Tucson is still in monsoon season, so we have been getting a lot of rain in the afternoon/evening hours. It is definitely nice for moderating the temps and greening up some plants, but it ups the mugginess and mosquito activity . A small thing to nitpick about, on we go.
After having been inspired by my morning run which took me into campus, I headed out about 10 to explore a little of the University of Arizona during move-in weekend and check out a local bookstore recommended by the home owner.
On the way to campus, I headed down University Avenue (one street north of the house) when I stumbled on (not literally) a sign for the Audubon Society’s Nature Shop. I decided to pop in and check it out, as I was curious and also it allowed me to get out of the rain that had just started. It was a great little shop that also had lots of brochures on the local birding areas. I picked up a couple that looked of interest.
I also popped into the Time Market, which is part specialty grocery and part coffee/sandwich shop. We used to walk there every morning for a paper the last time we were here. They have gourmet items like cuttlefish ink and anchovy juice. Missing my favorite chef!
The Arizona History Museum is quite attractive, and I looked into maybe stopping in as it apparently tells the stories of Arizona personalities such as Geronimo and Wyatt Earp. But I decided I wasn’t $12 interested, at least not today. I may change my mind if the rain keeps up.
Walking further into campus, I was excited to see the robotic food delivery machines like we had seen on the University of Wisconsin campus. I also was enjoying the energy level of the campus, as it is move-in weekend. I picked up the campus paper, “The Daily Wildcat,” to peruse later, walked through the Student Union, and shopped in the bookstore. I do love college campuses!
Walking back out of campus, I did a quick walk through the Graduate Hotel. These are fun hotels near universities that usually are decorated in line with that particular school. We have stayed in these hotels in Iowa City, Knoxville, and Columbia, South Carolina.
Finally, I walked down 4th Avenue, which is a street with lots of restaurants and retail in between the house and the U of A campus. I spent a happy half hour or so in Antigone Books, a local bookstore started and run by 3 women. I was happy because it was a great store but also I missed the worst of an intense cloudburst while I was in there.
It was still raining when I left the store. I had an umbrella, but the rain comes down so hard and so fast that the streets flood pretty quickly. On the short walk back to the house, it was quite a challenge to cross streets without stepping in ankle-deep puddles. I ended up taking my shoes off to get onto the sidewalk by the house, so I wouldn’t get my shoes soaked. Note to self to make a wiser selection of footwear next time.
Peckish Travels 