Where in the World is Eric D. Goodman?
I'm in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a communications conference. The conference is good, but the location is really worth writing about.
I flew in Friday and, immediately after checking in, I enjoyed the nightlife on Rout 66 along with hundreds of American Indians in town for the Gathering of Nations -- the world's largest pow-wow.
I took a day trip to Taos where I enjoyed the historic pueblo there -- the world's first living community still existing today. Near Taos, I hiked to two natural hot springs where I soaked in the hot mineral water in the valley and along the Rio Grande. One of the springs was believed by the Spaniards to bew the fountain of youth due to its medicinal properties.
Kasha-Katuwe's tent rock formations were a wonder: tepee-shaped mountains above and below the trail. And the Coronado monument offered a glimpse of the remains of an ancient civilization. The National Petroglyph National Monument gave a sampling of rock paintings dating back to 1,000 BC.
I rode the world's longest areal tram up to the top of the Sandia mountains, enjoyed some good, authentic food in Bernalillo at a restaurant recommended by a master bead worker I met at an American Indian art gallery. Despite my short time in a Casino, the experiences have left me feeling like a winner.
The gem of Albuquerque is Old Town. I've been to the plaza twice and plan to return again. During my first trip to Old Town, I attended a Christening at San Felipe Neri Church and ate authentic New Mexican food in the Courtyard.
Still a few days to go and so much more to see. So, where in the world will Eric D. Goodman go next? (Probably out for margaritas in the sun.)