We have been very fortunate in staying with a friend in Scottsdale and she has taken us to lots of different places while we have been here.
On Monday, after a visit to the supermarket, we went to visit Taliesin West, the Arizona base of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. It is built entirely of the rock and sand found in the local area and is designed to blend into the natural landscape. They have their own water supply from a well 450 feet down from the surface. We did a short guided tour there and saw some of the buildings while getting an explanation of the philosophy and life of the famous architect.
In the evening, we went to a movie theatre to see The Imitation Game. The theatre was something a bit different - you can order meals and take them into the theatre to eat while you are watching the movie. Each seat has its own table! We were early so did not have to take in our meals, but others were partaking during the movie.
Tuesday was again busy. We went into Phoenix to visit the Heard Museum - a museum focussed on the indigenous people in the Arizona area. Some stunning pottery and silver/turquoise jewellery as well as a section devoted to the history of the Indian boarding schools. Indian children were taken from the reservations and put into these school to learn to become like the white people.
Lunch was at the Courtyard Cafe at the Museum and was a superb meal of locally inspired food. It was hard to choose what to have. We also had a bottle of wine produced by an Indian vineyard in California.
After lunch, Elizabeth, a friend of Syd, took us on a tiki tour around the central area of Phoenix and we ended up at a Local art collective where emerging artists are encouraged to exhibit and sell their work. We were fortunate to meet one of the established artists who is leading one of a number of teams in designing and painting a mural on a nearby wall. This gallery is right next to the Convention Centre so has the possibility of attracting a lot of visitors to the city.
In the evening, we went to Wally's, a local restaurant serving family style food, and also met Syd's son and family for dinner. Lovely meal too.
Wednesday dawned bright again, but not quite so clear. The first day we have seen clouds in the sky since we arrived. Another visit to the supermarket for supplies for lunch and dinner. Syd cooked chilli for lunch then we went to a shopping centre to visit Michael's - a craft shop that has a chain all over the USA.
Syd had invited some friends over for dinner, however, only Jim was able to come as his partner was not well. Jim has trained as a cordon bleu chef and he cooked a wonderful dessert with bananas based on a famous New Orleans dessert.
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Location:Scottsdale, AZ, United States
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