Life in Tucson

So I thought I'd write about random observations about Tucson. They may not be as interesting as all the nuances of life in Ukraine, but we have certainly noticed quite a contrast between Dallas and here, so we may as well document it!

People are REALLY into health and fitness here. Hiking, biking, running, gym-nuts. People are tan, lean and in-shape! It's really motivated Arun and me to work out and think about what we eat. [Then again, I just introduced Arun to BJ's pizookie, so this may be a lost cause.]

Tucson is GORGEOUS. The mountain ranges [Catalina, Rincon, and Santa Ritas] circle the city and the beautiful dessert cactus and greens make for some lovely terrain. There's a view from every part of the city, and you can't help but enjoy the beauty. Pretty different from flat-flat and more-flat Dallas.

People are REALLY out-doorsy here. It seems people linger on patios and decks and by pools all day long. During the day, it is impossibly hot here, so it makes me wonder why people don't hibernate in their air-conditioned abodes like they did in Texas- but they don't! Evenings are awesome, so it makes sense that people always choose the outdoor seating option in resaurants.

People are REALLY, REALLY nice. So much so, that Arun's constantly commenting on just how NICE people are here. It may be the 'small-town' mentality, or the fact that good-weather and good life just makes people relaxed and happy. Or maybe it's all those endorphins from working out?!

There is ONE highway in Tucson. One. It's the I-10, and doesn't even cut through the part of town that would be most useful. It is so bizarre to always be on surface streets to get around the city, but that's the way it is. I will say that the roads are wide and well-built to handle the traffic. After fighting 75 in Dallas, this is a BREEZE!

There are a lot of scary reptiles and critters here. By scary, I mean little geckos- but Arun and I are not a fan! We've seen quail families, rabbits a-plenty... and I'm told there are deer as well. Now, there's one critter people keep talking about- and it's the havilena. It's some kind of wild pig, and I'm scared out of my wits that I'll run into one. I'll be sure to take a picture when I do. But for now, I'm adjusting to the lizards.

There are some interesting traffic differences. One I love- the other- ugh!

So you know when you're sitting in the left lane trying to make a left turn on the green yield? And oncoming cars are coming and coming, and you realize you're going to have to sit through yet ANOTHER cycle of light to make that turn? Well, Tucson has the answer! AFTER every green yield light for left turns, the light briefly turns into a green arrow. So you don't put yourself in an uncomfortable (and dangerous) hover mid-lane to try to sneak a turn between on-coming traffic. It is GREAT. If you don't know what I'm talking about, come visit and drive around and you will see the wonder!

As for what I hate... they are installing a dozen speeding cameras all over this city. Ugh. Surprises in the mail.

Anyway- that's it for now!