Historic to Futuristic

Today, we went exploring with long-time friend, Diana and her husband Jerry.  Got up really early, even before sunrise and then a hardy breakfast set us on the way to Tucson.   First of all we went to San Xavier church south of Tucson.  It was commissioned in 1692 and the original church building did not last and construction of this building occurred in the years 1783 - 1797 and it is the oldest intact European structure in Arizona.

I visited this church in my travels in 1980 and I remember it looked quite run down with paint chipping and peeling.  Upon stepping into the church I wondered if I was thinking of a different church.  But then I discovered that a restoration project was started in the 1990's and is still going on.  What a transformation!

Then we continued our historic exploration and when to the Presidio (fort) in downtown Tucson.  The Spanish started constructing this fort in 1776, the year of the American Revolution.  The adobe fort deteriorated and only upon excavation did they discover artifacts and the walls.  A portion of the fort has been reconstructed.  

This was an emblem patch (representing Spain's flag) on a "shield" made of 14 layers of deer skin.  These vests were made to protect them from arrows and bullets.  

After a light lunch, we headed into the future!  Biosphere 2 north of Tucson.  This Biosphere 2 cost $15 million to build, paid from private investors.  It was the site of a scientific, physical and mental experiment that had eight people living in this enclosed area for two years (1991-1993).  It was not an easy situation for them...no going out into fresh air, eating the same amount of food as everyone else, regardless of their weight or metabolism.  There was a lot of work growing or trying to grow a rain forest, savannah, desert and ocean in the glass building on the left.  

The small dome on top of the larger dome (on left center) was the library for the scientists.  However, there were so many steps up to the library and the participants did not have the energy to go up there after dinner, so it was rarely used.  This place is an engineering and architectural wonder, but I wonder what the architect was thinking in making the library up there?

 Now the whole complex has been bought by the University of Arizona to conduct further scientific experiments. 

As we were leaving the property, we were treated to the sight of some cattle crossing the road.

It was a wonderful day and ended with a red stained clouds and here are Diana & Jerry .

Adios Amigos!