March 17, 2012

TUCSON

Back in Tucson again, I decided to do another 5K walk sponsored by the Tucson Volkssport Walking Klub, this time taking in the University of Arizona campus. Thanks to Fred for suggesting I explore this area.

The walk starts at the train station and goes north along 4th Ave. to the University area.

Across from the train station is the historic Hotel Congress. It was built in 1919 in conjuction with the Rialto Theatre across the street.  The hotel is known for being the site of the capture of bank robber John Dillinger in 1934.

On the hotel back patio people were already beginning to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at 10:30 a.m.

During the walk along 4th Ave. I discovered O'Malley's Bar & Grill, with a more boisterous crowd.

Behind O'Malley's is the Old Pueblo Trolley barn. Vintage trolley cars are repaired here and some of them may be operating on 4th Ave and University Blvd.

At this point in the walk I needed something green to wear before I joined the St. Patrick's Day celebration. There it was, a Goodwill Store, directly across the street. I had my green shirt before noon!

The walk turns to the right and goes along University Blvd. to the University of Arizona campus. 

I explored only a small section of the campus, but it is quite beautiful and the architecture blends in nicely with the surrounding landscape. Here are a few photos.

Campus Entrance on University Blvd.

Douglass Building

Centennial Hall

Arizona State Museum North

Arizona State Museum South

More celebrating at the Frog & Firkin along University Blvd.

The Diamondback Bridge is a multi-award winning concrete pedestrian/bicycle bridge over East Broadway Blvd.. It was constructed in 2002 for $2.3 million. It was designed to resemble a Diamondback Rattlesnake, complete with fangs and rattle. The decorative colored concerte located at the head was placed in the shape of a snake's tongue. There is a rattle sound as one exits the bridge.

a

There are Broadway Tile Murals on the walls where Barraza-Aviation Parkway meets East Broadway. Called "Windows to the Past, Gateway to the Future" and unveiled in 1999, over a dozen photographs transferred to ceramic tiles show ordinary Tucsonans from the 1920s through the early '60s. Many of the photos were taken by shoeshine man and street photographer Arthur Otero betwen 1930 and 1960. The project was conceptualized by graphic designer Stephen Farley.

****************

Angela recommended a visit to the Anita St. Market in "Barrio Historico", a center for Tucson's Mexican and Spanish community. This very popular tortilla factory was opened in 1981 and is run by Grace Soto, a Nogales native, her son, and her grandchildren.

Many thanks to Angela for the recommendation. I would never have found this place on my own - and it's definately worth a visit.

Here is my chorizo, bacon, ham, egg, and cheese burrito!

I am now ready for a nap.