It’s been ages since I last saw Suzannah in person. I think the last time was 7 years ago! Though the years have gone by, we’ve remained close friends. We greatly enjoyed her hospitality during our three days in hot and humid New Mexico.
On Saturday, Suzannah took us to the Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque. I was surprised to see us driving through a tract housing development on our way to the monument. Despite the wide-open Southwest atmosphere, Albuquerque is very similar to the Bay Area in the way housing is being developed. With Indian reservations on one side and the river and mountains on the other sides, there’s only one or two directions the city is growing. Luxury homes are going for $100-170K; that’s sticker shock for those living in the Bay Area!
At the Indian Pueblo Community Center, we saw a traditional Navajo dance. I felt for the dancers, are they were heavily burdened with several layers of clothes. It was hot enough in the shade, let alone under the unyielding sun!
Saturday evening, we hung out with Rae’s friends from college. We ate at Vivace, a great Italian restaurant near the University of New Mexico. Speaking of the University, “Have you seen Hikika???” That line gave us laughing fits the rest of the weekend!
On Sunday, we paid a visit to see Susan and Alex. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them too; Katrina was also around (last time I saw her was at Country Day Graduation in 1992!). I’m glad that I went to New Mexico; it was well worth it to reconnect with old and dear friends.
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