We spent the day today in and around Albuquerque. The city is huge, and is situated in a basin with mountains on all sides, at least that’s how it seems. I think we must be finally getting back to civilization as we found a Trader Joe’s at last; I miss not having one just down the street. This place has every imaginable store that anyone could need in multiples; people who live here don’t have to travel far to get to anything, but I think it also services all the numerous outlying small towns, as there’s not another big city for many miles.
After spending the morning shopping we found another sign of a return to normality when we came across a Soup Plantation, so we had to stop there and eat. Afterwards we headed to the Old Town of Albuquerque and had a nice wander around. The Old Town is centered around a square that at this time of the year is really pretty as all the leaves on the trees are golden. Right on the plaza is the San Felipe de Neri Church, which was founded in 1706; the current structure dates from 1793. It is a really nice area to walk around, with narrow brick walkways even if it is a little touristy with bunches of stores selling all kinds of Indian crafts, and lots of chillies. As it’s out of season it was fairly quiet today, but I imagine it is crazy during the summer.

Mike: Umm! Salad at Soup Plantation!




We didn’t start heading home till after the sun had started going down and the sunset was just beautiful, like the mountains were on fire.