Despite the critics and naysayers, Phoenix, Arizona finally joined the modern world by developing and running a light rail, which debuted in late December, 2008.  Although I’m lucky that I don’t need to commute daily with the light rail, trying the rail sounded like fun!

Phoenix light rail

Traveling light

With a 70-minute one-way ride from the eastern point of the Phoenix light rail in Mesa to the westernmost stop in Phoenix at the Christown Mall, the light rail provides some entertaining sights and illuminating views of the communities through which it passes.  Some areas are commercial, some are glam spots in downtown Phoenix and some are downright shabby.  But, seeing the architecture, art and people was an interesting experience. 

Our first issue was figuring out the kiosk to purchase our tickets.  Sun on the screen made it hard to see.  While we worked our way through the menus, we missed two trains.  The choices includes a full-day pass, a one ride pass, a three-day pass and so on.  We opted for the full-day pass so we could get on and off.

So, we had to wait just a few minutes to catch our train.  It turns out that there was a Diamondbacks game going on. Even though things are slower on Sundays, extra cars were running. 

The train itself is clean with seats on two levels and places to stash bicycles upright.  Some of the seats face backwards – depending on which leg of the route you’re taking – so we looked for seats facing forward.

Sights to see

Traveling from the Sycamore/Main Street station in Mesa heading west, a rider can see a microcosm of central Arizona in the 20 miles of the light rail route.  At first, the views are unimpressive with car lots and old hotels.  A mellifluous female voice announces the stops with a ticker on a sign showing the stops as well.  Passing the unusual Tovar Castle, I noted that I’d really like to visit there some day.  Passing the Pueblo Grande Museum, the light rail pauses at a Phoenix Sky Harbor stop that allows passengers to walk a short distance to a shuttle bus that travels directly to the airport.  Hurrah!  No tangling with the parking lots.

Unusual architectural art

As we enter Phoenix, restaurants like the Knock Kneed Lobster (never mentioned in reviews I’ve seen) and Los Dos Molinos (given good ratings) catch your eye. 

Then downtown buildings with their varying architecture appear.  There’s Chase Field where the Diamondbacks are playing this day, the Convention Center and a series of buildings that juxtapose modern with Art Deco.  The light rail travels north past the satellite dishes and studios of NBC, then the imposing Burton Barr Library.  Fifty minutes have passed by the time we see the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum.   When we arrive at the Thomas Road stop, we hop off and head over for lunch.

Lunch at Honey Bear’s

We were in the mood for barbecue, which was lucky since there wasn’t much open on Sunday along the light rail route.  Honey Bear’s at Thomas and Central looks like an old pancake house with hard red seating and tables covered by advertisements sealed with polyurethane into the surface. 

The half-slab of ribs – enough for two- was the special and is surprisingly good.  The meat was tender and the sauce was a little peppery with a not-too-sweet, rich, tangy flavor. Our sides dishes, potato salad and coleslaw, had advocates from each of us.  I preferred the coleslaw that was a bit creamy with just the right hint of vinegar.  The potato salad was eggy with relish and mustard-colored.

Back on the rail

We hopped on another train only three minutes after we reached the station and found choices for seats, which we hadn’t expected this near the end of the line.  Someone’s “To Do” list was left on the seat in front of us.  Not everything was checked off the list.  I can’t help but think that maybe the person will never remember all of the batteries they needed or that Dan would never get the letter he was to receive.  Our westbound trip had taken 67 minutes of travel.

Once we reached the Christown Mall at the end of the line, we jumped off only to get back on another car of the same train. 

More information - http://www.valleymetro.org/metro_light_rail/

Along the Phoenix light rail

I really noticed the artwork on our return trip.  Colorful murals were painted on building fronts.  We saw the controversial “sculpture” that looks like two intermeshed giant nets.  I noticed that each station had some form of art, be it a ceramic piece embedded in the station’s wall or a piece of art in the vicinity.

Her Secret is Patience by Janet Echleman

When we reached Chase Stadium, we stopped for a few minutes as a crowd joined us, most wearing Diamondbacks shirts and reliving the game.  One lone fan wore an “LA” shirt.  

Our trip east took a little longer, but everyone seemed exuberant when they reached their stops.  Clearly, everyone was enjoying the light rail travel. 

We did, too.  It is not a surprise that 25% more people are riding the Phoenix light rail than was expected.  Driving in traffic or watching the traffic go by.  A real no-brainer.

As promised, I’m filling in the return trip for my recent visit to North Carolina.  The four days we spent in North Carolina were rainy, gloomy, chilly and drizzly. 

It reminded me of the Judith Viorst book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (great book, not just for children).  Only the day was a long weekend. 

However, some bright spots – Bar-be-cue was good at Smithfield’s (which has numerous locations).  We stopped at the one in Warsaw, North Carolina.  Service was helpful – “This is what people usually get.” 

Quantities were copious.  I couldn’t finish everything.  Tender barbecued chicken, pulled pork.  I’m drooling thinking about it.

We visited with our family, ate at some chain restaurants and one excellent Thai restaurant, The Old Siam, in Jacksonvillle, NC.  The Old Siam had great atmosphere, flavorful meals (they were very accommodating about adjusting the spiciness) and a solicitous wait staff.  My granddaughter – like the old cereal commercial – liked everything, including the lemon grass soup. 

Trip Home

Everything went smoothly.  We passed through security with time to spare.  My boarding pass got torn as I juggled it with my things at security and a very friendly TSA lady taped it together for me.  When I reached the gate, I asked some of the airline staff if I needed a new one since it was torn.  They smiled and said not to worry.

Then, when our boarding number was called, as I reached the gate where the airline personnel were collecting boarding passes – one of them said –

“Oh, no, your pass is torn!  You need a new one!” and grinned at me broadly.  She winked and onto the ramp I went.

The plane was about two-thirds full.  Since the flight began after 9:00 AM, we were offered lunch-type choices.  The salad meal was smallish, but decent with fairly fresh ingredients. A Reuben was also available.  There were no headphones, films or Muzak offered.

Ahead is behind

Surprisingly, our US Airways flight landed about ½ hour early.  That’s where you get penalized for arriving before they’re ready for you.  We had to park on the tarmac for a while until our gate was ready to accommodate us.  We sat there for nearly the full 30 minutes before we finally could pull up to a gate. 

Since we had brought our luggage onboard as carry-ons, we were on our way quickly.  Outside, our “Gecko” bus brought us to our parking lot and we reached our car quickly.

Can this be the new air travel?  Less people, faster connections.  People even able to show kindness and a sense of humor!

Wow!