtm-the-buttes-a-marriott-resort/
You can’t miss ASU’s presence in Tempe; it is unmistakable.
Come back tomorrow for info on Arizona State University and other amenities in the area.
The first time I came to Arizona, it was a major revelation for me. The sunny, blue skies were so welcoming – even at the 100-plus degree temperatures in the middle of summer. I got off the plane and, when it was time to go back, I really didn’t want to!
If you are taking any airline except for Allegiant (see our blogs on our trip to Oregon), you’ll likely land at Phoenix at Sky Harbor Airport. Terminals are large and do include amenities like moving sidewalks for some of the long walks from your arrival gate down to baggage claims. (more…)
Time to travel! We’ll be reporting on our travel to, around, in and beyond cities in Oregon. We’ve been before, but we never kept track – and it was years ago. So, on your behalf, we’ll be dishing on what, where and how much! (more…)
What do you think of when someone mentions Dover, Delaware? Probably not much.
Dover Sole, the White Cliffs of Dover, maybe? Or, the place where large corporations incorporate due to favorable tax advantages?
This obviously shows you are not from Delaware, although the last answer would be correct. (more…)
Remember when all you had to do was call for an airline reservation and some friendly person would talk to you?
Cost: Free
Then, as technology advanced you were given the option to book online OR, call that friendly reservation agent.
Cost: Free (for either service)
Fast forward to the year 2009. The following keywords are now in full force: (more…)
FORE!
DUCK!
GET OUT OF THE …. WAY!
OOPS! SORRRRY!
It’s time to hop a golf cart over to the birthplace of golf over 600 years ago, St. Andrews.
Actually, birthplace is not quite accurate. Golf in some form was probably played in another country before it came to Scotland, but hey, Scotland just had a better marketing department! (more…)
We had a real scare around here last week. We got an e-mail from Qantas Airlines touting incredible fares to Australia from L.A.!!! And guess what? They were during the same time we planned to go to Scotland! There was even a free stopover thrown in.
Of course there was!
As Australia and New Zealand are our number 2/3 destinations after Scotland, we decided to take a look. I even got out the Australia/New Zealand travel brochures I had been storing, some for over five years! (more…)
We are settling in Aviemore for several nights as a base to explore the Highlands. Okay, you had to ask! Where is Aviemore, and why would anyone want to stay there?
Actually, there are three reasons: (more…)
