If you read my last post about Sedona, then you already know that the heat dome followed us to Phoenix. But for once, the temperature didn’t matter – because we were in a city! And other than a few restaurants, we didn’t have anything on the docket. That’s because the whole purpose of our stop in Phoenix (other than to enjoy the amenities of a city) was to visit a good friend of ours!
We had met Erin in Jordan, worked together for three years, and she had even adopted one of our rescue cats (Pumpkin – formerly known as Jude). But since moving to the US, we hadn’t seen each other in two years and it was well past time for a reunion.
During the days, we occupied ourselves while she worked, and in the evenings, we got to catch up and meet her partner. Because of this, my best memories in Phoenix involve food.
Some standouts include Vegan & Vine – we were craving burgers when we arrived, but we’d come back to Phoenix just to try their brunch; the Coronado PHX – where we did indulge in breakfast for dinner; First Cup Ethiopian – because it had been far too long since Chandler had eaten shiro; Hana Japanese Eatery – damn was their vegan sushi amazing! You just have to ask for it; Happy Baos – my first bao; and the Fry Bread House – my last fry bread of the summer.
But Phoenix is also a city where you can do more than just eat! On our own, we went to our first film of the summer: Inside Out 2 (and loved it!), Collectors Marketplace (the largest toy, collectible, and anime store in the Southwest – in case you think this trip was only about me!), and we got my Mini-Cooper detailed (she was halfway through our road trip by this point).
One of the first things we did with Erin and her partner was visit Starfighters Arcade. We discovered in Asheville last summer that Chandler loves pinball games and it seemed like something fun the four of us could do. Turns out, it’s really hard to talk in an arcade! But we all had a blast and got to do more talking during our other activities.
The only outdoor activity I participated in was a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden with Erin. Chandler didn’t join us for this one – he claimed he was talking to family, but I think he really just wanted to stay indoors : ) To be honest, I would have skipped it too, but the temps were just too insane to consider visiting the nearby(ish) Sonoran Desert National Monument or Saguaro National Park and I wanted to photograph some saguaro cacti. Did you know they’re the largest cacti in the US?
Phoenix is covered in them, but I’m glad we went to the garden. They’re incredible to see up close and we did what we could to beat the heat – arriving shortly after they opened and trying to stick to the shade. The botanical garden knows the heat can be brutal, so they have a summer discount that runs from June 1-September 2.
That same day, Erin and I also went bouldering at her local gym, Black Rock. I got in for free and only had to pay a nominal fee to rent the shoes – gross, yes, but I didn’t know you need special bouldering shoes! It was a really cool experience, though the next day my arms were so weak I struggled to open the car door and do other mundane tasks. Turns out I have zero upper arm strength – I’m going to have to work on that!
We also spent an obscene amount of time at Changing Hands Bookstore that night. But everyone walked away with some books and that always makes me wildly happy (yes, I did force José Olivarez’ poetry collection Citizen Illegal on Chandler – and he at least enjoyed some of it!).
All we have to commemorate our time together is the super grainy photo above (proof that I really did at least enter a bouldering gym!). We had a great time catching up and if Erin sticks around the city, I hope we have a chance to go back!
Next time, we’ll pick a better season so we can actually go to the Sonoran Desert National Monument and Saguaro National Park, as well as the Japanese Friendship Garden, Musical Instrument Museum, and Phoenix Art Museum – it’s always nice to have a multitude of reasons to return to a city.
Abroad With Ashley 