July 6, 2006: Phoenix

After three somewhat strenuous days in national parks, we decided a relatively relaxed day was in order. We're staying at what I'm reasonably sure will be the finest hotel we'll visit on this trip. "Five stars!" Tommy proclaims, "Or at least four and a half." "I love luxury hotels!" Debbie sighs.

We have an "in," though: my very generous cousin Todd is the general manager. But even if he weren't, we would enthusiastically recommend the Doubletree Guest Suites Phoenix. From the accomodations to the service to the food to the pool, everything is first-rate. Thanks, Todd!

As a result of its proximity to Sky Harbor International Airport, the hotel caters largely to a business clientele and hosts a fair number of conventions (a group of Jehovah's Witnesses happens to be here today). From the sixth floor, where our suite is, we can watch airplanes taxi, take off, and land at the airport. The weather is fairly mild for Phoenix in the summer, if a bit humid. It's a balmy 100 degrees.

After Todd greeted us this morning and introduced us to his very friendly office staff, we did some laundry, picked up a few maps from AAA, and set out for the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix. There was so much to see and do there that we regretted not having more time. The center contains a planetarium and an exceedingly well-executed array of presentations on such subjects as physiology, psychology, geology, and grossology.

Not familiar with the latter? Animal Grossology is a touring exhibit about all those yucky things (slugs, snails, puppydog tails) that fascinate little boys. Despite the subject, we still had an appetite for lunch at an adjacent restaurant in Historic Heritage Square, Circa 1900. It occupies one of about a dozen Victoria-era houses there, and it was constructed - as the restaurant's name indicates - in 1900.

In the evening, we went swimming in the hotel's pool, and then Todd treated us to an excellent dinner in the hotel's restaurant. Finally, we retired to our rooms to pop some corn and watch Ice Age 2: The Meltdown, again courtesy of Todd. This is the life! Unfortunately Todd couldn't relax, as he was busy all day and most of the evening supervising promotional photo shoots in the hotel's meeting rooms and courtyard.

By the way, check out "Roadtrip," an amusing short film by kindred spirits.