Living in the Heat

By Jenese Giles, Elaine Williams and Nicki Yokota

Living in the Heat from S.T. Elliott on Vimeo.

Phoenix (downtown) _ "I actually kinda don't mind this heat. It feels like a blow dryer," said Ashleigh Carter, a Michigan native. Those who are new to Phoenix notice the absence of the humid heat often associated with states closer to the coasts and lakes of the country. Michigan is "a lot more muggy and sticky," she said in response to how she deals with the "dry heat" of Arizona.

The Arizonans strive to not only survive the summer themselves, but they also work to make the desert heat livable for visitors.

To provide their guests with cooler comfort, the Sheraton of downtown Phoenix has misters at the main entrance, an air conditioned portico and "calm, soothing cloud like" circles and lighting atop the portico chere.

The Arizona Center created an atmosphere reminiscent of an oasis, in the middle of a desert, as it were. It attracts thirsty birds and weary travelers.

Dry heat natives and non natives agree: whatever you do to survive, stay hydrated, use sun screen and keep cool.

Chasing waterfalls
The Arizona Center has a soothing display of running water for tourists and natives to enjoy during the desert heat summers.
(Photo by Jenese Giles)





A different point of view
Ashleigh Carter (Michigan) and Tom Gleason (Colorado) discuss how Arizona's summers are more bearable than the humid, "muggy, sticky" heat of Michigan and Colorado.
(Photo by Jenese Giles)