JFK's kitchen
by mht_in_la
Get aboard the retired Airforce One in PIMA Air and Space Museum and see all the luxuries enjoyed by the presidents. The photo shows Airforce One's kitchen where meals were prepared for the president from 1961 to 1965. It's really not as nice as my kitchen. And there's a whole room of equipment just to take care of the president's communication needs. All can be done today in a cell phone.
Water! Water! Water!
by celicababee
Depends on what your purpose is for! I took one carry on and one hull luggage. This proved exactly what was necessary for 4 days with all that I took home! Everything is pretty casual here, but since obviously weather was unusual while I was there, I would suggest packing a coat for your mountain trips - (Mt. Lemmon was 5,000 ft altitude where I stopped before it got too cold!) - a poncho and a umbrella just in case! Watch your weather channel! Bring an alarm clock - I stayed at Motel 8, and they had the fewest appliances I have EVER seen in a Motel/hotel. Definitely bring shower slippers! Also: Don't forget to pack tweezers...I still have a part of a cactus thorn in my leg, because I wasn't better prepared! As much as possible...again the mountain paths are absolutely beautiful, and the sunlight is great! I ran through a roll and half just in two hours at Sabino Canyon. There are lots of areas to stop and go camping! Definitely check the area...there are tons of cacti around and the infamous jumping cactus. I packed slip on shoes, hiking shoes and my interview shoes...and needed all three. Before boarding a plane, wear slip on shoes...they are stringently checking shoes before boarding! Sandals might be a good idea while on a road, but not while hiking around the country. (Read medical supplies)
Bring plenty of water, but never fear, they are always in stock at the gas stations. Water is a hot commodity in Arizona...anywhere in southern Arizona, but you just don't want to drink it from the tap. The water is also very hard out here, so make necessary preperations for bathing products with this knowledge. Bring Lotion!!!! Your skin will dry out very quickly here!
Here comes the sun...
by mht_in_la
The image of sun, after bouncing back and forth a few times inside the light path, is finally displayed on this light table. Because the image is so bright, the light table is set at a height above eye level to reduce damage to the researchers. The day I visited no one was working on the light table.
the best thai in tucson
by bocmaxima about Mina's Thai
This is real Thai food: delicious, spicy, tantalizing tastes which touch all the senses.
This is a smaller, lesser-known place on Tucson's north east side. It's in a beautiful shopping center perched on a hill overlooking the city with several other restaurants and shops.
It's a small place, seating only about 30 people total, and is generally quiet and casual.
The food includes the typical Thai fare: Pad Thai, Yellow, Red and Green Curries, Satay, etc.
Prices are very reasonable: about $10/person. No alcohol is served.
Quite honestly, I've had better Thai food, but not in Tucson, and you can't be too picky here. This is worth the drive no matter what. Yellow tofu curry.
Healthy Japanese
by bocmaxima about Yoshimatsu
Finding a "good" Japanese spot in Tucson is rather daunting. For a population its size, there are plenty, and a phonebook search will yield many results, only a few of which will be above disappointing. But why spend all of that time and money? Just ask the locals!
And those locals have voted Yoshimatsu the best Japanese restaurant in Tucson two years in a row (the category did not exist before then). Even Frommer's has a positive review of it.
The best thing about Yoshimatsu is its authenticity. Don't come expecting teriyaki chicken, California rolls and a bowl of green tea ice cream (although all of those are on their menu), come expecting shabu shabu, delicious rice and noodle bowls, bento boxes and some excellent sushi.
The decor only adds to the authenticity of the place. Between the Japanese style seating and the overhead TVs showing anything from obscure Japanese cartoons to those awful game shows, the only thing keeping you from being in Japan are the fountain drink dispenser behind you and the English-speaking wait staff offering you more water.
This is a Tucson must. Any of the ramen bowls are wonderful