Phoenix, Arizona: The Trip Where Everyone Knew Somebody

I flew into Phoenix on October 19, 2023, expecting a quiet few days of desert sun before heading back home on the 23rd. That plan lasted about half a day. Within hours of landing I'd run into someone from high school I hadn't seen in years — and by the end of the trip it had happened enough times that I stopped being surprised by it. At this point I've accepted it: wherever I go, I seem to know somebodyyy.

Hanging out with friends

Most of this trip wasn't sightseeing so much as sitting around with people I hadn't talked to in years — someone's living room, a drink in hand, catching up like no time had passed at all. That's the part of traveling that never makes the highlight reel, but it's usually the best part. Phoenix wasn't on my radar as a "reunion" destination, but that's exactly what it turned into.

Old Town Scottsdale

We made it out to Old Town Scottsdale one evening — string lights over the storefronts, cars lined up along the strip, and a stop at a taco stand that turned out to be the best food of the whole trip. A styrofoam container of street tacos, eaten standing up, is still a five-star meal.

Arizona after dark

Nights looked a little different — dim rooms, everyone in sunglasses they didn't need indoors, and that specific chaotic energy of a group that's genuinely happy to be back together. Shoutout to my editor @teekay.shotz for turning a phone full of clips into something watchable.

If you want the full trip in motion, the vlog is linked below.