Phoenix is the capitol of Arizona. It is located just south of the center point of the state. The two-county metropolitan area is around 3 million people. That is about twice the size of Kansas City.

Phoenix is a thriving and growing metro area, particularly several of its suburbs. The temperatures in Phoenix normally are 110 - 120 degrees from June through September. However, Phoenix does not have the humidity of the midwest. Temperatures in the winter (December through March) are generally in the 70's and 80's.

Another indicator of the booming population growth here is traffic. All major streets seem to be crowded at all hours during the day. That is not my opinion. The local news continue to do traffic reports all day instead of just the so called "rush hours".

Phoenix is surrounded by desert. Cactus and palm trees are everywhere. Most all newer houses have swimming pools in the back yard. The residents make the outdoors part of their home. Incredibly, Phoenix does not have bugs (flies, mosquitoes, etc.). Thus, no screen doors are needed, even when the windows and sliding doors are left open.

Most every home built is of the architecture and color of adobe. Just what you would expect for the southwest. New subdivisions are sprouting everywhere at an incredible pace. Builders some in and build 100 - 500 houses almost simultaneously with each house taking about 6 months to complete.

Now I know why this area is called The Valley of the Sun. The sun dominates this area. It is fascinating to see the kinds of things the locals do to cope with the blistering summer heat. Everyone has a water bottle within arms reach. Bottled water is THE business to be in in Phoenix.

I teased many of the locals, including strangers (such as at restaurants, hotels, etc.) that I was surprised to discover that Phoenix has four seasons during the year. Warm, hot, very hot, and extremely hot!