I landed in Phoenix after dark, but even so, I was amazed at just how mountanous it is! I had always intended to visit Coltrey, one of my oldest and dearest friends from IRC, sometime in 2003. I just didn't expect to go so soon, but as I was over in Rhode Island for the wedding, I'd have been a fool not to have visited then! My first day in Phoenix, I climbed Camelback Mountain . Coltrey took me late morning, so I climbed in the heat. I took lunch with me and ate it on the way up, along with a big flask of water which I finished on the way up. It took me 2 hours to get to the top amongst all the eating, drinking, and photo taking... and I also started going up the wrong way which I'm sure didn't help too much! Anyway, I'd recommend the climb as the view is spectacular and well worth the effort. It only took an hour to get back down, so I'm sure if you're fit and not prone to getting lost (-I took the wrong way twice on the way down and ended up climbing to the top again before going down!), you can make it up there in no time at all! It's just over 2,700 foot high, so not that big a hike for such a spectacular view.

There are many indian tribes in Arizona, and four in the Phoenix area, so I decided to discover some of their history. The first place I visited as such, was the Deer Valley Rock Art Centre. I was greeted by Desert Little Bear, the only tribal indian on-site, who is famous for his work. As suspected, the rocks don't contain art, but tribal messages. Unfortunately most of the meanings have been lost over the years, and there is no way to discover the true meaning of what is not lost unless the tribal origin is known, but Desert Little Bear is there to help you understand. It is also a learning centre for the students of Arizona State University.

I was warned about going Downtown, so took the hour-long bus journey with great caution - leaving my camera behind 'just incase'. Imagine my shock when the streets were virtually cleared of all people!!

The first place I visited was St Mary's Basilica - the oldest standing church in Phoenix. It isn't that old to me, but I wanted to see it anyway. It's quite big and spectacular. I was told by the bus driver that it had been knocked down and only the door remained, so if you are told the same, don't believe it!!

My next stop was Phoenix Heritage Square - basically a square of small old buildings of interest, and very pretty. The only building I ventured into was the Phoenix Museum of History. I found this of great interest, especially as just over 100 years ago Phoenix was merely 1 mile long by 1 1/2 miles! Imagine that!! I know it was the only museum I visited, but I'd recommend it anyway. There is so much to learn in such a small area!

To my surprise, I discovered Phoenix has a Cathedral! (I don't know why I was so surprised!!!) I decided to venture in, where I was shown around by someone called Martin. The layout of the Cathedral is so different to anything I've encountered before, with numerous rooms upstairs. Unfortunately the nave of the main part of the cathedral was burnt October 2002, so is undergoing extensive repair work. Hence I didn't get to see the main building. I believe it would have been interesting to see, though. Do visit if you ever have the chance.

The last place I visited whilst downtown was the Heard Museumof native cultures and art. You should really set aside a day to make the most of a visit. There is so much to see and do. But if you only have an hour, there are guided tours which are of interest. I learned more about the tribes of Arizona, as each tribe has it's one display unit, and also marvelled at the amount and variety of art inside. Desert Little Bear has recommended a visit to me, but I intended to go anyway as it sounded so good!

During my stay, I did indeed go to The Grand Canyon. It's so big, you can't quite get your head around it! In fact, Coltrey said it doesn't look real. I would recommend going through Sedona for it's sheer beauty if travelling from Phoenix as we were. There are also jeep tours of Sedona which were recommended to me, but I'm not made of money!! Anyway, it costs a pretty penny to get into the Grand Canyon National Park, but after that parking is free, as are the buses. You can walk all along the rim if you so desire, and get a bus back to the beginning, in fact! The best times to see the Grand Canyon are sunrise and sunset, but if waiting until sunset, don't leave it too near until the sun actually sets or you miss the best bit!

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Phoenix and look forward to returning someday. There is so much to see and do. In fact, I feel I got the best view of the lunar eclipse while there! (Dad said it was supposed to be total in England, but was rather cloudy and early in the morning!) If you haven't been to Phoenix, then what are you waiting for?! There's a magazine you can pick up at the airport which points you to the best spots. In fact, all the places I went to were the result of a survey amongst Phoenixians that made up the 50 best places to go during your stay. What an amazing place! :) Pictured right, me with 'the gang' I hung out with every evening. Left - Right : Bruce, Darrel, Mikey, Victoria, Joseph, Me, Coltrey.

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