Cozy Fireplace at the Fairmont Princess

And, here is a lovely place to sit and enjoy the fireplace and a drink while taking in the warmth of the Arizona sun even in winter.

I truly do not know how those of you who live in the truly cold parts of the world tolerate the cold.

I love our Arizona sunshine and am content to occasionally visit cold countries to play in the snow and the return to the desert for warmth.

It is true that Arizonans have thin blood so we really cannot handle cold weather at all.

I am often in a full coat, scarf and gloves even if it is only 50 degrees. My husband always makes fun of me as I bundle up at the slightest bit of cold.

This is the last photo in my series from the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess resort.

Speaking of cold winters, check out our travel photos of Vienna at Christmas at Viva la Voyage!

Elegant F in the Sand

Here is the fancy F for the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale.

It is a very unique touch to have such an elegant F imprinted into the sand in cigarette receptacles at the resort.

This is a modern day Zen approach to playing in the sand with small tools to create a visually aesthetically marketing brand when placing discards in this container.

Some may say it is art and some will say it is branding.

Check out gorgeous winter holiday photos in Vienna at Viva la Voyage!

Weathervane at the Scottsdale Princess

This weathervane is at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess and you could see it as a tiny image within yesterday's photo.

We do not often see weathervanes in the Phoenix-Scottsdale metropolitan area.

If you lived in a rural area or on a ranch, you might see a weathervane, but not in the cities.

Today is Sunday so check out new winter holiday photos from Vienna at Viva la Voyage! Vienna was such a wonderful place to enjoy at Christmas that we decided to share some additional photos to keep everyone in the holiday spirit!

Date Palms and Scottsdale Princess

Here is a photo taken at the lovely Scottsdale Fairmont Princess.

You have the large date palms and the peaceful and inviting places to sit and enjoy the warm weather, luxurious resort environment, desert landscaping, and decide whether to play a round of golf on the superb golf course at this resort.

The Scottsdale area has some of the best resorts and spas for visitors to enjoy.

Check out our travel photos of Vienna, Austria at Viva la Voyage!

Bunny Ears or Prickly Pear Cactus?

This type of cactus is what we call the Bunny cactus. When you look at the different shapes, you can see bunny ears and poses such as the bunny looking or holding still or even standing. The cactus is actually called Opuntia Microdasys.  

I, of course, like the ones with the red and yellow glochids. Glochids are the small, thin, loose cactus spines, which are barbed and detach from the plant if touched or, as I have discovered with this particular cactus, the slightest movement. White glochids, like the ones in the photo, do not have fibers float so easily and, therefore, it is recommended around children to buy this type of cactus with white glochids.  

Once I made the mistake of not wearing leather gloves when carrying this very pretty bright green prickly pear cactus to a spot in my yard to be planted. Apparently, it was this type of prickly pear with red and yellow glochids that the cactus fibers just fall off it like glitter, with barely a touch or any movement. They were all over my clothes, hair and skin. They were obnoxious and annoying for several days as they seeped into my skin, eyes, and blood stream and then they just disappear.   Irritating for a few days, but the red glochids are so much prettier.

Scottsdale Fairmont Pool

Now you know why I asked you to come and take a seat yesterday. The comfortable chair faces this lovely swimming pool at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess. You also can see the golf course, a lake, and the beautiful blue sky.

The pool has lots of activities occurring. We sometimes like to use the cabanas so we have some shade. For us Zonies (this is the nickname for Arizonans), we always look for shade if we are out for extended periods of time.  

Come, Have a Seat

Resorts are all about relaxation and doing exactly what you want to do. There are so many activities that a guest can participate in, from hiking, playing golf or tennis, swimming, fine dining, shopping, and more.  

Come and have a seat at the Scottsdale Fairmont and enjoy the view of the pool, which you will see in tomorrow's post.   

Desert Water Feature

The grounds of the Scottsdale Fairmont Resort and Spa has many picturesque spots to enjoy.  

This photo shows this wonderful rushing water feature.  This desert water feature is very loud with the sound of running water.  I like the pretty pink geraniums that framed the waterfall.

The water feature is located at the end of the grand entrance lined with date palms, which was yesterday's photo.   It is also very eye-catching at night with the lights.  

Scottsdale Fairmont Princess

Scottsdale is full of magnificent resorts.  These resorts are architecturally interesting, have world-class golf, have great spas, restaurants, and shopping, and they are positioned to take advantage of the warm desert climate.   Often the resorts offer experiences like cook-outs in the desert or jeep tours through the desert, or as we call it "four wheel driving."  

For the next few days I am going to take you on a tour of the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess Resort and Spa.  This photo is of the grand outside entrance lined with date palm trees.

For more information, click Scottsdale Fairmont.