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Polaroid of the Week: San Xavier del Bac – Arizona's Oldest European Structure

Polaroid of the Week: San Xavier del Bac – Arizona s Oldest European StructureReturning to Arizona is always a delight. This time, I'm housesitting in the Catalina foothills neighborhood I adore, with a new dog companion and pool, amid unseasonably warm Tucson weather.

I typically visit for a month of tranquility to tackle work projects uninterrupted by travel. This year, however, I've been more social, forging new friendships, discovering Tucson's expanding restaurant scene, reconnecting with old friends over wine and cheese, and utilizing a spacious, well-equipped kitchen that tempts me to consider a home base—almost.

The week's highlight: My friend Katie visited for a few days. I shared my favorite spots, including hikes in Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park (with countless more trails awaiting via local hike listings). We also explored the stunning San Xavier del Bac Mission, Arizona's oldest European structure, adorned with original 18th-century statuary and murals.

Our adventures extended to Tombstone's famous western history (including Boothill Graveyard) and Bisbee, a former mining town near the Mexican border reborn as an artists' haven. Nearby, the ghost town of Lowell features an intact street of empty storefronts and vintage cars—a hidden gem I might not have ventured to alone.

Katie, ever adventurous, embraced hikes in 90°F+ (32°C+) heat, craft beer tastings, and even a county fair—our first as non-Americans. We sampled deep-fried delights like Oreos, cheesecake, butter, funnel cake, and a $6 Snickers bar (not recommended). It was a fun, eye-opening cultural immersion to cap our Arizona time together.


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