Photo courtesy of Albuquerque Tourism and a New Mexico Real Estate ad.
We weren't there for the Fiesta though. We drove up so that DH could shoot in the High Desert Classic USPSA pistol match.
The range is outside of town and we spent all day Saturday and all morning on Sunday surrounded by tall burms and nary a balloon was spotted by any of us. I heard that they didn't fly on Sunday due to the winds, but our weekend was without wind and filled with the bluest sky you've ever seen. I don't have many pictures of the shoot because I filmed all of his stages, but suffice it to say, we had a fabulous time.
This was his first big match. He shot incredibly well and learned a lot. Heck, I learned a lot. And I think I've now been hired as the official video-ographer for all of his shoots. The pay's not much, but the perks are awesome! :) And it was good to meet so many new friends.
I brought a little stitching, but not a stitch was stitched.
We made a trip to the running store where I scored some spiffy new trail shoes though:
I guess they're really not tennis shoes, but this is my first pair of shoes like this I've had in 15 years. I'm looking forward to putting some miles on them.
We've only been in Albuquerque twice in 10 years. We lived about 70 miles from there when we first married, and our son was born here exactly 24 years ago - we drove in on his birthday, but it's grown a lot and you all know that I don't do cities. Neither does DH. That poses a problem. :) And add to the equation, the insanity of the Balloon Fiesta traffic and you may have found me on the edge of hyperventilating a time or two.
We ate at Rudy's on Friday night because we just happened to drive by it.
I didn't know they had these in New Mexico. We are big fan's of Rudy's and apparently so is everyone else:
It was packed at 8 pm on Friday night, but the food was wonderful.
And on Saturday night, we were craving good New Mexican food and so we wandered down to Olde Town. It was just a few miles from where we were staying. With Balloon Fiesta in full swing, it was a gamble, but if you've never visited Albuquerque, Olde Town is one of the don't miss destinations if you want to soak in the ambiance of New Mexico and Albuquerque.
Finding a place to park our monster truck among the tourists' compacts was a challenge, but a spot we did find. We were beat and hungry and still had to shoot the next day so browsing was not on the agenda, but I rarely go anywhere without thinking of y'all so I snapped a few photos.
Olde Town is essentially the old town square and this beautiful church stands at the North end and fills an entire block.
Its been 23 years since I've been down here and it seems some things never change. The Indians are still seated before their handcrafted wares along the walk:
The restaurants still entice shoppers with their outdoor invitation to stop and partake in a good margarita and a side of fresh guacamole with warm tortilla chips.
We asked a store owner for recommendations and Church St. Cafe was at the top of the list. So we strolled - because that is what one does in Olde Town - down the street towards it.
We didn't really want a cafe, but it looked cute
and so we wandered in to look at the menu and I was utterly charmed as soon as we stepped inside. I don't think men are 'charmed' by restaurants, but DH thought it was very nice and this is no cafe. We talked with the elderly lady, who happened to be the owner, up front while we waited for a table and found out that the building had originally been a home, built in 1907. Her daughter found it for sale decades ago and convinced her parents it would make a lovely restaurant. I concur.
There was outside seating and local music:
And the rooms were decorated beautifully with New Mexican flair:
We sat here:
And indulged in a bit of the local flavor. I'm not a drinker by any stretch of the imagination, but I just might have a weak spot for one good Sangria!
Guacamole and chips are a given:
And our food was excellent!
Then we strolled back to the truck, drove to the hotel, and were sacked out in a matter of minutes because that alarm was set early for the second day of shooting.
It was a grand weekend!
10 comments:
What a fun trip! The pic of the balloons is gorgeous! We have a Rudy's in New Braunfels, TX that we stop at once in awhile. I concur that they have great food! All of your beautiful pictures moves a trip to Albuquerque up a few notches on my wish list!! Thanks for sharing.
Now I want to go to Albuquerque after seeing your great pictures ! My sister was there on a bus tour, and so was a blog reader of ours Suze ! Coincidences !
I was in Albuquerque years ago when I sponsored a school trip at a convention. We toured Old Towne and loved it.
Next October, my sister, niece, and I are going to the balloon festival.mi can't wait!
Sounds like a wonderful weekend!! I love Rudy's too. And "strolling" through quaint areas is so relaxing.
We are in ABQ every August for an antique show, and LOVE the Church Street Café! We enjoy breakfast there, usually, and on a weekday AM, it is not crowded, so we chat with locals while enjoying the great food. Glad you found it!
Deb
Anonymous - Antique show? Sounds like I need to plan a trip in August! :)
What a wonderful trip! Especially after all the cow work you did. Sounds like your DH is a crack shot. Handy skill! I use to hunt and kill deer with a SW 357 mag. Still got the piece and carry it on trips. So now it's back to the ranch and work?
I think that is going on my bucket list!! Looks like an interesting old town:) P.S do they have quilt shops...LOL
Sounds like a great time... now i want guacamole ;-)
Ah ha! This is useful information to me. My in-laws live in a suburb of Albuquerque. We were planning to be there for the Balloon Fiesta this year, but it didn't work out. But, you've given some interesting info. on places to visit any time we do make it over. :-)
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