Last week, I had three consecutive days off, so I took a last-minute trip to Phoenix.
My to do list had two bullet points: ride Waymo somewhere and shop at Nordstrom. I decided to Google “plant stores” and found a very hipster-looking shop named Pueblo in the downtown arts district. While checking Pueblo’s location on the map, I noticed a barbershop across the street. It had been over a year since I paid someone to cut my hair. (I’d been saving money and trimming at home.)
The first evening, I checked into a hotel, lounged around and visited Nordstrom. I bought shorts and facial moisturizer. My plan was to go to bed early and wake up early. I didn’t sleep well but still woke up early the next day.
The day started out dreary. Right on time, the Waymo Jaguar found me in the parking lot of Homewood Suites. I Waymo’d to Kool Fades and treated myself to a professional haircut. I gave barber Jenn free rein and she ended up fading my hair down to the scalp. It looked excellent, burned easily in the sun and grew out within a week. (I know of people who get fades touched up every three days. I don’t have the money or time for that upkeep.) And the sun came out!
Above: The perfectly-messy plants in Kool Fades. Below: A mural on a Mexican restaurant wall next to Pueblo.
After the haircut, I walked over to Pueblo. It was beautiful and so cool. But the plants were kinda pricey and the employees were annoying: Gen Z, called every customer “friend,” encouraged Instagram tagging…
I bought this Ficus Altissima for my bedroom. But before I purchased the plant, I wandered around Downtown Phoenix.
I had been to Roosevelt Row once before, but never ventured anywhere else in Downtown Phoenix. It was a lot like Detroit: abandoned buildings, empty lots and despair right next to glossy high rises.
I purchased my plant and Waymo’d back to the hotel around lunchtime. After poolside yoga, reading and swimming (and burning my exposed scalp), I showered and walked to dinner at an outdoor lifestyle center across the street.
At The Macintosh, I ordered mac and cheese, a Cesar salad and two old fashioneds. Lackluster service but I dined outside under string lights. The spa across the walkway had a quirky reception area:
This trip was my first time driving my Kia Soul on the highway! She did great.