Great anticipation is . . . rewarded!

Rewarded?

This is First Friday, when streets in our neighborhood are closed and galleries, bars and such are open and hopping. We headed out at 5:45 to walk down to Washington (the east-west center of old downtown Phoenix)and mosey our way back toward Artisan Village. Took the camera and a couple of $20s just in case.

Got back about 9:30 and yep, it was fun. Crowds were gathering on Roosevelt Street (which borders our condo complex on the south) as we walked downtown. This area is a weird mix of funky old houses turned into art studios, funky old houses that are still houses, small commercial buildings and empty lots covered with gravel and trash. Go south four or five blocks and you're in the midst of Arizona State University, commercial buildings and a shopping mall.

We kind of drifted through the mall until we were attracted by shiny bright lights wrapped around palm trees, which drew us like moths. Here's a picture. There were restaurants on either side of the courtyard and we slipped into Sam's Cafe, an incredibly busy Mexicanish place. Had a drink and bar snacks.

Then back north to Roosevelt, where the crowds were now thick and the music really cranking. We got a few pictures of the people and things we saw -- artwork, cute couple with puppy, and the crowd. Lots of fun. Tired now and must rest.

:^ )