Page 18 December 2011 Urbaytis usually gets around using mass transit, a system she said she generally likes because it is ef fi cient and safe. “However, hitting the subway during rush hour brings new meaning to the phrase ‘sardines in a can,’” she said. “It’s tight. “I don’t know that I will ever brave driving in China. The number of vehicles, congestion and aggressive driving is intimidating. They make Arizona drivers look like wimps.” Urbaytis said what’s most interesting about China are the people and the culture. “In many ways, China has become more westernized. But … they still maintain many of their traditions. There is a certain order to things: where you sit at a table based on your position (and) who starts the conversation during a meeting or dinner.” However, Urbaytis said she always looks forward to drinking coffee when returning to the states from China. “It’s not that coffee isn’t available, but one cup is considered suf fi cient. Trying to get re fi lls requires all kinds of gestures.” Business trips for Urbaytis in the past have included England, Sweden and the Philippines. During these trips, she made time to visit Stockholm, Bath and London. Pure vacations have been to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and France. One day, she said she hopes to visit Vietnam and Egypt. Urbaytis’ next business trip to China will probably be in March, and will include a trip to the Philippines as well. She said she hopes to travel to Tibet with colleagues next June, after a conference they will attend that month in China. “I am always amazed how much interest there is in American politics,” she said. “During my last visit, I was sitting with two individuals from Hong Kong and they spoke about every president since Reagan. “Unfortunately, most people in the U.S. couldn’t name the current president of China, Hu Jintao.” Urbaytis said she is grateful that she enjoys China so much: there is a possibility she could move to Shanghai next year. For now, though, she is happily living in Arcadia with her son, Malcolm Luttrull, a senior at Arcadia High School. Kaley Kalil is a 25-year-old traveler from Arcadia who has lived in and traveled to roughly 30 countries. Email her at kaley.kalil@gmail.com. Neighbor Continued from page 16 Neighborhood organizations are eligible for City of Phoenix grants of up to $10,000 to help fund Block Watch and other programs. Applications will be available beginning Jan. 3 at phoenix.gov/police/ nbwgrant.html. Applications are due by 4 pm. Feb. 3. We invite everyone to join us for our Celebration of Christmas 6:30 PM Christmas Eve Shepherd of the Hills will present The Christmas Eve Canticles A joyous Cantata with 10 piece Orchestra, Festival Choir and the Shepherd Youth The cantata tells the Christmas story through music and readings 11:00 PM Christmas Eve The Christmas Eve Service of Carols and Light Welcome Christmas through this peaceful, meditative & musical experience 10:00 AM Christmas Morning An intimate, informal, thoughtful service led by Pastor Kristen Barner 5524 E. Lafayette Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85018 ~ 602.840.3130 Shepherd of the Hills UNITED CHURCH O F C H R I S T Can’t Find What You’re Looking For? Can’t Find What You’re Looking For? I’ve Got Plenty of Homes That You Don’t See! I’ve Got Plenty of Homes That You Don’t See! For Information on Numerous Available Homes For Information on Numerous Available Homes and Homes Coming to the Market Soon, and Homes Coming to the Market Soon, Call 602-989-8300 Today! Call 602-989-8300 Today! Robert Robert Joffe Joffe 602-989-8300 602-989-8300 robert@therobertjoffegroup.com robert@therobertjoffegroup.com www.therobertjoffegroup.com www.therobertjoffegroup.com

Page 19 December 2011 Holiday travels needn’t be too much stress and no fun By Kaley Kalil This Christmas, bells will be ringing, lines may be long and budgets can be stretched. We all know that along with the much- anticipated holiday parties, feasts and presents, this season of festivity and goodwill can carry a decent amount of stress. Check out these easy travel tips to help keep your holiday season as joyful as possible. Be airport savvy With the large crowds and hustle and bustle you most likely will encounter while traveling this Christmas and New Year’s, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Don’t miss your fl ight because you couldn’t get through the security check in time. Or pay more than you need to for parking. Continued on page 20 SERVICES INCLUDE: Shampoos, shear cuts, razor cuts, styling, shaving & facials FOR MEN FOR MEN Scottsdale Fashion Square Of ğ ce Bldg. 7150 E. Camelback Road • Suite B101 (Lower Level) Open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 to 5:30 Stop in... or call (480) 947-0622 vel) $20 Haircuts! S We have treasures that delight and wrapping that dazzles. Exceptional gift choices and personalized service await you at Embrace the joy of giving Do Me a Favor. come visit us in our new arcadia location • 4247 e. indian school rd • phoenix 85018 hours 10am-5pm • monday thru saturday • 602.200.0190 • domeafavorphx.com GIFTS, CUSTOMIZED WRAPPING, HOME Big Statements Small Luxuries to 2012 New Year New You Health and Wellness Arcadia Home Spring Summer Camp Guide Taking Care of You Health and Wellness Arcadia Home Summer Summer Travel and Local Resorts Annual School Guide Back to School Health and Wellness Arcadia Home, Fall Women’s Health Arcadia Home Winter Celebrations January February March April May June July August September October November December AWA R D W I N N I N G N E I G H B O R H O O D N E W S S I N C E 1 9 9 3