Phoenix Arizona - Day 17

It has been a week since my last blog entry. Universal Studios was fun. I hadn't been there for over 20 years and it has changed a lot. You still get to see how they make movies and perform stunts, but they have added a whole Theme Park. For me, the best ride was the new "Simpson's Ride", which you sit with 8 other people in a hydraulic controlled car as you fly through a virtual rollercoaster ride. The screen they project on is like a large IMAX screen and the combined effect of the video and hydraulic movements of the car gives you a similar experience to a real rollercoaster.

We met up with Harold, Jim and Rob who made it safely out to Los Angeles in our vehicle. We had a couple of good dinners, and spent some time visiting. They enjoyed their cross country trek, putting on about 6000 miles. I dropped them off at the airport on Sunday night so they could catch the red eye back to Detroit. We really appreciate them driving our SUV out to LA.

On Monday we drove down to San Diego. We are getting a bit road weary, so about the only thing we felt like doing in San Diego was going to the San Diego Zoo. It is one of the best zoos in the world, all the animals look pampered. Seeing the Koalas and Kangaroos in a cage after our experience in Australia of feeding and holding the animals didn’t provide much excitement. We did get to see the Panda Bears, but they were sleeping when we were there. The hotel had a pool, and the kids hung out at it. We also went to a local Mexican food restaurant which was inexpensive and very good.

On Thursday we drove to Phoenix, Arizona which is about at six hour drive from San Diego. For a good part of the highway you drive near the US – Mexico border. The new high security fence border fence is visible at several spots. We had to stop for three or four spot inspections along the highway set up by the border patrol, checking for illegal immigrants. The drive takes you through a desert, where at places you see huge white sand dunes, and other places the landscape has been transformed into lush farmland due to irrigation.

Phoenix has been enjoyable. Tom and I went golfing two mornings to beat the heat. (Our clubs arrived with our vehicle) It is the start of the summer season down here, and that coupled with the recession makes for some cheap green fees. Tom and I paid a total of $43 dollar to play with a cart at a good course. We are staying at the Wigwam Golf resort for the bargain price of $125 per night.

For me, the highlight of Phoenix has been catching up with my friend Craig Littzen. We also got to meet Barbara and her three kids for the first time. Katie enjoyed playing all afternoon with the kids in the pool as we sat in the shade and visited. We also went out to dinner with them to a nice Italian pizzeria called Grazie’s. Katie spent the whole time during the meal showing the three kids her pictures from the trip. Craig and I did our MBA together back in 93.

Cheers for now.
Ian

Arizona