I've been to our State Capitol several times but the last time was the most impressive.
I had misplaced my notary stamp in a recent move and I had to get a new one in a pinch, this also required getting a copy of my license. The Secretary of State, Ken Bennett's office handles the notary licensing so I made a mad dash for their office inside the Capitol when I got off work one day. I had 30 minutes to get from Tempe to this office before they closed so I was very rushed and frazzled. I left my truck in the parking lot at 4:58 and kicked off my heels so I could sprint across the street and lawn then into the building. As soon as I opened the door, I was taken back by how "Arizona" this building is inside. I was immediately transported back to childhood because the smell of the building and the decor was so much like the school and church buildings I went to as a child. It's old school Arizona. I've read the reviews and I understand how this building could come across as old and shitty but I'm telling you, if you're a native who loves our state, you'll totally get this place. It's how Arizona was before beige stucco took over and it warmed my heart to be here. I had been here before but I never appreciated its charm as much as I did this particular time when I was rushed and in no mood to reminisce.
There wasn't a single person in sight and so I kept my heels in my hand as I ran through the corridor. When I could see the security guard and metal detector, I put my heels back on and told him what I was there for and he said I was too late, it was 5:00 already, I asked him to let me try anyway and he did! When I approached the notary office, they were closed so I waited and caught two people leaving and I explained the situation and begged them to help. It worked! I was so grateful to them for helping me out and staying a few minutes late. With the copy of my certificate in hand, I walked back and the security guard congratulated me on my negotiating skills. I got a chance to look around on my way out and enjoy our State's Capitol for a bit.