A Different Tucson

BJ and I decided to visit Old Town Tucson and have lunch downtown.  We had visited part of it when we were here in November but there was still more we had not seen.  On the way we found a nice Greek restaurant and had a great lunch then we pressed on to this area marked on the map as "The 4th Avenue Shopping District" which was just northwest of the the "Iron Horse Historic District".  This is all part of the old Tucson area and has a lot of older buildings and homes; some have been renovated, others are in progress and some are still in need of same!

Another stupid pic that won't stay rotated!  But, you can make it our!

                                                    
The shopping district had a wide street thru the middle with old trolley rails down the middle (not sure trolleys still used them) and stores on both sides of the street.  We found a parking spot on the far end of the district and got out to walk back up one side of the street and back down the other side, about 3 blocks each way.  First thing that greets us is this large gorilla head in a lot on the street.

Next, BJ notices the poles that formerly held parking meters now have these stylized skulls welded to the top.  The skulls were made from scrape metal and tools and were unique, if not pleasant!

BJ holding on to a skull!

                                                       
As we progressed down the street we noted the unusual coloring of most of the buildings, purple with green trim, black and orange, bright yellow, etc.

One of many tattoo parlors 

So we started checking out the businesses, plenty of grunge bars with no shortage of clientele in the early afternoon.  Every 3rd one seemed to be a tattoo parlor with accompanying decorations on the front windows, several were fairly large.  There was a nice shop with some interesting pottery and cloth from different countries.

Another interesting paint job - this one a bar!

As we were heading back to the car we passed one of the larger and grungier tattoo parlors a small group of rough characters were yelling at each other outside.  One had some tattoos around his face and on his head.  I thought I could get a tattoo on my head and it would look like I had hair!!

BJ made her normal stop at a Goodwill store looking for that long lost artwork and I picked up a couple of interesting books.  Considering the neighbor hood I was a little apprehensive about entering the place.  However, it was very well arranged and stocked and the staff obviously took pride in the facility. 

Always at home, no matter where we are!!