Road Food- El Charro in Tucson, AZ

We lunched with Aunt Oak Cha and her partner Janusz at El Charro in Tucson, AZ. Special Guests #3 and #4. As many of you know, both guests are expert line dancers whose skilled performances are in high demand- especially at family weddings.




El Charro- Birthplace of the Chimichanga also serves the world's largest Chimichanga filled with about 25 lbs of Carne Seca. Special thanks to several of you for the recommendation! Upon inquiry, we found out that this beast is rarely taken down by an individual- teams are encouraged. The next day, 3 of us tried to finish it but with no success. If you're wondering exactly how big this dish is, click on the posting title.

Jeff Relives His Childhood- Montezuma Castle, AZ

We spent a day in Phoenix, AZ at the Tapatio Resort at the Pointe- the same place Jeff stayed during a family vacation in '82. On our way, we stopped at Montezuma Castle National Monument- another place Jeff had been during that same trip. See the pictures of the scaly native near the cliff dwelling...


Note how Jeff pays homage to his hometown even while we are on vacation.
Big ups to B-Town!

Route 66 Regional Chile Cookoff

We were lucky enough to be in Flagstaff, AZ during the weekend of the Rte 66 Regional Chile Cookoff!

Despite the obvious crowds (see more pics by clicking on the posting title link), Jin Sun didn't understand why the Food Network wasn't covering the event. We tasted 18 different red and green chiles and then topped off our 'lunch' with some Italian Wutta Ice.

Pretty Farm On Our Way to Flagstaff, AZ

Yes, that's snow on the mountain. Pretty crazy climate and terrain shifts in AZ. Sand and cacti quickly turn into pine trees and aspens. It was 111 degrees in Phoenix a couple of hours away.

Miles Driven: approximately 4,000
Guest Stars: 2
States Visited: 3
In and Outs Visited: Still zero (not by design)

Flying the Friendly Skies: Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride

We heard from many of you that the best way to see the Grand Canyon was by helicopter. The international passenger list included 2 French, 2 Spanish and 2 Americans along with the pilot. In about an hour, we covered the entire canyon from the air.

Unfortunately, T.C. from Magnum P.I. was not our pilot. Our first time in a helicopter- definitely not our last.

Tip: to see more photos of the Grand Canyon, click on the title.

Grand Canyon, AZ

Residual vortex energy at work in the Grand Canyon. Welcome to the Gun show...


Tip: to see more photos, click on the title.

Historic Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff, AZ

Hotel Review:
Jeff gives it a thumbs up for the 2 bars and a nightclub. We added our names to the famous guests that stayed there- the list includes Air Supply, Michael Stipe, The Duke, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, and Anthony Hopkins.

Jin Sun is undecided. Although the celebrity stays has its appeal, nothing could cover up the crappy, carpet, no A/C, and the train whistles in the middle of the night. (it's next to train tracks) The location however was outstanding.

Thanks to Don W. for the recommendation. To see more famous guests, click below.

http://www.hotelmontevista.com/famousguests.php

Sedona, AZ- Harvesting the energy of the vortex

A vortex is the funnel shape created by a whirling fluid or by the motion of spiraling energy. Familiar examples of vortex shapes are whirlwinds, tornadoes, and water going down a drain. A vortex can be made up of anything that flows, such as wind, water, or electricity.

The vortexes in Sedona are swirling centers of subtle energy coming out from the surface of the earth. The vortex energy is not exactly electricity or magnetism, although it does leave a slight measurable residual magnetism in the places where it is strongest.

Jeff- after some vortex flow climbs with a smile.

Fun in Safford, AZ

Little Children Part Deux

Starring Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson, and newcomer Jeff Balaguras. Directed by Todd Field. On location at the Safford Public Pool, AZ.

A Childhood Dream Unfulfilled - So far

MWM desperately seeking dune buggy rentals in Safford, AZ.

I just assumed this was the #1 past time in Arizona. It turns out to be cigarette smoking. Jin Sun is seriously considering picking up the habit to fit in (it's never too late!).

We're getting closer. Stay tuned...