Departure from LAX was on time, and the flight smooth. It was an hour and a half flight through clear skies. The earth beneath was a kaleidoscope of colours and textures, with rivers and canyons and dusty roads stretching out far into every direction.
Albuquerque airport was a hassle free experience. Our bags had made the journey as well, so we hopped on the shuttle bus to the car hire offices. No problem there either - we ended up with a Ford Explorer, quite new, very comfortable.
It was a short drive to Downtown and the Hotel Andaluz.
Check-in time was 3pm, but we asked politely (plaintively?) whether we could access the room early. Ten minutes later, permission granted, and gratefully into bed for a nap.
Our room is on the 9th floor, with a view towards the airport and the mountains beyond. Very nicely furnished, spacious and comfortable.
Not knowing much about Albuquerque, we took a town map from reception and headed off on foot for the Old Town. Despite being a Thursday afternoon and this the most populous city in New Mexico, we didn't see many people out and about, or even much traffic. We saw lovely tree lined streets off the main road, and a mix of architectural styles from 1950's brick office buildings to weatherboard houses to the traditional style houses and buildings - low rise, no eaves, thick walls.
We wandered through the Old Town centre, which was lined with tourist shops selling shirts and traditional blankets and rugs. Keen to try the local food, we shared a Mexican tasting plate and beers, with a view of the plaza.
As we had not come across a taxi, and it was still daylight at 7pm, we decided to walk back to the hotel, where we enjoyed the view of the mountains at sunset from the second floor terrace attached to the in-house tapas restaurant, Más. Best mojito I've ever tasted, made from tequila rather than rum.
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