Aside from a layover once in Phoenix, I had never been to Arizona before now. There is nothing quite like walking off a plane into a new life in a new land. I would like to suggest that our move was one of venturing into the great unknown, but let's face it, from North to South, East to West, life in the United States is fairly homogeneous. Same set, different backdrop.
Still, stepping off of the stage and looking beyond the chain stores, fast food pop ups and strip malls there is a world that is totally unique. Now that we are here, we are eager to explore. Our first outing into the backdrop of nature was to the Lost Dutchman State Park near Apache Junction. Nestled in the Superstition Mountains, the desert landscape provided views that were completely surreal.
The beauty of the desert is subtle and dramatic all at once. At first everything seems a monotone hue and could be written off as quite drab. But that impression is akin to sudden light after darkness. When your eyes adjust to the surroundings, colors seem to pop up out of nowhere. Greens glow and reds radiate. Each hour brings its own intensity and details abound in textures seemingly out of this world.
5 comments:
I disagree. If you think life is the same with just different backdrops, you haven't been paying attention. Or maybe I've paying too close attention.
No, you're wrong. I'm right. Neener. I hate Phoenix, love Tuscon.
It is not at all that I think life across the US is the same. But moving back to the United States is moving back to the United States. If I put the Rocky Mountains behind my neighborhood, I would be right back in Colorado where I came from. There is no learning curve to resettling as there was when I moved to Costa Rica.
That said, you are right. Life from one town to the next is different because of the people who make the place, not the super centers that define the homogeny I refer to.
I hear what you're saying, Al.
It's more the social backdrop, like you said. Here, we know the rules, how to stand in line, how long it is appropriate to wait for service, what's rude, what's not, what side of the road to drive on : )
I think the reality just hit me that you are back! I must see you soon!
How great is the name Superstition Mountains though?ji
Rebecca, I never had to switch sides of the roads, like you did. However, I did learn all about the middle of the road. :)
I agree Holly, Superstition Mountains is a pretty awesome name.
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