Viva, Nuevo Mexico!

When we started our journey 4 years ago and left the “Land of Entrapment” I was so excited to leave. Honestly, I just wanted to see more of what was out in this great country. We have lived in 6 other states and I have really enjoyed seeing the sights and meeting new people. We have been able to do some really cool things but I never expected that traveling would give me such a deep appreciation for my homeland of, Nuevo Mexico. I have compiled a list of five things I miss the most about The Land of Enchantment.

5. The Balloon Fiesta. The fiesta is something that I have been going to since I can remember. Waking up super early to catch the mass ascension or bundling up at dusk for the balloon glow. It’s always fun and exciting to see the balloons go up and even if you don’t attend the fiesta, you can pretty much see the balloons all over Albuquerque for the entire duration of the event. The balloons add an extra flair to the already amazing sunsets over the Sandias and they add excitement to your early morning commute.

4. The Albuquerque Zoo and Bio Park. My kids love to go to the zoo and aquarium. We could seriously go every day. The only problem I have found out on the road is that the zoo’s in some places are extremely expensive. We have visited some really nice zoos, for instance, the Memphis Zoo was out of this world, but it’s not a zoo we would visit often. The Albuquerque Zoo and Bio Park are pretty affordable and I can attest that they are one of the top zoos we have visited out of all the states we have been in. We love us a zoo day and the Albuquerque Zoo is one of our favorites!

3. The Sandia Mountains. Let me first say that I have seen some pretty majestic mountains, we lived in Utah for crying out loud! But, there is something so invitingly magical about the Sandias. Maybe it is because I have spent many days growing up hiking in the trails at the top of the crest, or riding up the tramway and looking down on the gorgeous city lights below. Maybe it’s Tinkertown, the quaint museum on the way up the mountain that is made of glass bottles and filled with interesting trinkets and antique toys. Maybe it’s the way the sun peaks over the top in the morning, or the way red hue you see at sunset. Whatever it is, the Sandia Mountains are a sight to behold and any New Mexican will tell you just how useful they are for directional purposes.

2. The food. In all of my travels across America, I have to say that not one state can compare with my home state. Don’t get me wrong, I have favorites in every state but there is nothing like a plate of red chile ribeye enchiladas with a side of beans and rice and a warm sopapilla. I have to stop into La Cucina Azul every time I am in Albuquerque to get my fill. There is also no one that makes breakfast burritos quite like Blakes or Twisters and I cannot go without mentioning the taco burgers and green chile cheese fries from Bob’s Burgers and the stuffed sopapillas at El Modelo. All I can say is yummy.

1. My family and friends. They are what I miss the most about New Mexico. Almost all of my family and most of, my husband, Adam’s family live there. You really take for granted how great it can be to have family around. Watching my kids grow up without their cousins and everyone missing out on their big milestones has been rough but it’s always nice when the stars align and we can spend special occasions together in New Mexico.

Seeing all the wondrous places the United States has to offer has been amazing but I have to give credit to New Mexico for the majestic beauty and the rich history it has. No matter where in the world I go, I will always look forward to coming home to some great views, delicious food, and mi familia.