The Land of Enchantment

My wife Lisa has had occasion to service two different clients in New Mexico for her company, Sungard-SCT: The University of New Mexico, and Santa Fe Community College. Her different stints in Albuquerque and Santa Fe introduced us to the southwest of the United States, capturing our imaginations.

How? We've never seen deserts, mountain ranges that turned pink, comfort in 100 degree shade, rich Native American culture, fantastic art, thin air, and green chile all in one place. Plus, adobe architecture is very interesting. It looks deceptively small on the outside, blending in beautifully with the earth; but, is roomy and comfortable on the inside.

We visited Albuquerque a few years ago, attending the annual Balloon Fiesta in October. Only a four-day weekend for us, the event was a week of exhibitions, competitions, and festivities all celebrating hot air ballooning. The participants encourage visitors to help launch balloons in the early morning . . . Just as dawn breaks. Armed with breakfast burritos and strong coffee, you quickly find yourself amidst a canyon of inflating balloons. balloonists are very laid-back, engaging folk who are looking for that special uplifting experience that everyone shares at these events -- pun intended for all the right reasons!

Santa Fe was this year's exploration of northern New Mexico. Again, a long weekend is not enough time to truly get to know a place, but better some time then none. The city is smaller, but more historically preserved. It is further north, sitting on the edge of a mountain range coming down from Colorado. Many art galleries and retailers share space with some excellent restaurants. I am partial to Maria's, a small Spanish-Mexican establishment with an extensive Santa Fe-style menu, and a margharita menu equally as long! I am told that is where the locals go for the real thing.

We are intrigued by the prospect of moving to Santa Fe, but I can't come up with the vacation time to interview for new jobs until 2006. The number of hits I get on Careerbuilder.com are few and far between for my skill sets. We love the pace and the beauty of the region and it's people. Perhaps it is not in the cards, but only time will tell.