Greetings from Phoenix, Arizona: one of the biggest cities in the nation and my new home for the next year-and-a-half!
When I told my friends back home in Hawaii that I was going to live in Phoenix to pursue my master’s at ASU’s Cronkite School, the most common reaction I got was: “Phoenix?! Isn’t it like… really really hot there?!” And lo and behold, the assumptions are not exaggerations. When people say it’s hot, it’s true: it really really is hot. I often dread being outdoors under the scorching hot sun and crave a nice, air-conditioned car or building.
But there must be more to this place than I give it credit for. As I look out the window of my downtown Phoenix apartment, I see nothing but a vast blue sky: a typical view from any location in Phoenix. But what else do I know about Phoenix other than its cloudless blue sky, over 100 degree summers and a plethora of cactus? Honestly, not a whole lot yet.
So far, I’ve played tourist at some pretty neat places: the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Chase Field and ASU. I’ve eaten delicious meals at Yelp-worthy restaurants: Cherry Blossom Noodle Cafe, Pizzeria Bianco and Nobuo. But that’s really the extent of my adventures here.
I’ve only been here for about a month so I don’t expect to know a whole lot right now, but I do intend to really familiarize myself with this place so that I can take in everything that this beautiful city has to offer.
But for now, I’m just a curious girl roaming a big city.
I’ll turn my curiosity over to you. What places or landmarks are must-visits? What restaurants must I go to? What are some fun recreational activities to do?
Desert Botanical Garden
ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Out of State • Out of Mind 
Wow, I love the photo of the Desert Botanical Garden…such unique beauty!! So far it looks like the beginning of a great adventure, can’t wait to see what more interesting places, activities, and FOOD that you may encounter 😀
P.S. Coming from someone who has never been to Arizonia, but how BIG are the cactuses there? Assuming from the photo, they must be quite large in person!
Hi Jade! Thanks for the comment! The cactus are pretty huge here… especially at the Desert Botanical Garden. I have a picture of me hugging a cactus and it pretty much towers over me! We’ll go if you ever visit Phoenix!