Discovering Arizona

Downtown Phoenix

Thanks to my company, I got the opportunity to visit Arizona last June 6. We were starting a new program and I needed to be on-site for my training. I travlled for almost 24 hours, Manila to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to LAX, unfortunatley my flight to Phoenix got cancelled, I got re-routed to San Francisco before reaching my destination which was Phoenix. I arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor at around 9PM already and unfortunately, my luggage got lost. I called up my inn where I'm staying at and after around 20 minutes came to pick me up. I was relieved to have settled in my room (well all I have was my hand carry so it was easy to organize) so that I can already rest and sleep since I have to wake up early tomorrow for work. I was so tired that I didn't care and didn't feel like eating as well. Good thing early next day, they found my luggage which they delivered to my inn so I had the opportunity to change and go to the office for my first day, although I came in late already. Office hours start at 5AM to mirror 8AM EST. My first day was mostly to meet and greet people at the office and a tour as well.

Lucilles Smokehouse

I stayed in the desert for 3 weeks and during that time, I had the opportunity of seeing the place. I was logged humbly at the Quality in at Arizona Statue University which was a walking distance from the old office. The Inn also fronts a solar powerplant and beside it a Thai restaurant named Tipps 88 Thai that serves delicious food and where I mostly get dinner. The restaurant was featured in the local magazine as one of the places to eat at and they were so used to me that I just called in to tell them what I wanted and I can just drop by 5 - 10 minutes after to pick it up so I don't have to wait. At the other side, there's a gym and a place to play pool. Tempe is a nice place, very laid back. Probably because school as out that's why the campus didn't have the usual flock of students. There's also a 711 a few blocks away to get my staples as well as a McDonalds.

Tipps 88 Thai, one of my favorite places to eat at

One place I was fond of going was Tempe Market Place which was a mall in my area. The place reminded me of Alabang Town Center since its an open area concept which was nice and the shops are my kind of brands. I had my first dinner at Lucilles Smoke House which served great food. I ate there twice during may stay. Also at Tempe Marketplace were Ruby Tuesdays and Cadillac Ranch where I had my last dinner during my stay at Arizona. They had a huge burger which I was able to finish in an hour or so, hahaha. I also had the chance to eat at a Greek restaurant (I forgot the name) at Mill Avenue after a busy day of shopping and sight seeing. A favorite of mine was a small deli called Yaz, where I also bought my lunch (since it was really close to the office) Other than eating, ofcourse, shopping was a major past time for me. 

Spending my last dinner in Arizona

Getting dinner after a busy day of shopping

Shopping at Arizona Mills

Shopping was definitely on the list during this trip, that's why going home I had to buy 2 additional Liz Caliborne luggages (thanks to Ross!). Two of my favorite places to visit were Tempe Market place since there's a Ross Dress for less store and Arizona Mills since its an outlet mall which carries my favorite brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Gap and Bath and Body Works. When I first stepped inside Arizona Mills, I drooled since there were good deals that also had additional discounts, hence the bags in my picture. I went crazy and got anything I can get my hands on like shoes, flip flops, sandals, bags, beach towels, watches, belts, jackets and jewelry. I had to make 2 trips to the mall since I didn't have enough on my first one. Also an interesting place to shop at was Mill Avenue which is a street lined with shoppes and restaurants.

Adult store

The street is lined with interesting shops like Fascinations that sells adult items from DVD's, lingerie, costumes, dildo's, enlargers, fleshlights and basically anything that tickles your fantasies. I didn't leave the store empty handed ofcourse; I got a whip (not a real one, just something for play) since that was something that is neutral (really? hahaha) and a spin the bottle game (adult version) which makes you do some very naughty stuff. Another thing that I got was a studded peace sign necklace that I got from a hippie store. The store sure had a lot of personality and it was a fun store visually since you'll see a lot. I also got my Smurfs and Darth Vader stuff toys and a glass with the word "bitch" on it at Urban Outfitters which was a lso a cool place to shop. I also got one of my favorite aviator sunglasses there for only $10. I was quite the shopper and made a huge dent on my credit cards. Well, I'm there anyway so I might as well take advantage of the opportunity. I even got picture frames at a Ross store in Arizona Mills. Now that's shopping.

Mill Avenue



View of the garden

I was also able to check out their Desert Botanical garden where they had all sorts of desert plants, desert animals and ofcourse a lot of cacti. What amazed me is how huge the saguaros can grow. It was a very interesting place, at first I was going around and circles until I figured out how the map works. I was also able to get my souvenir right before the shop closed. I got my shot glass, key chain and ref magnet that says Arizona. It was a hot day when i visited the place, it also seemed like I was the only one there during that time, well except for the animals that call the place their home. The place is open daily except Christmas, July 4th and Thanksgiving and closes at 8PM. The place was a little far from where I stayed so I got a cab from my inn to the garden and from there, called the cab company to pick me up and take me back.

A spot to take your picture

The view of the mountains

Before I left, I was able to go to downtown Phoenix and go around the city, taking pictures, strolling the streets and checking out the shops and the restaurants that it had to offer. Downtown was a little far from Tempe and the cab fare was a little steep but I had to see downtown.

It was a fun stay although I was alone. I was able to do and see a lot. Imagine, I only came with 1 luggage and my laptop. I went home w/ 3 luggages and my laptop. Hope my company sends me to the US again soon. :)