Albuquerque--Doing Some Things Right

Albuquerque is on old Route 66. Some of the "campiness" of neon and tacky signs remain even though the flavor of much of the area is more artsy. We stayed at a wonderful motel with desert flowers and romance decorating the doorways to each of 20 units. Its sign, however, is true Route 66 form.



Alan and I have come to depend on the internet to find the charming Mom and Pop hotels that are reasonably priced and get high marks for cleanliness and amenities. The guidance about what to do and where to eat from friendly owners has been invaluable. This hotel was on the edge of Old Town Albuquerque with quaint shops and lots of character.  

Also, just down the street was a wonderful bike/walking trail following the Rio Grande.  We enjoying the ride and the setting.  



The metalwork along the park gave me ideas to pass on to Alma and Svetlana. 



We saw several groups of school kids on field trips. These kids were learning how to cast.  What a way to spend a school day. 



Albuquerque is a city where we would have enjoyed a longer stay. We expect to spend a month or so in various places in future years of retirement. While we have enjoyed seeing so many places, we hope to immerse ourselves in one place, especially one where we can learn or perfect another language. New Mexico would have several possible venues and Albuquerque is one. If you get to Albuquerque, don't miss Mama's Minerals, the largest rock store I have ever been in.  It felt like and was as informative as a museum.  

We tried to get extra miles under our belt to stay longer in San Antonio. We drove late into the dark.  A car passing us in a work area kicked up a rock that hit our hood and then rattled loudly under our car top carrier and then broke the middle sun roof on the van. The rattle and the explosion of the glass were startling.  I thought we blew a tire or had been shot. Either would have been far worse than it was.  Here is the hole we found. 





We have scheduled repair for Monday in Dallas.  In the meantime, we have vacuumed glass, taped and re-taped the hole and driven more slowly and noisily.  Minor mishap in the whole scheme of things.  

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