Phoenix , General info:
10/10

Phoenix is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona and the county seat of Maricopa County, as well as being the largest state capital in the United States by population. It is the largest city in the American Southwest and the Mountain Time Zone, and is the region's primary government, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Phoenix is located along the banks of the now normally dry Salt River.

Phoenix has an arid climate, and its average annual maximum temperature is the highest of any major US city. The temperature reaches or exceeds 100°F (38°C) on an average of 89 days during the year, including most days from early June through early September.

The Phoenix airport, called Sky Harbor International Airport, is the sixth busiest airport in the country.

Phoenix , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Cost of living in Arizona is cheaper than in other major U.S. cities but that the salaries are lower

Phoenix , Different stuff:
9/10

The main Heard Museum is located on Central Avenue in Phoenix. The Heard has grown in size and stature to where now it is recognized internationally for the quality of its collections, its educational programming and its festivals. The current collection of the Heard Museum consists of over 40,000 items and it has over 130,000 square feet (12,000 m²) of gallery, classroom and performance space.

Phoenix , Don't miss:
9/10

The Phoenix Zoo, opened in 1962, is the largest non-profit zoo in the United States. The zoo operates on 125 acres of land in the Papago Park area of Phoenix. The zoo has approximately 1,200 animals on display, 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of walking trails, and other attractions.

Also don't miss to see a saguaro cactus .

Phoenix , Food:
9/10

There are thousands of restaurants in the Phoenix, Arizona area and choosing the perfect one can sometimes be difficult task. Like all other mayor cities in the U.S. Phoenix has it all, from American Traditional, to Chineese, European Mexican and Latin food.

Phoenix , Hotels:
10/10

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Ritz Carlton Phoenix, Royal Palms Hotel And Spa, Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa... And for those who like going out of town, The Phoenician, Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Cheap stuff:
1/10

The local market survives - just, given the competition it faces (see above). In the markey one may buy artfully camouflaged poor-quality fruit and veg (that's produce), dodgy electrical goods, replacement hoses for old washing machines and, an exciting addition to the local retail experience, Polish foodstuffs.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Different stuff:
5/10

Stafford has in recent years become home to a large number of mostly young people from eastern Europe. They are quiet, polite, hardworking, healthy and attractive, and perform sterling service in local shops and farms. This failure to blend in with the locals has caused some comment. Mostly appreciative.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Don't miss:
6/10

Um. The open-air Shakespeare at the castle at the end of June is fun. Unless it rains. The park alongside the river has been replanted and developed and is rather pretty in the summer. Unless it's flooded.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Food:
2/10

Don't ask. There are no decent restaurants in Stafford. Although the cafe in Marks is OK.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Hotels:
3/10

The Swan, an old coaching inn, on the main street. There are others, but none that I'd consider. There's a more upmarket one in the village of Acton Trussel, a few miles out of town.

Stafford, Staffordshire , Safety:
7/10

If you're in any way vulnerable (ie. aged, young, drunk or drugged, lost), best to avoid walking around the small areas of suburban low-income housing on the outskirts of town. Gangs of amateurishly unpleasant children and youths might well give you a hard time, in between smashing the glass in bus shelters and gobbing on the few remaining public telephones. Also, the town centre after 8pm on a weekend evening is the rightful domain of the drunken British young adult. There are drunken assaults, there is vomit, there are loud and ugly voices. It's not pleasant. Other then that, no probs.