Watch Laura McKenzie's Traveler - Tucson
- 2014
- 21 min
Laura McKenzie's Traveler - Tucson is a travel documentary hosted by the eponymous Laura McKenzie. The film takes its audience on a journey through Tucson, showing them the city's unique landscapes, architecture, history, culture, and traditions. At the beginning of the film, Laura McKenzie introduces herself and gives a brief overview of what viewers can expect from the documentary. She explains that Tucson is a city that's full of surprises and that the audience is going to get a glimpse into the hidden gems that the city has to offer.
The first stop on the tour is Saguaro National Park, where the audience is treated to breathtaking views of the gigantic saguaro cacti that are endemic to the area. Laura McKenzie is shown hiking through the park and marveling at the impressive size of these cacti. She explains how these cacti have come to be some of the most recognizable symbols of the Southwest and are an important part of the ecosystem.
Next, the film takes us to the University of Arizona Campus where we see a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Laura meets with the university's resident botanist to learn more about the different plants that thrive in the desert climate. The audience gets the chance to learn about the role that the university plays in researching and conserving native desert plants.
Another stop on the tour is the historic downtown Tucson area, where viewers get to see the city's vibrant art scene. Laura visits a street fair and meets with local artisans who create beautiful handmade jewelry and pottery. She also takes us to the Tucson Museum of Art, where she interviews the curator, who fills viewers in on the rich history of the city's art scene.
The documentary also focuses on the Pima Air & Space Museum, which is the largest privately funded aerospace museum in the world. Laura talks to the museum's curator and learns about the different airplanes and spacecraft that are on display. She also jumps in a flight simulator to experience what it's like to be a pilot.
One of the most fascinating parts of the film is Laura's visit to Mission San Xavier del Bac, an 18th-century Spanish mission that is a National Historic Landmark. She meets with a local historian who tells her about the history of the mission and how it has survived over the centuries. Laura marvels at the intricate details of the architecture and artwork that can be found inside the mission.
The film also includes a segment on the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is part zoo, part botanical garden, and part natural history museum. Laura explores the various exhibits and talks to experts about the different animals that call the desert home, including rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and scorpions.
Throughout the documentary, Laura's enthusiasm for Tucson is infectious, and viewers will find themselves falling in love with the city even if they've never been there before. The film is as much about the people who live in Tucson as it is about the city itself, and Laura interviews a variety of locals who each offer their unique perspectives about life in the desert.
Overall, Laura McKenzie's Traveler - Tucson is an engaging and informative travel documentary that will inspire viewers to visit the city and explore all that it has to offer. Laura's passion for the city shines through in every scene, and her infectious enthusiasm is sure to make viewers want to pack their bags and head to Tucson themselves.