We actually woke up before the sun. Maybe it was the birdsong from outside the open window, but by 5:15 mountain time we were both up. Feeling excited for our first day of adventure in the new city, I cheekily suggested a nearby sunrise hike to the top of Sun Mountain.
My husband was game. It was my birthday after all, so I knew I would get to call the shots. We leashed up the dog, and headed out in a rush, trying to catch the 5:52 sunrise. The way up was steep, and my heart and lungs complained about the altitude. It’s over 6,500 feet difference in elevation.
We arrived at our summit in no time, and the trail was completely ours. Only one lone hiker crossed our path on the way up, and he quickly sped by (clearly an experienced local hiker.) We sat and as we watched the shadows slowly fade, and the sunlight warm up the landscape below us, my husband and I sat talking about our future. Without missing a beat, he looked at me and said “Would you do it all again?” as he fished a diamond ring out of his pocket. Of course, I accepted this gift, the ring we decided not to spend money on when we got married, so that we could afford our home and our dream wedding without leaning on others. We’ve always done things our way: sometimes slowly, sometimes out of order, but always just right.
We were ready for breakfast when we climbed back down the mountain, and decided to try Pantry Rio. A grapefruit mimosa and a breakfast burrito were exactly what I needed. I would recommend getting the burrito with traditional pork and green chile sauce. Will not disappoint. We then stopped by Seret & Sons, which is incredible cool and beautiful, but no photography is allowed, so unfortunately I can’t share its secrets here. It must be at least an acre of indoor and outdoor property filled with handmade items from East Asia. Rugs, columns, doorways, frames, tables, stretching as far as you can see. It was the perfect one-two punch of great food and post-meal antique perusing. 10/10 would do it again.
That afternoon he had booked a private pool for us at Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Spa tucked in the mountains. The pool was outdoor, with privacy for us, but completely connected to the mountain forested area. We had a large hot tub, a small cold plunge pool, an indoor sauna room, and a private bathroom with showers. We left feeling completely rejuvenated and at peace with the world.
The last stop of the day was to our 6:00 dinner reservations at Geronimo, which had been suggested to us by several friends as a fine dining splurge, and splurge we did! They brought us sparkling wine, and we had four courses that delighted us. Our waiter was extremely helpful in navigating the menu with us, and we ate things we normally would have overlooked on the menu. I am specifically referring to the Roasted Tomato and Basil Bisque with Sweet Corn, Lobster Meat, Tomato Salad & Baby Greens.
I am planning to blog more frequently, I have been extremely inspired to write since being here, and would like to make it a frequent ritual to remember my travels by. I am extremely grateful for this wonderful celebration of another year in my life. Looking forward to whatever the next year brings!