Ishicilelwe: 04.06.2023
After our two nights, and of course days, in Sedona with Sandra and Allen, we set off again. This time Phoenix was again the destination, but not to stay there, but to continue traveling. With this tour we completed the first third of the trip. Now it was time, and we were really looking forward to it, to go to Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley. We have been here a few times and the place is very special to us.
But first things first: From Phoenix we flew to Palm Springs with Southwest Airlines, the oldest low-cost airline in the USA. The booking process was unusual for us. There was no opportunity to choose a seat on the plane. You were classified into a category and in this category (which has nothing to do with the price) you could board the plane. You sat down where there was something free. We had already wondered why an Airbus 300 was flying this short 45-minute route. We had assumed in advance that we would be transported by a small plane for maybe 30 people. But no, we had plenty of space, more than enough.
Not only the boarding was unusual, the flight attendants were also unusual. No uniform, no "stiffness" as you know it from other airlines. The two flight attendants not only wore shorts and the top was individually determined, but one of the two gentlemen spontaneously reminded us of Harald Glööckler. Plumped-up lips like a rubber boat and also some repairs in the face were noticeable.
But they were funny and that was the most important thing.
The flight went very smoothly and since we didn't have a long distance to cover, the plane only went to about 10,000 feet. You could see the desert beautifully and when approaching Palm Springs, the perfect arrangement of streets and houses. I think something was planned here ...
When we landed in Palm Springs, the "next surprise" came: the airport is not hermetically sealed and covered on the grounds, but you stood directly outdoors and could get the first look at the mountains while waiting for your luggage ...
For the first two days of our four-week stay, we rented a car. We wanted to take care of ourselves and it was advisable to buy as much supplies as possible by car. Because who wants to carry heavy equipment at 35 to 40 degrees?
The drive then went to our house in the Mid-Century Modern style in the Park Imperial South complex. There are several of these houses here in Palm Springs, most of which are privately owned by well-to-do Americans. We were lucky and got a house in this style with a so-called Folded-Roof-Top in a complex where all the houses were like that. Somewhat pathetically and not understandable for everyone, but a dream came true for us.
Not only does the architecture remind us of the 50s/60s, but the interior design also has a lot of reference to the design style of that decade. That was the time when the big stars from the film and music industry recognized the valley as a "heat provider" for the cool Pacific coast in Los Angeles. Greats like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Rock Hudson, Sammy Davis Jr., and Barbra Streisand had and still have (Barbra Streisand) a domicile here.
In the late 1980s, Sonny Bono (Sonny & Cher) was mayor here for four years.
We will now stay in this beautiful complex until June 28th and not do much except occasionally complete the blog and explore the surroundings a little. Afternoons in the pool and evenings in the jacuzzi - relaxing life at its best ...