"Finger of the Week": October 15, 2007

Balloon Fiesta, 2007, Albuquerque

As I continue my travel across the Southwest, Albuquerque has been a nice stop over for me. I recently took some photos with a new Nikon digital camera the size of a credit card. I'm wanting to push the limits of this low cost 7 pixel camera, and will post some results here as I go along.

Below are a few shots from the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.

Isleta Casino and The Patio

I visited the Iselta Casino last night. It's located about 10 miles south of Albuquerque on Exit 215 from Interstate 25. I didn't see the casino from the I-25, but once I took the exit and rounded a curve to the southeast the casino appeared in the distance. Alone in the desert, the Isleta Tribal Council has created this place and I'm not sure I'll ever be back.

For one thing, there's nothing else to do within miles of the place. They are building a huge resort motel next to the current facilities, but I could see no other development of any kind in the area: no homes, no shopping malls, nothing. I admit I didn't look around much, but from the looks of things this casino is like the Route 66 Casino west of town: all alone on the reservation and miles from the nearest grocery store. Albuquerque is not far, maybe ten minutes north on I-25, however.

The second reason I was not impressed by the Isleta Casino is the poker room. Since poker is about all that I play at a casino, a poker room must be a good one. Unfortunately the poker room at the Isleta is very small. I counted eight tables packed inside a space the size of double-car garage. I visited the place on a Saturday night and there were only two tables active with players. At the Sandia Resort, as a comparison, on a Saturday night there are maybe 18-20 tables full of players with a waiting list.

After leaving the Isleta I drove back to the Sandia and spent the evening watching high-stakes blackjack players. I awaited the eight 0'clock drawing for the Fall Cash Giveaway, but alas was not selected to take home the $7,000 pot.

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She cuts my hair, so I have to mention her. I write of her because she represents the many kind people I have met while on the road. She works hard, has a funny disposition, and obviously loves people. I first noticed her at Starbucks, on The Patio. I was a new arrival in town and was sitting on The Patio and noticed she came there for breaks from work. Her hair salon is located next door. Every day for a week I saw her. I finally met her and had her give me a haircut. Often here family will drop by and visit with her. They are typical of the working class of Albuquerque, living from payday to payday, lucky to get a day off and maybe a break during the work day.

This composite picture of life at the Starbucks patio also contains images of weathly retired people who frequent the place to talk shop and read their newspaper. They've made money in real estate, the hi-tech industry that flourishes here, or any number of the federally-related scientific and military businesses for which Albuquerque is known. Along with the lady who cuts my hair, I've met movie producers, real estate developers, consultants, stock brokers, scientists, artists and authors on The Patio.

They all ask me, of course, what I do for living. I tell them, "I'm doing it. I sit at Starbucks all day and visit with people."

One particular man I see almost every day, I have not met. He's a consultant for people looking for professional jobs. He meets his clients on The Patio. They discuss resumes, job interviews, and all kinds of issues related to job-seeking. He's written a book that he provides them, has regular meetings with them individually and in groups, and has periodic conferences related to helping others find high-paying professional work.

How do I know all of this? By listening closely. I sit near by and listen in. I've learned a great deal from him and he has no idea I'm one of his "clients." He's a busy man. I've seen him meet as many as four days in a row with four different clients. Most of his clients are middle to late aged, and are concerned about competing in the professional job market against younger men and women. He often tells them, "looking for a good job is a full-time job in itself." A person must put in the time and effort to find the job they desire. I can feel the empathy he has for them, and I can understand their frustration. Many of his clients have been forced out of their high-paying careers for numerous reasons, and now find they have to hit the job-seeking market.

One afternoon, this consultant finished couseling a man who was obviously in anguish over his situation. I could tell by observation that this particular client was in emotional trouble and the consultant did his best to keep him focused on his future. It was evidently a rough meeting.

After his client left, the consultant looked tired, took a sip of his coffee, then received a phone call:

"Yes, dear. I'm coming home. Do you need anything?"

"Some soup? Do you like that chicken noodle?"

"Okay. I'll run by the store on the way home. I love you."

My Life in ABQ, Cowboy Football, and Other Stuff

I thought I would post some photos and give you a sense of what I've been doing and where I've been hanging out since I've been in ABQ.

The photo above is of the Wilderness in High Desert, a residential community and park area just minutes from the Sandia Resort. Homes are located at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, costing a bundle of cash.

When I look at this photo taken of me at Starbucks, I have to admit I looked pretty relaxed. It's been a fun trip so far. I'm trying hard to alleviate any stress in my life. My routine is to walk next door and buy a butter croissant and yogurt at the Smith's Grocery, then come back to Starbucks for breakfast. You'll notice two cups on my table next to my yogurt: coffee and orange juice I get free at the Sandia Resort. Why buy an overpriced cup of coffee at Starbucks when I can get it for free?

One of the many Starbucks in ABQ is this one located next door to the UPS Store where I work (see photo below). I'm here almost every morning and before work. The patio at the right is perfect in the mornings and evenings for reading, writing, or just visiting with locals who gather there.

The UPS Store above has been good to me while here. The employees and owner are all very nice and easy to work with. It's also not a bad part time job for someone traveling around the country. There are over 4,000 UPS Stores nationwide. I did some checking and found 55 UPS Stores within a 10 mile radius of Las Vegas! ABQ has about nine stores.

For lunch, I'll often eat at the Whole Foods Market on Wyoming Blvd. One reason is this view from the patio. I took the photo above while eating lunch there yesterday. I usually buy one of the great soups from the deli inside the store. Of course, the green chili and cheddar cheese bread they make is awesome, too.
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How about them Cowboys? I just read the USA Today’s front page today, and the “Battle of the Unbeatens” is starting to heat up. I can’t wait! Go Cowboys!

I watched the Romo Rally at the Tlur P’a Lounge at the Sandia Resort last Monday night. About 75 of us gathered in front of a big screen to shout for our team, fans from all over the country were represented. I invited two elderly gentlemen from New York to join me at my table, since seating was limited. They were big fans of football and we had a great time. When the Cowboys made the touchdown, we stood and cheered and gave each other high-fives. When the miracle onside kick occurred, we stood and cheered and gave each other high-fives, again. When the subsequent two field goals were made the entire crowd went crazy and everyone was cheering so loud you could no longer hear the slot machines just a few feet away. What a night!

I’ve watched five Cowboys games while here in ABQ. I’ve watched three games at the Tlur P’a Lounge (yes, the name is spelled correctly… Pueblo Indians have a since of humor when it comes to names). I watched the opening game of the season at Sneakerz (yes, the “z” is correct…sports bar owners have a sense of humor, too). And I actually watched one game at two different locations, from two sports bars located next to each other. I began the game at Twin Peaks (a new sports-themed restaurant) and left at half-time to finish the game at the Fox and Hound Sports Bar. Therefore, to summarize, I’ve watched five Cowboys games at four different locations.

Which of the above mentioned locations is my favorite? It would have to be the Fox and Hound. That’s where I will be this Sunday at 2:15 p.m. to watch the “Battle of the Unbeatens.”

The Balloon Fiesta of 2007 comes to a close on Sunday. Each night the fireworks display has been amazing to watch from high atop the plateau that overlooks the valley where the activities take place. The Sandia Resort parking lot is a favorite local spot to watch the events.

Albuquerque is actually in a valley, with the Sandia Mountain range to the east and gently rolling hills and mesa lands stretching to the west. To the north you can just get a glimpse of the imposing southern end of the Rockies that touch Santa Fe. The Resort is located near the foot the Sandia Mountains, elevated enough to look down on a valley that makes up northern Albuquerque. This makes the resort a perfect place to view the Balloon Fiesta.

I’ve now been working part time at a UPS retail store in a shopping strip for about six weeks. It’s been fun to meet some locals and get a feel for the community. I’ve met evangelistic ministers, factory owners, small business owners, retail store managers, real estate agents, authors, retirees, and all sorts of high school kids who skate by on their boards from the La Cueva High School next door to the shopping center.

I've enjoyed my stay in ABQ, however, the call of the road is getting louder each day. I’m beginning to feel like it’s time to hit the highway once again and head west. My intention all along was to stay in Albuquerque through the month of October and then decide when and where to go next. It appears that at the end of the month I may once again pack up and move on west for the Winter. I may even decide to spend the Winter in southern Arizona and California before making my way to Las Vegas in the early Spring. We’ll just have to see how the wind blows.

Balloon Fiesta 2007 Photo Shoot

This shot was taken from the amphitheater at the Sandia Resort. The amphitheater hosts outdoor concerts. I attended the Moody Blues concert a few weeks ago. Some of the balloons on this morning actually landed on the resort golf course.

The two photos above were taken across from the western Sandia Resort parking lot. This balloon developed a small hole and slowly sank to the ground. The chase-crew was quickly on hand to pack up the balloon and place it in the trailer. Ballooning is a dangerous sport. Luckily no one was hurt. I was driving out of the parking garage on my way to Starbucks when I saw the "crash."

The photos below were taken from the parking lot of the Sandia Resort. I stood by my car and watched them fly overhead. I met one woman who came from a group from Hawaii to attend the Fiesta. In all, hundreds of balloonists from over 22 countries attended this year's Fiesta.

Hey, I've Been Busy. So Sue Me.

I know it's been a while since updating this blog, but I don't care. I've been busy, you know. I admit I've been a little lazy for the past couple of weeks. I will attempt to do better.

To get back in the swing of things, how about some photos of the Balloon Fiesta that is going on this week. So far, it's been a dangerous event. For the first time in over a decade, there has been a death. A woman fell from the balloon when it became tangled in some guide wires. Then, yesterday, a group of riders were injured when high winds produced a bumpy landing. I think I'll wait a while before I try riding in one of these balloons.

The balloons have a "Mass Ascension" each morning at 7 a.m. By 10 a.m. or so, they have all landed at various places around town, finding a suitable vacant lot or parking lot to land on.

Here's my attempt at a self-portrait while hanging out at Starbucks after the Balloon show.

The Sandia Resort has been my home for the past few weeks. Here are some photos of the resort. I love the pool area, of course, that overlooks the golf course. The Sandia Mountains provide a nice setting for reading, writing, or just sunning yourself in the New Mexico warmth.

The lobby area of the resort is huge, with high ceilings and plenty of comfortable chairs to rest in. The casino is off limits to photos. Take my word for it, the place is very cool.

I’ve spent the last few days getting used to a new part-time job and learning my way around town. I’ve been in ABQ since Thursday, August 16. This is my 24th day in this beautiful city and I’m wondering if I will ever leave. Of course, if I do decide to move on West I can always return.

My plan is to stay here through at least the month of October. I’ve taken a part-time job to earn a few bucks and I want to be here for the Balloon Fiesta. After the weather turns colder I may move on to a warmer climate.

I’m thinking on my journey Westward I want to visit Santa Fe, then head west to the Chaco Canyon area, and Gallup. Once I’m through traveling around western New Mexico I’ll head toward Flagstaff, Arizona and then Las Vegas. The timing of these events are undecided, which is the point of this entire trip. All along my goal has been to take my time, work when necessary, stay in places I like for extended periods of time, play cards and check out the Indian casinos along the way, and write about it.

So hang with me.

I left Texas on Monday, August 13. While it seems like ages ago, I’ve spent barely one month on the road. I’ve learned that traveling distorts your sense of time and space. A few days may seem like a month. When settled in one place you develop points of reference to keep you grounded. Routines, schedules, familiar sites and sounds of the place you call “home.” On the road, these points of reference are missing. Time and space become blurry, inconsequential. Each day I’ve been on the road has been different, unique, unplanned, and downright fun.

And the people I’ve met along the way. There is the Starbucks manager who is overworked and unorganized and needs a vacation; Ed, a character at the Sandia Resort who has become a “pal” of mine (more on him later); Keith, my new boss who owns a number of businesses and likes to laugh (I like him a lot, although I’ve only talked with him twice); Bull, a poker dealer the size of Wisconsin; the lady I see each morning working at the concierge desk at the Sandia Resort when I pick up my daily newspaper (and who helped me find a local dry cleaner); the one-armed truck driver I played poker with in Norman; and the knuckle-headed service man at the Carmax who refused to give me a ride because “we just don’t do that."

I owe all of these characters, and many more, a big “thanks” for making my trip an interesting one.