Page 38 February 2 0 1 4 By Kaley Kalil The snowbirds aren’t the only ones soaking up Phoenix’s warm winter sun this season. Estevez Martinez, 26, is happy to be living back in the Valley of the Sun after moving to Denver, CO two and a half years ago. Estevez Martinez snowboarding at the top of Mary Jane/Winter Park Mountain in CO. “I have always wanted to move out of Phoenix to get that experience, and Denver was always a place that I wanted to go,” Martinez said. Martinez, an Account Executive in Denver for ARAMARK, was recently granted a transfer from the work apparel/ uniform sales company to move back to Arizona. “For those that have never been to Denver, they are missing out on one of the After moving and traveling, Arcadian happy to be home best cities in the States,” he said. Captivated by the amount of young professionals he met there from all over the country, Martinez was able to cross paths with a lot of fun and interesting people in the city that became his home away from home 900 miles away. He grew especially fond of the plethora of city parks and breweries, “great local food, unbelievable biking and the best concert venue in the country.” “The only true outdoor activity that is above and beyond Arizona is skiing/ snowboarding. The mountains up there are pretty amazing,” he added. Martinez and his girlfriend, Alicia, a Colorado native, traveled to Spain in July. They spent time in the well-known cities of Madrid, San Sebastian and Barcelona. In Madrid, they visited the Museo Reina Sofía (Queen Sofía Museum) and the Prado Museum. They enjoyed a bus tour in Barcelona, where they saw beautiful cathedrals, Gaudí’s famous and architecturally groundbreaking buildings, and venues from the 1992 Summer Olympics. “San Sebastian is the best coastal city/ beach town that I have ever been to in my life,” Martinez said. “The old architecture throughout the city is absolutely beautiful. The food and wine were the best I have ever had. The beaches were perfect. Crystal clear water, warm soft sand and surrounding scenery that can’t be put into words. The only thing I didn’t like about San Sebastian was leaving San Sebastian,” he raved. In all three cities, Martinez loved the array of tapas he found beautifully presented and served to him at every restaurant. Had time permitted, Martinez would La Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona Continued on page 40 This Month’s Theme: PHOTOG’S CHOICE Congratulations to Mike Purcell! Mike receives $50 worth of treasure to one of our local nosh spots. His amazing action shot of Thomas Purcell’s flying side kick is also eligible for our grand prize, which we will announce in April! UPCOMING THEME & DEADLINE Winning Entry by Mike Purcell First Birthday Cake – Due 4/30 Send your pics to photos@arcadianews.com or upload them at our photo contest website, arcadiapix.com ! ARCADIA NEWS PHOTO CONTEST Emmet and Hannah sent in by Runner Up Michelle McGinty. Hilton Village 6149 N Scottsdale Rd 480.556.9900 Desert Ridge 21050 N Tatum Blvd 480.502.2121 Central Phoenix 2333 N 7th St 602.229.1289 C 2 w w w . H U M B L E P I E U S A . c o m Runner Up Lou Parker captured the London Eye at sunset. Runner Up Megan P. Galope snapped Chihuly art at the Desert Botanical Garden.

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