I had a blast in Sedona, and yes, I do feel changed in some way. I would move there in a New York minute if I won the lottery. Sedona is a spectacular and well-visited tourist spot and spiritual retreat in Arizona, along with the Grand Canyon. And these may be the only two spots in Arizona that outside national and international tourists may really be interested in visiting relative to the state of Arizona, at least in my opinion.
This personal opinion may be due to my perception of Arizona's treatment of outsiders (and this includes myself) that seems to be endorsed by a majority voting population in Arizona (and note that this majority voting population is past the age of 50 and retired). And very interestingly, this treatment is very similar to the policy of treatment of tourists with majority voting populations in the states of Florida and Louisiana: tourists are viewed as a source of revenues (both public and private), and nothing else. And no, it is not like that everywhere.
Hence, be careful driving there, and be careful who you talk to. I arrived in Sedona near midnight, and I had problems getting there due to poor public street lighting and a lack of street signs (and I was told in Sedona by a psychic that this lack of public investment in street lighting and street signs is also present in Phoenix, which is Arizona's biggest city).
There were no reflective lane guides to indicate the exit from U.S. Interstate 17 to the road that leads to Sedona, and this is a problem for night travlers. And there also was no Sedona exit sign indicating the exit for one to exit from Interstate 17 to this unmarked road; there was one very inexpensive freeway sign (with very little night-time reflection) stating "Sedona: exit half mile" in small and hard to read letters as I entered U.S. Interstate 17 to exit onto Highway 89A (which leads straight into Sedona).
This is in big contrast to the very expensive high tech system of stealth cameras and stealth radar surveillance systems that the state of Arizona has set up along both U.S. Interstate 17 and U.S. Interstate 40 near Sedona, as well as near Phoenix.
Again, be careful driving there. Tourists are viewed by the majority of voters of Arizona as a source of revenues (both public and private), and nothing else.
Malcolm's Sedona Recommendations
Hotels
The White House Inn on Highway 89A cost me $100.00 a night for a second floor room with a patio, and I had a spectacular view of a stratified mountain from this patio. The manager was very nice, and he was very knowledgeable of the area. He also had one hell of a crystal collection on his desk. It is very close to the Kachina Woman Rock formation, but driving distance from the Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock formations (which are about three miles separated from each other on the same hike trail).
Below is what I saw from my patio in my room:
And below is what the hotel looks like:
The drawback is that you will need a car if you stay here, since it is a mile to two miles from the main town center.
Got Lots Of Money??
For those of you who can afford $400.00 a night (plus extras), the Enchantment Resort is recommended. It is ranked as Arizona's #2 or #3 hotel per advisor services. It is walking distance from the Kachina Woman rock formation, and it has a golf course, a swimming pool, and tennis courts. Each room has a fireplace and a spectacular view, and I recommend this hotel for newlyweds and for people with big bank accounts.
Restaurants
The Oaxaca Restaurant & Rooftop Cantina is my choice for restaurants. It had some of the best Mexican food and margaritas I have ever tried, and I'm from Texas. Meals for two are less than $60.00 (excluding margaritas). There were a couple of very bad reviews with this restaurant in advisory services, but I was overall impressed with the place.
My Recommendation For A Psychic, Crystal Shop, And Astrologer In Sedona
For astrology, I recommend Corrie Cooperman. She charged me $205.00 for an outstanding session that analyzed my horoscope and U.S. locations for a possible move (relative to my horoscope placement and positions of planets and luminaries). She can be reached at (928) 443 - 7774. Her website is http://www.sedonaintuitiveastrology.com/
For tarot and psychic perspectives, Ray of Sedona is the man. EVERYONE in Sedona has heard of him, and everyone said great things about him. He charged me $60.00 for a half-hour session, and was very thorough and very explanatory with how he comes up with his interpretations and predictions. He can be reached at (928) 282 - 3025, and his office is next door to the White House Inn. His website is http://www.rayofsedona.com/
For crystals and past life regression and solutions, Sedona Crystal Vortex has two locations in Sedona. I found the staff knowledgeable and friendly, and the prices were reasonable compared to the rest of Sedona's shops. I was particularly impressed with their moldavite collection. Their website location is http://sedonacrystalvortex.com/
Thanks for reading, and it's good to be back in Austin. I missed my two Chihuahuas, and they missed me (they both did a song and dance for me when I arrived, and got the other dogs nearby barking).
Replies
...Thanx For Sharing.....Your Trip With Us.......Enjoyed .......Ha.....Nice Malc + Chihuahua.....Reunion.....:).....<3<3.....
Thanks Sky. It was a blast and educational as well.