If you don't live in New Mexico or perhaps close to its borders, you may think of it as a foreign country, but don’t feel badly, many people think this. In fact, if you try to mail a package from elsewhere in the country, you will probably be told that the rate is higher to mail something out of the United States. Actually, New Mexico has been one of the 50 states since 1912.
Another misconception about New Mexico is the weather. Yes, there is desert there. The City of Albuquerque is located in what is termed a high plateau. The area is dry and has a low annual rainfall. The city is surrounded by mountains and is about one mile above sea level which helps to moderate the weather. Summer days are generally mild due to the low humidity and evenings are cool enough to be comfortable. When the area does receive some snow, it usually melts within a short time. However, there are many ski resorts in the surrounding mountains and winter storms there sometimes close Interstate Highways 40 and 25
New Mexico has a rich history which can be traced back to the Ice Age. At one time wooly mammoths roamed freely in this area, along with camels - yes, those funny looking animals that are seen in the Sahara Desert – and many other extinct animals. The bones of some of these creatures can be seen in southeastern New Mexico at the world famous Carlsbad Caverns. This is only one place of world wide interest in New Mexico.
The State of New Mexico is divided by the north to south flow of the legendary Rio Grande River, which also divides the City of Albuquerque. It serves as the scene of racing every spring where people gather on the river banks and bridges throughout the city to cheer as the boaters pass by.
Albuquerque is a very colorful city, similar in population to Santa Fe. Both are inhabited by a diverse mix of Hispanics, Native Americans, Orientals and the usual North American mix of European cultures.
Typical southwestern architecture, color and gardens define Albuquerque, spreading to the overpasses on Interstate Highways 40 and 25. What a treat to drive those highways or historic Route 66 and see the colorful Native American motifs on the bridges. Obviously this city is proud of its heritage.
West of the city, not far from the airport – its called the Sunport – is Petroglyph National Park. Established in 1990, it is located on the West Mesa of Albuquerque, entirely within the city limits. The National Parks Service estimates there are more than 20,000 petroglyphs, including people, birds, animals, plants, brands and crosses. Although these rock carvings were created thousands of years ago, it is probable that many Native American tribes have left their mark at this site.
Visitors from many countries visit Albuquerque in October to witness the hot air balloon festival. It is such a spectacular event that it is telecast in over fifty countries and draws entries from all over the world.
Tourists frequently visit Old Town, a part of Albuquerque that retains the charm and architecture of 1706 when the city was founded.
For those interested in UFO’s, Roswell, New Mexico is the area reputed to be the place where one landed in 1951, a fact that is lauded by the inhabitants.
Santa Fe is the capitol of New Mexico and the mere name conjures up scenes of the old west, complete with cowboys, herds of cattle and stagecoaches carrying passengers and gold. However, it is also home to many museums, an Indian market and several casinos which are located on Indian pueblos. It was recently named the best place for recreation and culture in the United States.
