This weekend I spent a weekend of viewing and attending an auction in North Scottsdale at Gaige Gallery and the remaining part of the day hiking the trail at Pinnacle Peak. The weather here is a cool 78F, an ideal time to be here. Another six weeks and the temperature soars to 110 and more with humidity. Phoenix used to be for me where I purchased a lot of my Meissen. No doubt there is still some wonderful collections here.
I am also fortunate that I am little more than two hours away from another prized collection of Meissen that larter this week I begin filming. A collection of some of the finest animalia figures and groups Meissen ever made. In all there are close to five hundred pieces and all of this collection will be made available to be seen here at Buymeissen. But, for a moment I would like to take you back to Phoenix where I would like to share with you my experience of being here.
Phoenix for me is a lot more than just Meissen and any of the other antiques I buy. I feel so much at home here. I first came out here some 30 years ago before I had any interest in antiques let alone Meissen. I came to love the land, the dessert the vast space between the mountains and the phenomenon of the nightly electric thunder storms and I come out here several times each year.
If any of you choose to visit I would like to recommend the following. Hiking along the many trails, Pinnacle Peak, Camelback mountain so rightly named since the mountain takes the shape of a Camel and Squaw peak are a must to see some of the most spetaculat views.
The phoenix area offers an enormous selection of accomdation. Plently of five star resorts that command high room rates. Yet this weekend I had found what must be a gem, the 3 Palms in Scottsdale. My room cost me $94 for a king size, with its own Jacuzzi, a must to relax in, a small although great fitness room with free weights, and a twenty metre swimming pool.
Just two miles away is Main Street in the old part of Scottsdale. Here you can find great galleries and antique shops. Fifth Avenue offers you a selection of gift shops and possibly the finest vegetarian restaurant that you can find anywhere. Mandala tea room in Fifth Avenue. Here Jennifer and her team will offer you the most healthiest and tasty selection of food you are ever likely to enjoy, whether it be dinner or just a snack where you can sample some of the finest teas freshly brewed in a restaurant that is 100% environment friendly. Next door an linked with here restuarant is the Mandala Apothecary where you can find some of the most healthiest products for you body and if you are tired from your hikes, treat yourself to a massage.
It rarely rains here in Phoenix and I highly recommend the city as one of the places you must visit!