visitors, part one

i was happy to have a pair of visitors in the spring who had not yet visited me in tucson. two of my friends from grad school flew out for a weekend of desert fun. i tried to warn them ahead that while there are many fun things to do in tucson, you have to remember that there's always something quirky or awkward... it's just how tucson rolls.

after they flew in, we stopped for dinner at one of my favorite downtown spots - the hub - for delicious food and even more delicious ice cream (yum!). we caught up over dinner and hit the sack to start our weekend the next morning.

we decided to head out into the desert to visit the colossal cave park and saguaro national park. we started with the cave, enjoyed a tour, figured out how to use the life-size sun calendar, and wandered through the butterfly-less butterfly garden. then we drove over to the saguaro national park and drove through some of the gorgeous scenery. it was a great way to enjoy the desert and catch up at the same time. then, we headed downtown for the tucson spring street festival. we wandered through the vendor stalls, people watching and shopping for a few little things. from downtown, we drove over to campus so that i could show them my office... but i realized that i didn't have my pass for the door, so we just drove through campus while i pointed out a few things. we finished our day by heading over to my favorite mexican restaurant (mi nidito) for dinner. once we got there, however, the two hour wait lead us to change our mind and we went across the street to a place that had been recommended to me as also being delicious. and it was! chris joined us for a great dinner, and he got a chance to catch up with the girls, too.

the next morning, we got up early for breakfast and a trip to one of my tucson favorites - bookmans. ah, bookmans, my favorite used book/music/game/everything store! i think they enjoyed wandering the store and finding hidden gems! after bookmans, we went to my absolute favorite place in tucson... the ritz-carlton spa. can you hear the serenity in my voice through your computer? the spa is heaven on earth. and no, i'm not exaggerating. we spent the day reading, lounging, and enjoying the pool and spa. the weather was perfect and so was the spa!

after our heavenly day, it was time for my friends to head home :(
it was great to have them visit and i hope they will both return soon!
(and i managed the drop them off at the airport without locking my keys in the car! yay me!)