Faina goes to Albuquerque in January
 

for 2 reasons:

1) it took 3 days to learn to say fluently al-bu-quer-que, and believe me it wasn't easy!

2) got a renewed passport, can go out of the country now ;)

So, New Mexico, here I come. GTG anyone?

I will not repeat the old jokes asking if I need a visa, what's the currency there, how much do I tip the pilot...

I will be there from Sunday January 13 through Friday January 18. Who's in the area, maybe a GTG?

Southwest announced a sale, which I've missed one-way, still saved $80 on the RT.

Made Elderhostel reservation for a program, their hotel has a free shuttle... I am almost prepared!

Now need to figure out how to fill in free time, if any.

Faina: several Indian casinos around ALQ.

Depending on your time, make a sidetrip to Santa Fe.

Have a great time! :)

Easy, you know I don't gamble and don't drive, but thank you anyway.

Oh, well then see if Elderhostel will move the program to Santa Fe! ;-) If they won't, Old Town Albuquerque is pretty neat in its own right.

We'll have one full day field trip to Santa Fe. No Taos.

Sounds good to me! count me in on a GTG. Thursday the 17th would work for me!
Debi

Count me in for a GTG!

Lee Ann

Cool! Thursday the 17th it is!

Oh man! I'm heading home on the 6th! Now, how can I talk DH into another couple of weeks in Santa Fe......


BeachBum, this is for you:

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...7/IMG_0147.jpg

:)

BeachBum, don't look, it's a picture of an ass :))

a question about public transportation:

the bus fare is $1. Is it for one bus? What if I need 2 buses to get where I'm going? Do I get a transfer (ticket) from the driver?

what about going back? if I go back 1/2 hour after I got there, can I use the same transfer?

In SF, the time is marked on the transfer and I can use it in any direction.

can somebody explain how the bus payments work in Albuquerque?

Faina - I haven't used the bus in ABQ but found some info online. I am sure you have already seen this:

routes for popular visitor destinations:


http://www.cabq.gov/transit/destinations.html


There is a phone # 505- 243-RIDE that should be able to answer your questions regarding transfers and going back on bus. { I know that in Houston for example - your fare is good only if you continue in the same direction within 2 hours of buying ticket I think -- so I think being able to "go back" isn't possible}

There is also a 35 cent fare for "Honored Citizens". You do have to get some sort of ID thing first, there is a form online that you can use for it:

http://www.cabq.gov/transit/honcit.html

If you don't have a cell phone with free long distance - I will call the Transit place next week for you and find out what I can.

Debi

Oh gawd, you're killin' me, Beachgirl. But thanks for leaving a full jar for me. I wonder, will they ship that stuff now? Didn't have it on their website last time I checked..... YES! Sending off an order for 6 jars tomorrow!

I could :* you, Beachgirl! :-)

beachbum, when we were there Ore House actually ran OUT of the charred tomato salsa!! I had to buy a jar to get my "fix". :))

Working on staying over for the GTG -- hope it works out.

Charred salsa? Is this what they will feed me there? Why go then? I can char anything at home! :)

BeachGirl, are you bringing coal to char us at the GTG :))

Debi, thank you, I saw the website. I guess I'll ask the driver. Not sure yet if I'll have time for travels on my own, usually EH keep you busy.

I have a picture of Kimo on my desktop with 4 pick-up trucks parked by it. :)

I finally sent an e-mail to the address posted on the bus website. Maybe they'll even answer :)

I'm searching and planning... and hope Elderhostel won't give me much of free time :)

Got the tentative schedule... Looks like I'll have a free evening after dinner on Thursday! I wonder if the dinner will be at 6 or 8 pm... hmm...

Debi, I'll send you an e-mail, it will be from [email protected]

Is the GTG still planned for Thursday the 17th? Where will it be in ABQ?

Girl, we haven't gotten that far as to "where" or "what time" :))

I will be tired after a day-long trip to Santa Fe... no car... can we meet at the Sandia Lounge in the hotel MCM Elegante?

http://www.mcmelegantealbuquerque.com/location.html

That sounds good. If we want to go somewhere else, I can drive - if you don't mind getting in a car with someone you met on the Internet. ;-)

Lee Ann

Faina, will you be eating with your Elder group or do you want to have a dinner GTG??
Deb

All meals are included, and that day our dinner is elsewhere (some Tomatoes??) before we get back from Santa Fe.

I looked at Sandia - it's a bar with a snack menu, so it can be a light dinner or just a drink. We can play by the ear, no?

Now, what time?

(LeeAnn, I will get in a car with you if you are a gorgeous Italian - reference to the Kenya thread in the Lounge :)) )

Sweet Tomatoes most likely; it is a salad bar buffet place.

We can always work out details in a bit. There are so many nice places in ABQ, seems a shame to have to limit ourselves to Elegante. Even going across the street to the Hilton would be a little nicer I think. But then there's Flying Star, always a favorite spot.

Deb

The Flying Star(lette) is 4 miles away :) I just can't picture myself waiting for a bus in a strange (to me) city in the January night's darkness.

Hilton looks very close, on the map it seems I'll have to cross a major highway, or is there an overpass?

I can vouch for the safety of Lee Ann or myself. I also would be happy to drive you.
Deb

Oh, if I can have a ride - no preference then! You guys know better, you choose. Just let me know :)

Deb, I sent you an e-mail yesterday with my name and phone, did you get it?

Deb and Lee Ann -- watch out for Faina, at the 11/10 SF GTG at E Tutto Quo, she only had smiles for Fabio, Gianni, Alberto ... and she rides on top of cars too!!

I also "give away" black eyes when I travel :))

(LeeAnn, I will get in a car with you if you are a gorgeous Italian - reference to the Kenya thread in the Lounge :)) )

I have Italian relatives - does that count? :-D

Lee Ann

Flying Star would be great; there's also a Range Cafe right by Faina's hotel.

Lee Ann

Faina, you have mail.
Deb

Deb, got your mail, thank you!

LeeAnn, yes, Range Cafe (not to be confused with a shooting range ;) ) is very close!

Whatever you gals decide!

When my son was a pre-schooler, he called it "I'llBeQuirky". Have fun Faina!

:) I'm afraid this is how it comes out of my mouth

Well.. Faina is not going :(

Broke a bone in the foot on December 15, and mid-January is too early to go. Even if I can, still to keep up with the groop will not be enjoyable.

Sorry. It's still on my "to go to" list.

I am sorry that you will not be able to take your trip Faina as I know you were so looking forward to it. I hope you can reschedule for later on. Take good care of yourself. And my wishes for you two and your family for a wonderful 2008 with no health problems and a few wonderful trips!

thank you :(

thank you :)

Well, we'll still have SF in March 08!

Health and joy to you and yours Faina.

Deb

Oh, Deb, by that time I'll be up and running! Limping around our apartment already, with the walker and using the heel only on the broken leg, but moving! :)