While coming back to Flagstaff that day we stopped at the famous Cathedral Rock Point in Sedona to watch the sunset. The rock glowed in red and orange hues in the rays of setting sun and looked very beautiful along with its reflection in the river. We had to spend another night in Flagstaff because being a weekend no hotels were available in Sedona. However, we did spend our third night in Sedona.
Sedona in Arizona is a town that has been developed, specifically, for tourism. It is in an exceptionally beautiful location. Similar to Mahabaleshwar (in India) was developed to enjoy the serene mountains and the view of the canyons and cliffs, Sedona is situated in a lush green valley where you can take in the beauty of surrounding mountains and interesting rock formations. It woos tourists with its calm and unhurried pace of life.
Similar to the Monument Valley, Sedona is also popular for its red rock mesas and buttes. The popular ones are Capitol butte, Courthouse butte, Coffee Pot rock, Bell rock, Castle rock, Cathedral rock and Chimney rock. The Airport Mesa is similar to the Taljai Tekadi in Pune except is larger. There is a small airport on top of it. Helicopter tours for Sedona and Grand Canyon leave from this airport.
The town is designed to blend into its surroundings. There are no tall buildings blocking any views of the rocks. There are strict restrictions on construction locations and styles of houses, restaurants and shops. They have to blend in. The Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona used to be a well-known orchard of peach and apple trees.
The first post office opened in Sedona in 1902. The population at that time was 55. It was around 1950 when Sedona started to be recognized as a place to own a second home for vacation and a place for retirement. In 1956 the 250 ft high Chapel of the Holy Cross was built on the red rock cliff which itself is a 1000 ft high. It can be seen from a very long distance. One has to climb up to it. Although there is access provided for the disabled and elderly. There wasn’t even electricity in parts of Sedona until 1960.
In Sedona, there is a very beautiful arts and crafts village called Tlaquepaque on the shores of the Oak Creek. It is designed in a Mexican style. Small walking paths connect the art galleries and shops. You will find everything here from paintings, ceramic pottery, bronze and stone sculptures, glass sculptures, photography, jewelry and garment boutiques. There are many restaurants, fountains and benches to relax when you get tired. There are flowers everywhere. There is also a small church with stained glass windows. This is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies.
We spent almost an entire day here without even realizing it. To watch the sunset we went to a restaurant on the Airport mesa where people enjoy a glass of wine and good food while taking in view of the red mesa cliffs glowing in sunset.
Sedona calls itself ‘The Little Hollywood’. It is used in movies. In 1958 ‘Sedona Arts Center’ was created. Since 1995 it has been hosting an annual film festival and workshops in filmmaking. There are several music concerts for Bluegrass, Jazz, and Rock. Other than these it regularly hosts charity shows and fundraising programs. People who can afford to live here in their retirement years must feel lucky.
The next day was our day of return journey to Las Vegas. Last twelve days had gone really fast. My body was tired but my mind was yearning for more. It is interesting that when we travel to foreign places, towns and countries and take in the diversity found in nature, culture, people, geographic features, living styles and food – it feels nice for a few days but then we inevitably start missing our home. We start thinking about pithla-bhakri and kande-pohe. As Savarkar has said – the mansions here are palatial; but my mother’s hut is what tugs at my heart-strings!
Meera's Travels 