A to Z Blogfest, Around the World in 30 Days - Xanadu Gallery

Elaine Horejs, Director of Xanadu - MMSikes

"Watching Him Paint"

Wow! We are winding down and almost there. For "X" in the A to Z Blogfest, Around the World in 30 Days, the Passenger to Paradise has chosen Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale AZ. She's been following the gallery for several years on the Internet and was thrilled to actually get to visit Xanadu a couple of weeks ago during her trip to Arizona.

The Passenger was delighted to visit galleries up and down the street, all filled with exceptional art. Xanadu was special with an outdoor sculptural presence as well as a variety of paintings inside.

Following the stroll up and down the street of the Scottsdale Art District, the Passenger paused for lunch at Cafe Forte dining to a serenade of classical guitar music.

What can be more magical than a stroll through and lunch in a spectacular Arts District like the one in Scottsdale AZ where Xanadu actually exists?

A to Z Blogfest, Around the World in 30 Days - Unknown

"On the Tarmac at Dallas/Ft. Worth" MMSikes

The Passenger to Paradise pondered for a while over the "U" for her Around the World in 30 Days, A to Z Blogfest. Then she remembered an airline magazine article she read while flying cross country. It was about a couple's trip to a lush Caribbean island. The husband planned it as a surprise for his wife. All she knew about where they were heading was it would be warm and she would need a bathing suit. The final destination was unknown.

How exciting! How romantic! The Passenger loves the idea of an unexpected journey to a far-off (or even close by) unknown spot.

The Passenger remembers a novel she once read about a man of means who whisked his girlfriend off in a private jet for dinner in Paris. Depending on where you live, that could be a long flight. But it would be fun to fly off on a luxurious plane stocked with champagne and caviar.

Destination Unknown! It's an exciting idea.

"G" Is for Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe is a Caribbean island with which I have a love/hate relationship.The Passenger to Paradise has spent two long vacations on this scenic destination and has a lot to write about both these trips. One of the most memorable events occurred when a thief entered our resort bedroom in the middle of the night and made off with all our valuables including our passports. Imagine being in a French-speaking country without your passports and with no money.

Another traumatic experience there occurred when my husband blew out his knee playing tennis. After that, he spent almost all of our two-week vacation hobbling around on crutches.

Although the scenery is lovely, like that of the others islands we've visited, I don't plan to make another trip to Guadeloupe. After all something even more traumatic might happen the next time around.

Have you had a vacation trip you'd rather forget?

"F" - La Fonda - Another Old Hotel

Along the lines of famous and fabulous old hotels, La Fonda in Santa Fe, New Mexico is a memorable choice. For me, Santa Fe is a special place to visit. I went there to see the art in the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and I found the La Fonda as well.

In 1610, the year Santa Fe was founded, an inn (fonda) was already located there. A fonda has been on that site near the Plaza ever since. The current La Fonda was built in 1923 on the original site and in 1926, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad which had acquired the property leased it to the famous Fred Harvey Company. It became a prized location for the "Harvey Girls" until 1969. The hotel is worth a visit if only to see some of the art housed there.

The historic old hotel and my original painting of it became part of my Hotels to Remember coffee table book. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum not far away is also worth a visit. La Fonda was destined to be part of the A to Z Blogfest!