Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona

Arizona, Blog, International Travel, Nature, United States, , , , , , ,

 

Sedona is one of Arizona’s most intriguing and beautiful locations. You’ve never experienced the magic of Arizona if you’ve been here! This town is built in a geological wonderland, where breathtaking red rock formations rise from the valley floor to create mystical shapes that inspire hikers and painters alike. Ben and I decided to take Kito here and experience some of the things we hadn’t visited before.

 

 

Although Sedona has become famous as a place where New Age mystics come to seek out vortexes, its most recognizable structure is actually Christian. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was built to honor the God whose hands carved these mysterious mountains. On Sundays it is a place of worship, and during the rest of the week it is a popular destination for people of all belief systems.

 

 

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built right into the a red rock formation in the heart of Sedona. Although I can’t really see the likeness, the church was inspired by the Empire State Building around the time of its construction. The chapel was finished in the 1950s, and since then it has served as a Catholic place of worship.

 

 

 

The chapel is pretty far out off the I-17, but many people stream into its parking lot every day. I have to admit that we were a bit surprised at how busy it was. I guess when it’s too hot to hike, there isn’t much else to do in Sedona. Besides, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is simply stunning!

We walked up the ramp to the chapel and found ourselves gazing out over the beautiful red-rock landscape. Wow! There are few places in the world quite like this.

 

 

Since Kito couldn’t go into the church, Ben and I took turns sitting inside the chapel. There is a huge window that looks out over Sedona, and I’m pretty sure it’s the best view for a hundred miles around. If it had been quieter in there, that chapel would have been a wonderful place to sit and pray in silence. I was a little bit disappointed that the chapel’s popularity has turned it into such a tourist attraction that it’s pretty much impossible to engage in private worship. Maybe it’s different at other times of the day or when it’s not tourist season.

Even though I didn’t find the atmosphere of the Chapel of the Holy Cross to be conducive to devotional activities while I was there, it was well worth the trip! There’s a lot to love about it: the architecture, the view, the town, and so much more. It’s a great stop for any trip to Sedona. Even just half an hour at the chapel was a wonderful Arizona experience.

 

 

Half an hour was as long as we stayed, although you might want to stay longer. It was pretty warm outside and Kito wasn’t enjoying the crowds, so we decided to drive on to Flagstaff. Kito loved the forest, since it was the first time she had seen one!

Stay tuned for more Arizona adventures! I haven’t been posting much since I’ve been busy doing a lot of things, but pretty soon the 3rd Culture Wife blog will be filled with plenty of new posts on interesting things to see in the Western United States.

By the way, we are moving again soon! We still don’t know where, but I will keep you posted. Subscribe and follow on Facebook to stay connected! Until next time.

A Weekend in Lake Tahoe

Blog, California, International Travel, Nature, United States, , , , , , , , ,

 

There comes a time when you have to get out of the heat. And just in case you were wondering, it is HOT here in the Valley of the Sun. Like, your air conditioner is going to die hot. Fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk hot. I’ve seen both those things done in Phoenix this past week!

Obviously, we were extremely happy to escape the 117 degree heat and get somewhere cooler. My dad planned a weekend getaway to Lake Tahoe over Father’s Day, and he he invited Ben and I, my sister, and her friend to come!

 

 

The trip started out with the usual mad rush to the airport. Did you know that Phoenix Sky Harbor offers a bag check in the parking lot? We were eager to use this and skip the lines. However, we still had to wait behind a few people, and by the time we got to the kiosk, we were 30 seconds too late and the computer had shut down early bag checks for our flight. So up the escalator and to the bag check we went, dragging our suitcases and heavy backpacks behind us.

 

 

These are the times when we definitely wish we could get a parking spot at the airport without all the hassle. Sky Harbor actually has a pretty good parking system, and it’s still a pain.

There’s actually a parking lot service out there. It’s called ParkitUSA and it’s kind of like Expedia or Priceline, but for airport parking spaces instead of flights! You can see all your options online and then pick the best price. If you go online to ParkitUSA.com and book your parking with them, you can save time and money with daily parking starting around $2. They do it all–long term, short term, onsite, offsite, and discounted airport parking reservations. I haven’t actually used this service yet, but I can tell you it would make life a whole lot easier during that stressful pre-flight scramble.

Anyway, we did manage to survive the airport fiasco and still have time to grab a Starbucks in the process! We made it on our flight and were soon winging it over the dry expanse of mountainous Nevada desert.

 

 

I can’t even describe how wonderful it was to get to Reno and feel the cool air! Of course, once we drove through Carson City to Tahoe South, it was even better.

 

 

We could see snow on the mountains. How long has it been since I’ve seen snow? Probably a good three or four years.

 

 

Fortunately for us desert rats, there was no snow on the ground. I’m not sure we could have handled the chill.

 

 

In case you’re looking for an escape from the heat this summer, Tahoe is a pretty great choice. Sometimes you just need to get out of town for a while and enjoy some time in the mountains! I’m counting the days until my next mountain adventure.

 

This post contains sponsored links. 

Protecting My Passport and My Identity

Blog, Expats, Expats and TCKs, For the New Expat, International Travel, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

Whenever I fly, I’m always paranoid about my passport. After all, I’ve heard the horror stories! Someone I know had their passport stolen while traveling, and they were trapped in Africa for weeks. This stuff happens! However, I’m not so worried about it any more. Why? because I’ve ditched the insecurity of a clear plastic bag for an Alban passport wallet that holds my passport, my ticket, and my cash. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’re going to love the security in this! Read on…

 

 

Why I Need a Passport Wallet

Ben and I travel light, We usually take a backpack as a carry-on and pass on the checked baggage. As you can see from the photo above, that backpack is pretty huge, and I have to buckle the waist strap to carry it. It’s not easy to take on and off constantly. Obviously, I’m not a big fan of storing my passport in the backpack, and I’m not comfortable just walking around with my passport and ticket loose in my hand.

 

 

The Alban Passport Wallet solved that problem for me! I can stick my passport in there, of course, but it also has a nifty slot in the back that is the perfect size for a plane ticket. It can also fit money, a drivers license, and credit cards. It’s like a tiny purse that’s easy to manage and can slip into a personal item or carry-on.

 

Benefits of the Alban Passport Wallet

There are a lot of different passport wallets out there, but they are not created equal. Ben uses this clear plastic thing that he stuffs, like, seven documents into, along with a wad of cash. He’s never lost anything out of it, but it’s not very secure and he has to keep it in a pocket or a bag while he’s walking around. Even nice passport wallets aren’t as good as the Alban one I have. What sets it apart?

 

 

 

Here’s what makes this passport case better than the rest: RFID blocking material. The lining of this case protects against your identity being stolen! You can walk through crowded airports and city centers without worrying about losing your identity to a stranger. Stick your passport in the wallet and your credit cards in the back, and you’ll be safe from RFID devices.

With this passport case, I can keep my wallet, cash, and plane ticket all together! No more digging through bags or stuffing important documents in hard-to-reach places. This case is big enough to fit a passport with extra pages. I travel internationally a lot and have the extra pages in my passport, so I need that kind of space.

 

 

Plus, did I mention that it’s made of authentic leather? It’s tough, so your passport will be protected. Badly damaged passports aren’t valid. One of my favorite singers, Keith Harkin of Celtic Thunder, had to miss an entire tour due to a damaged passport. Don’t let that happen to you! Get a good case.

The case is also very attractive, by the way. It comes in seven colors, including black, red, and purple.

 

Where you can get the Alban Passport Wallet

The Alban Passport Wallet is only $20!

You can get the Alban Passport Wallet on the Alban website here.

 

I am so glad that I discovered an affordable, beautiful, and secure passport wallet. I’m always stressed out about losing my passport on trips, but now I have peace of mind! If you don’t have a good RFID-blocking passport case, this is the perfect one to get.

PS: check out my post on the Alban phone wallet!

 

This post contains sponsored content.

Kito’s First Trip to the Forest

Arizona, Blog, International Travel, Nature, United States, , , , , , , , , ,

 

Kito has been more places in her first year and a half than most dogs see in their lifetime! Although she didn’t love the plane ride that brought her to the United States, she has been enjoying her new surroundings. The desert life has been pretty exciting for her, but she absolutely loved her first trip to the woods!

 

 

Ben took his big Step 1 test, which is the first medical licensing exam that future doctors must take, on the day before our third anniversary. Of course, we had plenty to celebrate on June 7, when his test was done and we had been married for three whole years!

 

By the way– if you want to see our second anniversary adventure in Sint Maarten, read this post. 

 

 

We decided to take a road trip to northern Arizona, where it’s nice and cool. As we drove, we could watch the temperature gauge in our car drop from 101 to 81 degrees. What a difference 20 degrees makes!

 

 

We stopped near Munds Park, which is just outside of Flagstaff, and took a dirt road into the woods.

 

 

Kito was so happy to get off leash and have space to run. She doesn’t go too far away from us, which is good– we did see a coyote while we were walking. Of course, it took off in the other direction as soon as we caught sight of it.

 

 

We also saw a herd of elk. We tried to track them, but that’s pretty hard to do with a dog who wants to play fetch the entire way.

 

 

Hopefully this is the first of many road trips! Kito definitely enjoyed it as much as we did.

 

My New Favorite Travel Accessory! A Stick-On Phone Wallet

Arizona, Blog, Expats, Expats and TCKs, International Travel, United States, , , , , , , , ,

 

I found the perfect solution to bulky purses, wallets, and phone cases! Thank goodness, because I really needed this. It’s a phone wallet, and it sticks right onto the back of your phone! I really love this and am excited to tell you about it. I’ll give you hint as to why: it has to do with security, style, and butterflies.

 

 

Why do I need a phone case wallet?

 

Let’s start with my life in high school. If you knew me in high school or college, you will remember the gigantic tote bag from my teen days and the backbreaking pink backpack from college. I was the kid who had anything you needed. Once, someone asked for a rubber ducky and I had it. True story.

Once I graduated, I was done with all that bulk and weight. I became a bit of a minimalist, and bought a thin phone case with a wallet slit in the back. It was great– until last week, when I dropped the phone on asphalt and — SMACK! — gave it a nasty crack in the screen. The problem was the chintzy case! All because I had to have the wallet case.

Obviously, I need a more protective case. They don’t make many of those with wallets in the back. However, last week, I was introduced to the Pocket Wallet by Alban, an adhesive credit card sleeve! This is the best of both worlds, because I can stick it to the back of any phone case and it adds only about two millimeters of width. My husband, Ben, loves it, too! He stuck one in his favorite color to the back of his Otterbox.

 

 

Phone Pocket Wallet Features

Although the concept is pretty simple, there are many excellent aspects to the credit card sleeve. First of all, it is great at holding up to three cards. There’s virtually no way these things are going to slip out. I love this, because I can keep my driver’s license in here. I can just grab it and run if I need to drive somewhere, and I don’t have to lug around my purse. Look, ma, no hands!

 

 

Speaking of no hands, this credit card holder limits the need to grip your phone. So you can relax your hands while you’re texting or carrying around your phone. All you have to do is slip a couple fingers into the built-in strap, and you’re good to go! My mom decided to try out her new Pocket Wallet today on her run. Rather than stashing her phone in a lap belt, she slid the strap onto her fingers. Not only was it comfortable, it also allowed her to have better access to her music, GPS, and timer.

 

 

In addition to the convenient storage and finger strap, the Alban Pocket Wallet credit card holder also protects your identity. You can slide your credit cards in here with no worries, because the phone card pocket is lined with RFID blocking material. I can walk around knowing my identity is safe. After all, to quote the infamous Tim Hawkins parody, “I know ya’ll really wanna be me.”

By the way, check out the cool designs you can choose from. My favorite is the pink flower credit card holder designed by artist Vanessa Kiki Johanning. It is so pretty and stylish!

 

 

My Initial Impression

Today, Ben was taking the biggest test of his life (more on this later), so my mom and I had a girls’ day. We went to Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale, Arizona, and we brought along our phones with our new Alban credit card sleeves. Not only did we enjoy all the built-in features, but we discovered an unadvertised perk offered by the credit card sleeves! Apparently, the brightly-colored flower on the case designed by Vanessa Kiki Johanning also attracts butterflies!

 

 

There are 3,000 butterflies in the Butterfly Wonderland enclosure, but none of them were very interested in landing on us until we brought out the phone wallet designed by Vanessa Kiki Johanning. All those bright colors are apparently just as appealing to butterflies!

 

 

How You Can Get an Alban Phone Case Credit Card Sleeve

If you want a slim, affordable and stylish credit card pocket for your phone, you’re in luck! The Alban credit card protector sleeve is just a click away.

Pocket Wallets on the Alban Website: 

Guess what! We have a coupon, just for 3rd Culture Wife readers!

15% off! Enter code: 3RDCULTUREWIFE at checkout through end July 2017 with FREE SHIPPING. 1 coupon per email address for whole order.

Plain Colored Pocket Wallets: $14 (Reg $14.99) for a 2 pack
Pocket Wallets Designed by Vanessa Kiki Johanning: $18 (Reg $20.00) for a 2 pack

Website: AlbanGifts.com

Phone number: 1-888-438-0881

Pocket Wallets Designed by Vanessa Johanning: 

Price: $15- $20 for a 2-pack

Website: VanessaJohanning.com

Amazon: Rose Garden Wallet 

Pink Sunshine Wallet

 

These credit card phone pockets are a great buy. You can use them with virtually any phone case, and they are super convenient! Plus, they add a great pop of color to your look. Grab a two pack so you can share one with a friend! My whole family is loving them right now, and you can, too. This is the best must-have travel accessory I’ve found so far. Enjoy!

 

This post contains sponsored content

 

Honoring Our Veterans at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona

Arizona, Blog, International Travel, United States, , , , , , , , ,

 

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes forget to really focus on what Memorial Day is all about. This year, I did a lot better at dedicating time to remembering fallen American heroes. The Tuesday after Memorial Day, I visited our local sanctuary of honor: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

 

 

 

What is Memorial Day?

If you’re not American and you’re reading this (or you’re any of interviewees featured on Watter’s World last week), Memorial Day is a national holiday in which we take a day off work in order to remember the many American soldiers who have died to protect our nation. From the first casualties of the Revolutionary War to the most recent war tragedy, each life is honored and remembered with gratitude.

 

 

What is National Memorial Cemetery in Arizona? 

This is the final resting place of many of Arizona’s veterans who have passed since the 1970s. My grandfather was a Korean War veteran, and although he had the option to be buried here, he chose to be taken back home to Iowa. Even though I don’t have anyone to visit here, it is still a wonderful place to go and think and be thankful. Here, you’ll find the endless neat rows of well-kept headstones, each representing a service member who gave their all for their fellow countrymen. The cemetery also has some beautiful memorials tucked away in to the far corner, including the flagpole from the U.S.S. Arizona.

 

 

 

My Experience 

Nobody was able to go to National Memorial Cemetery with me, so I ended up driving over to Cave Creek, Arizona by myself. It ended up being the perfect solo excursion for a thoughtful afternoon. I can’t quite describe the emotions I felt when I stepped out of my car in a remote area of the cemetery. I suppose “poignant” would be an appropriate word. I have to admit that I haven’t been to many cemeteries; I expected this one to be filled of creepy, moss-covered, chipping headstones with bizarre epitaphs. I guess that Boston graveyard tour got to me! However, nothing could be further from opposite of creepy or ghostly. In fact, I don’t think I’ve found a more pleasantly peaceful place in the entire Phoenix metro area.

 

 

It wouldn’t be bad to lay at rest here, where the warm sun shines perpetually, casting its light over long, neat rows of memorial headstones. The only sound here is an occasional bird and the smart snapping of an American flag in the wind. An occasional visitor sits quietly beside the engraved name of a loved one, and the militarily-neat rows are interrupted by the bright colors of flowers and flags.

 

I’m not so sure where one should or should not step near a grave, so I was careful to be respectful and just stroll along the perimeter. Many of the headstones were sprinkled with coins. According to Snopes, a penny on a grave means you visited to pay your respects. A nickel means you were at boot camp with the soldier. A dime means you served with him or her, and a quarter means you were there when the veteran died. The coins are a nice way to honor the military members and tell their loved ones that someone cares, and they usually go to pay for an honorable burial for military members without family and financial means.

 

 

As I surveyed the countless rows of headstones, I felt tears spring to my eyes. An engraved sign at the cemetery paraphrased the words of John Maxwell Edmonds:

 

When you go home,

Tell them of us and say,

For your tomorrow

They gave their today.

That struck a chord with me and I couldn’t help but let the tears flow. For all the countless graves at National Memorial Cemetery, this is just a sampling of the Arizona men and women who have sacrificed, if not their lives, at least their years for me. I just can’t quite wrap my brain around the idea of someone else sacrificing themselves for other people, including those they have never met, all in the name of patriotism and freedom. I think it’s just about as close as you can come to giving yourself the way Jesus did.

 

No matter what time of year you’re reading this, I challenge you to clear your schedule for a couple hours and head to the nearest military cemetery. Even if you’re not a U.S. citizen, this still applies; honor the people who fought and died for your country’s freedom.

 

You’ll never feel more patriotic than you do when standing beside the graves of thousands who gave everything for your nation. It’s an indescribable feeling.