Xmas in Tuscon

Its Xmas Eve here is Tuscon, but back home its Xmas day – Australia’s East Coast is 18 hours ahead of me.

I woke last night around 2 am trying to catch my sister on the phone (Latvians traditionally celebrate on Xmas Eve). No luck – I found out later that she was out in the back garden preparing for the next day’s Xms lunch which she and her partner were hosting (as always). Still cooking at 9 pm!

Anyway Tuscon is fairly quiet (at least where I am) – it’s almost like a sleepy country town instead of a city of half a million people.

There’s not a lot to do so it’s a regulation take it easy before thinking “what the hell” – might as well check out the breweries Jason recommended last night – after all it is the festive season.

His first recommendation was Dragoon Brewing Company, a Tuscon institution. It’s in an industrial area, in one of a set of warehouses – a little tricky to find at first, but I manage. As I drive in, its about 3 pm – perfect time to try and catch my sister on Xmas morning back home. This time she picks up and we do the obligatory catchup and well wishes.

At Dragoon, I’m sitting quietly having my first sip of the taster flight when I get a tap on the shoulder. It’s Jason from the night before – he’s  in with a work colleague, and apparently had been telling him about last night’s meeting when I walked in.

They join me and we shoot the breeze for a while – I get tips on Roswell (they were there for about a year with work) – before they head off. Unbeknownst to me Jason has paid for my beer flight as a Xmas present whilst I was in the bathroom – he’s a ripping bloke – if you are reading this – thanks again mate!

The thing that is most noticeable over here is how far ahead the States are in the micro brewery stakes. Not necessarily in the quality of the beer – I’ll stack Australia’s craft beers up against anyone’s, but in their professionalism and customer service. Growlers (we have to lobby for those back home!), sophisticated tap setups, and here are Dragoon they’ve even got a canning system which they can fill with 32 oz of fresh tap beer in about a minute. And they weight the can to make sure it’s right – if it’s short they won;t sell it to you but put it in the fridge to give to regulars, bar staff!

Dragoon’s shutting so it’s back to Charlotte. The car park seem like a logical place to park for the night – no point in looking for anywhere better. I’e got mobile signal – so the world of tv and movies are only a few taps away.

Xmas day arrives – I’ve spent at least 3 or 4 hours over the last few days trying to find somewhere to volunteer at, but there every charity is over subscribed and they all want you to do an induction so there’s no chance of a walkup gig, which is a shame. I think about heading over to the Red Cross dinner and grabbing a bite, but I’m not really in need so it seems a little greedy – better my meal goes to someone who can use it.

Those that know me will know that Xmas isn’t necessarily a great time anyway so I’m perfectly happy to just relax, potter around with Charlotte’s setup, and chill today. I do cook myself something a little special, and open a decent bottle of wine so I’m not missing out.

Xmas in Tuscon has been quiet, but I’ve met a few really good people, caught up with family at home, eaten and drunk well, and even received a surprise gift. All in all not bad for spending it on the road!

Merry Christmas to all!