Saturday, January 2, 2010

70 Degrees in January?

Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, would give anyone a flawed idea of what "winter" is all about. My first winter at IU was a harsh and frigid reality to the seasons that actually existed in other parts of the world endure year in and year out. However, when I travel home, I get a nice break from the cold Midwest winter at home in Phoenix, where on almost any day you can bet the high will be in the low 70s and it will be sunny. All day. Every day.





My first big outing when I got home from Christmas vacation, was to go to the annual First Fridays Art Walk in downtown Phoenix. Every first Friday of every month, local artists set up booths along streets in a certain part of downtown Phoenix. The local art galleries open their doors to the public, aspiring musicians cluster at street corners, and political groups gather to ask for petition signatures.





My friend Risa and I try to go every month when we're home, and luckily First Fridays was held on January 1, and we were able to go. After browsing around, we had to indulge in one of my favorite southwestern desserts, Fry Bread. Similar to a carnival funnel cake, fry bread is a doughy dessert cooked in oil, and topped with all sorts of treats. We chose the traditional and simple honey fry bread.





We were stalked by many activist groups: vegans, members of the Green party and more; who talked to promote their group's mission. But the most interesting sight of the night was at a street corner where a large gathering was watching a man design spray paint art. He worked before our eyes and completed a space-themed piece; blending colors and applying different techniques to his piece of artwork.





We had a great time listening to the music and seeing the art, and it was a great way to start off my trip to a very different winter wonderland.

1 comment:

Risa said...

K Ditsch,
I'm so glad we got to go to First Fridays together. That was some gooooood fry bread! And mmmm...the smell of spray paint brings back memories of (when I wasn't actually in) StuGo. Can't wait to read more of your blog this semester!!
Love love love you.