Road Trip: Stopover in ABQ

February 09, 2022

I’m blessed to have extended family in New Mexico! We arrived at the hotel, starving, and had a late lunch at the bar. After attending to some emails, unpacking a few things, and splashing water on my face, we met Sisy, Jon, and their brilliant children at Flying Star (I asked the kids to pick the venue) for dinner.

The kids are giants, compared to when we last saw them. Ellery, 8, after reciting different mathematical equations, sat next to me. I was looking across to Sisy and Caterina (yes, my namesake) talking, while feeling two intensely brown 8-year-old eyes lasered upon me. I was a curiosity.

We laughed and talked with the kids—who are too smart for us—until it was time for Jon to cart them home. He and Sisy drove separately, and it’s a school night. As much as we adore the kids, it was so good to have time with my “other” sister. Time flew by, to the point where the restaurant had to ask us to leave, as they’re locking the doors and closing up.

The next day, with Sisy at work and the kids at school, we went to Old Town Albuquerque. More like Ghost Town! In the off season, over half the places are closed; the other half are new-age crystal and tea shops. And lots of Breaking Bad themed storefronts and bus tours—the show has given ABQ a new breath. Although I don’t know if a connection to Breaking Bad is a positive highlight.

Being here on Monday-Tuesday is unfortunate, because the main thing I wanted to do was go to Meow Wolf, which—you guessed it—is closed on Monday-Tuesday. My southwest version of Domus Aurea. Maybe we can time it right for the one in Vegas.

Upon Sisy’s suggestion, we walked to Sawmill Market, reminiscent of Keg&Case in St.Paul, or Public Market in Milwaukee, but with better food. We enjoyed a hearty lunch and a nice walk around.

Now to the Sandias! I’ve hiked these with Sisy, but that trailhead was closer to Rio Rancho, so thank you Google Maps for pointing us to Embudito Trailhead. It’s moderate at the start, then gets quite challenging to traverse as it becomes large, smooth boulders. Covered in ice from the recent storm. While we were wearing sneakers. Best to revisit in a month or two for that, although we found a side trail that was much steeper but less slippery. Joe was a bit put off that I didn’t consider each make-out spot he pointed out worthy of getting frisky. I’m an Aries, but not a ram, for crying out loud.

A quick stop back at the hotel, then on to Sisy’s to see her new-to-me house (which includes an awesome indoor swing), and eat Pad Thai and flourless chocolate torte. Ellery has become expert at Blackjack, and engaged Joe in a game. Joe has a theme with card games—he lost. Both kids entertained us with their antics, and got to stay up late to hang out with us.

It was a night filled with good conversation, silly antics, food, wine, and love. The hardest thing was driving away, watching petite Sisy grow smaller and smaller in my passenger-side window. I hope it’s not another eon of time before we’re together again.

Now we’re across the Arizona border, listening to murder podcasts, and on our way to Laura and Megan’s beautiful home.