April 4, 2010
We have enjoyed our second trip to Tucson from a new perspective. This year we are staying on the northwest side of town and we have driven more of the back roads to get the flavor of neighborhoods. We are also not far off the freeway and have greater access to downtown.
For the tourist bit, we went to Biosphere 2, the University of Arizona and Mission San Xavier del Bac. All tours were set in glorious cool, bright weather; citris fragrance hanging in the air; mountains and blooming cactus in the background.
Biosphere 2 is a one-of-a-kind place for science. The experiments that began in the '90s as a sealed-enviroment habitat continue in a less intense format. This has been on several "Must See" lists with good reason. Eight people lived here for two years in total isolation! They recycled the air and water, grew their own food, and conducted experiments - real human guinea pigs!
Our trip yesterday to Mission San Xavier Del Bac was a total treat. The mission has just been restored to its original baroque style of statuary and murals. Its walls tell the story of Christ and the Saints with depth, realism and vivid color. Visitors and parishioners alike sat and prayed in vigil waiting for the Risen Christ of Easter.
Our trip to the UofA Art Museum continued the Easter mood. We found a wonderful exhibit of 60 by 43 inch panels from the Retablo of Ciudad Rodrigo in Spain. The collection of 26 altar pieces were painted in the late 1400's by artists Fernando Gallego and Master Bartolomé. They depict the life of Christ in vivd color and individualistic faces. The stylized representations really captured me, especially so on the day before Easter. The remainder of the exhibits, which were wonderful, paled in comparison.
Our Tucson experience culminated with a walk taking photos of blooming cacti. FABULOUS!
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