Adiós Tucson!

Last Day ,,, not too happy about flying home! Packed our luggage, had breakfast in the hotel, loaded the car, and, out we drove for some more sightseeing: first, the Tucson Botanical Gardens, an urban oasis. This garden was founded in 1964 by horticulturist and collector, Harrison G. Yocum. In 1974, Tucson Botanical Gardens attained its current location at the historic Porter Family property, surrounding their house. Especially beautiful there are the cacti gardens, arranged for regions, but there are also other sections of the garden, which is not too big, but very instructive. Fish below is made form garbage which was found along the Oregon Coast by an environmental organisation:

Ever seen tulips and cacti together?

Next stop: the not-so-well known place, a hidden gem: The Tucson Desert Art Museum. Location isn’t terrific (part of a strip mall), but contents are! At the core of this private museum (founded by James E. Conley, Jr.) is one of the Southwest’s premier collections of Navajo and Hopi pre-1940s textiles, chief’s blankets, Navajo saddle blankets, art textiles and Yei weavings. Also, the paintings (Dixon, Bierstadt, Moran, Corot, etc.) are of high quality and there are interesting changing exhibitions, were well worth the drive. 

We were hesitant first: should we still do lunch before driving to the airport? Didn't want to be get there too late. But, we did the right thing and went to our pre-arranged dinner at Zio Peppe. Location (and interior) were not too spectacular, but food was terrific! We met the chef/owner and enjoyed "Birria Pizza" (birria is the equivalent to pulled pork, slowly roasted, juicy beef served with consommé to dip in), and,  it’s not common to put on a pizza! In addition we had delicious pasta dish with meat balls, ricotta and a spicy tomato sauce with tequilla. Creative, tasty food, and, not too expensive neither! What a great finale of our trip!

Other than expected, it was true that Tucson Airport is very convenient! Rental Car return is located in one big center, adjacent to the airport. Just walked over to check-in, dropped our luggage and went through security. A matter of not quite 30 minutes all the way to the gate. Flight was on time, packed, but smooth, a short 1:35 hours to Denver, from where we flew directly to Munich (9:30 hours).

Driven almost 1.000 mi. only in AZ, seen a lot, experienced a lot, love the landscape! We'll be back!