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I know this is kind of off topic but I just thought some on the board may have some good suggestions as to things to see or do in this area.I'll be going on vacation over the July 4th week in Pheonix and I've never been there before.I'll also be traveling with my cousin, her husband,and their son.They have some things in mind but are open to any additional ideas.Hopefully its a longhair friendly place!LOL.So thanks in advance as I'll appreciate all suggestions.Mark
Mark, I have spent the night there once or twice but it was so long ago I don't remember much. I think it will be okay and I hope you have a good time. I know this much--it can be hot as hell there in summer.
I live there - er, I mean here, and yes, it is blistering hot right now! 112F tomorrow, and possibly up to 118F by Friday. Early July is typically the hottest time of the year, before monsoonal moisture holds our high temperatures to somethig less than 110F. The climate is not conducive to long hair, but there are still some nice manes around. I haven't had a negative comment since moving here in 2004:)
The first thing to do is, anything not outdoors. Being outdoors is a lot like standing next to the oven and opening it when it's done cooking. It's like a burst of heat, and it'll make you feel sick, and in my case vomit and/or pass out if you're out there too long.
Most creatures that thrive in the desert are nocturnal, while other animals or nomadic people would migrate somewhere colder. For some stupid reason, people try to actually live here and go out in that weather... -_-
It's seriously hot right now. Maybe it's the air conditioner, or maybe it's global warming, but you'd think somebody who's lived here all there life would get used to the heat. I think it's getting more unlivable in this forsaken place. In all seriousness, unless you're a sadist just begging for sunburn and cancer, you won't be going outside much if at all. I keep taking frequent cold showers to cool myself down, but I'm sweating all night long, I'd rather be freezing than hot. *_*
I think Phoenix is a long hair friendly place. I've seen a number of guys with long hair, although most people have short hair here. Shoulder length hair could be considered long here, as most women seem to have it shorter than that.
The Grand Canyon is a big gaping hole, and quite frankly I guess I've lived here too long to appreciate all the desert stuff. What I do in the desert is read books, play video games, and try to get through daily life. I exercise and such during the winter, but right now it's just too hot to do anything physical.
The desert is hot, and most people are tempted to run around in bathing suits, but you're supposed to be covered in the desert. That, and wear shades. Should you have to be outside during the day, you should remember those things.
Other than that, it's very cool that you're coming here. If it's possible or feasible, I'd certainly love to meet you in person as long as you're here. Perhaps we could meet at Paradise Valley Mall if you're interested?
Phoenix may be bad but Taiwan has an average temp of about 85-95 degrees F (alot like Texas) but it is VERY humid. So humid that most the time you feel like you're swimming, and the heat and humidity makes it so much worse than desert heat. If you want to be outside in Phoenix keep yourself properly hydrated... the instant you run out of water you will pass out and possibly die. Also dont drink TOO much water because believe it or not you can die from that as well (that "hold your wee for a wii" contest should tell you something). I hear in the desert you can keep yourself and the house cool by using water evaporation because its so dry the dew point of water is very low. But in humid Taiwan (and Texas unfortunately) there is nothing you can do but stay inside and turn on the air conditioner...
I was pretty worried that you were in a bad situation. I hope it's all worked out now.
AndrewB
I don't think anything will ever work out, but I'm possibly better off at this point. I'm still pretty damn depressed though, and my friend hasn't been quite so nice now that I've moved in.
It sounds like you've taken charge of things though. Remember, it's your life and it's up to you to live it. Just because the first step on a journey might not be in the right direction, that doesn't mean that the journeys not worthwhile.
Good luck with everything.
AndrewB
Last time I been to phoenix I was like 10 years old or something. VERY hot in the summer, make sure your car's cooling system is in perfect working order or else it WILL break down.
Hey Mark;
I lived there for about 2 years in the 90s. Obviously the Grand Canyon is cool. But for something closer to Phoenix go up to Sedona. - Very earthy, new age, mystic persons there. Which is fun. Kind of a "tourist" place at times (which I don't prefer) but really cool outdoor stuff to do. - Lots of great great scenery. (Rocks).
If you head east from Phoenix you'll get into some nice forest landscape for some great camping this time of year .... and Flagstaff just north of Phoenix ( a few hours) is dramatically cooler being at a higher elevation as well...
Have a great trip ... hope this helps.
Tristan
I LIVE IN PHOENIX NOW. THE THINGS YOU DO INVOLVE WATER. FLOAT DOWN THE SALT RIVER. FORREST SERVICE BUSES PICK YOU UP AND DROP YOU OFF IT TAKES ABOUT 4 HRS. GO TO THE WATER PARKS. GOLF IN THE MORNING ( OVER 300 GOLF COURSES). HANG OUT AT THE POOL. GO TO THE HERD MUSEUM. GO TO THE SCIENCE MUSEUM. SEE A DIAMONDBACKS GAME (ITS INDOORS WITH AC). LOTS OF GREAT PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK. RENT A BOAT LEARN TO WATER SKI OR RENT JET SKIS.
i had no idea there were so many phonecians on the board! (i'm one, too.) we should all meet up for a long hair party sometime.
but back to hairball... if you are going to be here for the entire long weekend, then definitely take a trip north to flagstaff and sedona. especially if you like hiking. and go to slide rock while you're there. so much fun! i go every summer. but as far as within phx city limits, there really isn't anything very exciting to see or do that's any different from any other metropolitan area. it's hot. we're not exaggerating. it's 113 right now, and this summer is expected to top 120. bring lots of sunblock unless you have some sick craving for burns and skin cancer.
Phonecians, that's a funny word. :P
Anyways, I agree. We should all meet up, that could be fun. We could talk in person, hang out at the mall, go to one of our houses and play video games and watch movies. I've got a ton of great multiplayer games like Death Tank Zwei and Super Smash Bros Melee, although I somehow doubt anyone here is quite into anime as me, so I probably won't be bringing the movies. XD
You're coming to Phoenix in July??? Are you crazy?? LMAO!!! I've lived in Phoenix for 18 years now and most people want to get OUT of here in the summer. Be prepared, it's going to be HOT HOT HOT. It's about 110 today and I hear by Friday 115. 4th of July weekend, I am sure will be that or hotter, so be sure to wear ur hair in a pony tail, buy sun screen in bulk and drink tons of water, even if ur not thirsty.
As for things to do, there is tons to do and see, but unfortunetly, it's all outdoors. On the 4th, check out the fireworks show at Tempe Town Lake. They put on an awesome show. Usually have live bands/concerts and lots of activities. There are several water parks here. Sunsplash in Mesa is the best I think. They have some awesome water slides, fun place to be outside and stay cool in the water.
If ur into hiking at all, Camelback Mountain is a challenge, but if you can make it to the top, the views are beautiful, you can see the whole valley from up there, but a word to the wise.....if you hike Camelback, go real early in the morning, just as the sun is coming up. You should be able to make it to the top and back down by 9 or 10 in the morning before the real heat of the day sets in and take as much water with you as you can, would also be wise to take ur cell phone with you (just in case)
If ur into gambling at all, there are several casino's around on the Indian reservations. Most of em put on some pretty good shows at night.
If ur up to making any road trips while here, I'd suggest driving south to Bisbee. It's about a 3 hour drive from Phoenix. NEAT little town, full of hippies. You wont feel like ur in Arizona while there. Bisbee has high elevation and there are lots of trees and greenery. Lots of fun places to explore there and also there is an old copper mine there that you can tour. If you feel like driving north of Phoenix, I'd suggest the town of Jerome. That was also an old copper mining town, but now it's an artist colony, full of hippies and bikers. Not a whole lot to do in Jerome, but it's a great place to "people watch". You should see quiet a few long hairs there :-)
These are just a few suggestions to think about that I think are worthwile to check out. Don't know where you live now, but be prepared when you get off that airplane, ur gonna think you walked through the gates of hell, LMAO!! Have a great time in Phoenix buddy and let us know what you ended up doing and what you thought of ur time here.
Mike