Albuquerque

Judy. Seems like every few years, we hop back to Albuquerque. The first time, of course, was during Covid, when we had to fly home on a moment’s notice, leaving our friend Jeff all the food we had just bought. Almost four years ago, we returned to stay with him, and planned a big morning at the Balloon Fiesta, which got rained out. 

Determined to further enjoy the city with Jeff, we stopped by one more time. 

After an hour on a washboard road out of Chaco, followed by two and a half on a major highway, we pulled into his driveway, exhausted and overwhelmed. Fortunately, he had a lovely meal waiting, and sent us off to bed, since we had to get up at 4 AM to get to the Fiesta. 

No rainouts this time! As the sun rose, so did a large truck balloon, flying the American flag, while the national anthem played over the loudspeaker. In minutes, balloon after balloon filled and lifted into the sky in what Jeff called a “magic moment.” That moment continued for the next hour, and the energy in the field was overflowing. People cheered every time a basket rose. The excitement and fun was everything we hoped for. 

Flag liftoff

Ready for liftoff

Finally saw the Fiesta!

My favorite balloon! 

After well-deserved naps and a tour of his desert garden, Jeff took us to Casa de Benavides, a well-known New Mexican restaurant. The outdoor ambiance was lovely, and the food out of this world. 

The next morning, we made a picnic lunch and drove to a living museum (quite close to our friends Carol and Keir’s home) called El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, where we learned about three periods of New Mexico history, the Spanish period, the Mexican period (do NOT confuse the two), and the territorial period. It was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed our lunch by a millpond. 

Our guide in the chapel of the Spanish period

Kitchen in the Mexican period

Territorial period is quite different from the others

Jeff knows the coolest places!

The following day we had another long drive ahead of us, down to Silver City, by way of Hatch, NM, where we stocked up on more Hatch chili pepper. Leaving our friend was tough, but since we already made tentative plans to meet up again, it was easier than expected. 

Till next time, Jeff and Albuquerque!