Impromptu Phoenix Trip

I received a surprise bonus this year from W+K and since Rafa couldn't take time off from work, I decided to join a couple girlfriends in Phoenix, AZ.  While we went with the idea that it would be at least 75 degrees, we arrived to one of the coldest winters they have had in a while, about 55 tops.  While most of my travel is always completed with nothing but good things to say, I have to admit it wasn't one of my best trips.  Things were just kind of amiss and I got sick the minute I arrived (Rafa got sick too but was in Portland, must have caught the same bug).  Don't get me wrong though, we had many fun moments and I am thankful that I was even able to go, let alone have a week and half off from work paid.
Right, view from hotel room.

On day one, Olimpia and I arrived much earlier than Becca, so we took a little jaunt to the grocery store to pick up some goods.  We bumped into this lovely little environmentally and oh so scrumptious place.  They had affordable, healthy, and fresh foods.  We spent I think two hours here!

 Can't believe it!  They have Tillamook Cheese!

Since Beeca still hadn't arrived, we ate and ate!

 And not one, but two pieces of Pecan pie.

First full day together, we went hiking at Squaw Peak, happily, we all made it to the top without a fuss!

Ended the afternoon with shopping at Old Town Scottsdale...

Ended a very long evening of deciding where to eat at Marcelino's, a very fine Italian Restaurant...

FRESH Pasta : )

While at the restaurant, our waiter encouraged a little road trip.  We were already planing to go to Sedona, and thought we would head to the Grand Canyon too.  However we were advised against that (too far) and took the advice from our waiter and went wine tasting in two small towns after Sedona. Right, Sedona.










Here we are at the winery in Cornville.  I was surprised to learn that grapes do really well in extreme environments.  In the desert the temps can swing so widely in a 24 hour period that it brings the best out of them. 

Cornville yard decor....

We then headed out to Jerome, it was a cute little mountain town at, I believe, 3500 feet elevation.  It was snowing when we arrived but was perfect image for seeing the houses all built into the side of the mountain.

We also partook in wine tasting here too, not as good as the first place, but nice nonetheless.

We ended the long day with more Italian food, but this time take out, and oh so delicious.  We had purchased a bottle of wine from one of the wineries and decided to just hop in our pj's, turn on a movie, and just veg.  I think we are getting older!

The last day Becca had to leave early to get home to Shahin for his birthday, he is a New Years baby : )  So Olimpia kept ourselves busy by going to the movies, eating some more, and finally ending up in the airport on New Years Eve, playing cards : )

Happy New Year (first class upgrade on our flight!!)  I guess things weren't that bad ; )