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New Mexico

I flew to Albuquerque yesterday.... modern gypsy travel.   I had a layover in Dallas that was extended due to lightening.  I've been considering flying more, but now I'm not so sure.  With the delays and having to arrive early at the airport I really didn't save much time over driving.  I think sitting at an airport is just about as tiring as driving.  So, I may go back to driving.  I feel fortunate to live in the middle of the country.  It's a great starting point for just about any trip.

I'm spending 3 nights in Albuquerque, 3 in Santa Fe and 3 in Taos.  I'm so excited to explore New Mexico.  I took this picture of "well I'm not sure what it is" at an airport shop.  Reminder that I'm in New Mexico...but man is that weird.

Tomorrow I'll be at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (link).
I'm thrilled that a friend of a friend has arranged it so I get to help with one of the balloons!!  And I might get to go up!!!  The thought of being that far up is a little (very) scary but who can pass up a once in a lifetime opportunity like that.  Thank you Jeff T. for making this happen!! 
Because of the Fiesta, car rental prices at the airport were crazy high.  So I decided to do another first - use Lyft and Uber while I'm in Albuquerque. When I landed I put my Airbnb host's address in the app and in no time my ride showed up.  My driver was very nice and we chatted the entire trip.  He assured me that I won't have any trouble getting a ride while I'm here.  Apparently lots of new drivers for the Fiesta.

I'm picking up a rental car on Thursday at an off airport location.  By opting to delay the rental I saved enough to pay for all of my Airbnb's and maybe my Lyft/Uber rides.  But I'm sure missing my car! 

Excited to go explore the city today.  But I'll need to get to bed early, tomorrow is another alarm clock day.  Ugh - I hate alarm clocks!  We balloonist (Ha!) have to get up very early!  We're meeting at 5:00 AM to drive to the Fiesta to get the balloon ready.  How cool will that be! 

Gypsy Jackie

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