Donna on the Side

GSW Saturday

by Donna Dye

DONNA ON THE SIDE - GSW SATURDAY
Part 1 - Land of Enchantment
Part 2 - the meet
Part 3 - the wave
Part 4 - on the side
Part 5 - sprints
Part 6 - distance
Part 7 - hurdles
Part 8 - relays
Part 9 - field

This is the Land of Enchantment

New Mexico calls itself the "Land of enchantment." It's the ancient cultures, multi cultures, food, climate and scenery that enchant and please the senses. Into this setting, sits The Great Southwest Classic in Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico. Like the state, albuquerque offers history, cultures, food and sights. The meet is set in southeast Albuquerque in the shadow of the Sandia Mountains. It's a multi-cultural city formed from Indian, Spanish and Anglo heritages that has become a population of about 500,000 with another 200,000 in the suburbs.

Albuquerque was founded in 1706 by Spanish explorers on the banks of the Rio Grande River. The name was taken from a small village in Spain. The city embraces old west history, distinctive architecture, and leading edge science and technology. There are hot air balloons, chile peppers, adobe styled buildings, Sandia mountains, Sandia tram, indians and pottery. An hour's drive north is Santa Fe, with arts and crafts galore. There's a lot of fun and good times to have as part of the the Great Southwest Classic scene.

In and Around Albuquerque

  Downtown Albuquerque
Interstate 25 and 40 intersection The Flying Star--the place for a meal or a snack
"Welcome to Old Town Plaza Vieja" Old Town entertainment
San Felipe de Neri Church--Old Town Festivities in Old Town

Many Museums to Explore

Albuquerque Museum of Art And History  

 

The National Atomic Museum is the nation's only Congressionally chartered museum of nuclear science and history. The museum was established in 1969 as an intriguing place to learn the story of the Atomic Age, from early research of nuclear development through today's peaceful uses of nuclear technology. http://www.atomicmuseum.com/

 
New Mexico Museum of Natural History


The View From on High

The Sandia Peak Tramway ascends 2.7 miles to Sandia Peak 10,378 ft above sea level. On top are dramatic views of the Albuquerque area. Visitors may enjoy lunch or dinner at the High Finance restaurant. See www.sandiapeak.com for more information.
 
 

Albuquerque's Hispanic Cultural Center

Albuquerque's history is steeped in hispanic cultural. So it seems fitting that the National Hispanic Cultural Center is located in New Mexico. The Center honors the hispanic heritage.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is dedicated to the study, advancement, and presentation of Hispanic culture, arts, and humanities.
 
The center contains an Art Museum. The current exhibit features The African Presence in México: From Yanga to the Present. This is a very revealing and interesting exhibit. It explores the African legacy in Mexico and the Americas. See http://www.nhccnm.org for more information.
 
The Center features performing arts including stage, dance, film performances.

Scenes in and around Santa Fe, capitol of New Mexico

Saint Francis Cathedral The market outside of the Governor's Palace is a great place to pick up wonderful jewelry and gifts.
 
   
Madrid, New Mexico, located just south of Santa Fe is an old mining community. It is a colorful spot that focuses on entertainment and the arts.
 
 
 

 

DONNA ON THE SIDE - GSW SATURDAY
Part 1 - Land of Enchantment
Part 2 - the meet
Part 3 - the wave
Part 4 - on the side
Part 5 - sprints
Part 6 - distance
Part 7 - hurdles
Part 8 - relays
Part 9 - field