San Xavier Mission
Our family visited Tucson over last spring break. On Palm
Sunday, my husband, three-year old daughter and I got up early
(while our two older sons slept in) and went to Mass at the San
Xavier Mission. It was a warm, sunny day, and the church was
crowded. We were fortunate in getting a seat because we got
there early as there was standing room only by the time Mass
began. The murals and decor have been recently restored, and
the colors are incredible - very rich and bright. Before Mass
begins, people line up to see the altars off to the sides of the
church and to give special offerings.
We stayed for only a short while because our daughter became
restless. When we went outside, we were greeted with the
wonderful scent of Indian pocket breads with grilled meats and
onions being served at stands on the grounds. After indulging
in one of these delights, as well as a sugar-dusted pastry, we
walked up the hill that overlooks the Mission. There is a
monument to Lourdes at the site, fenced in with wrought iron.
People had brought mementos and offered prayers for loved ones
and left items tucked into the fence.
On the way out of the Mission there was a courtyard filled with
artists selling their works. The people were wonderfully
friendly and music filled the air. My daughter danced to it,
and as she had admired some of the earrings and necklaces, one
of the salespeople changed the earrings to clips and gave us a
set - no charge. I ended up purchasing some great silver
jewelry with turquoise and stone settings at fairly reasonable
prices.
The Mission is visible from quite a distance and is striking, as
it is surrounded by farm fields. One of its two towers is not
completed, which gives it its own charm.
We saw a lot more in and around Tucson. Our recommendations -
skip Tombstone (no public toilets and it's a fairly long drive
from Tucson with kids); Old Tucson Studios - they don't film
there anymore but it's a fun half-day outing; the Arizona Desert
Museum is enjoyable and beautiful. If it rains, there is a
natural history museum that is a little bit spooky - one huge
room is filled with heads of practically every animal that ever
lived in Africa, courtesy of a local hunter. The kids swam in
the condo's pool, even though it was cold, and it was perfect
tennis weather the whole time (we're not golfers). The Mexican
food was INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL!!! The only bad meal we had was
at the resort at which we stayed (a golf resort on the almost
undeveloped west side of town). We went to one restaurant in
downtown Tucson twice because it was so good (if you want to
know which one, email me back and I will tell you!). Visit the
Titan Missile Museum in Green Valley - it's an actual missile
silo from the Cold War and is fascinating.
One other note: driving at night around the city is a bit
scary, because all store lighting and street lights have covers
to control light pollution because there are so many
observatories in the area. It is not easy to find your way
around unless you're familiar with the area. It is one of the
only cities I've ever been in where you can see stars while in
the downtown. Police don't take kindly to people parking and
"gazing at the stars," especially in the nicer areas of town.
But we had a great relaxing time in Tucson and would love to go
back again. Enjoy!
-Mrs. Harvey
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