We have been enjoying our time in Albuquerque. Each night brings another sunset. Some are soft and quiet.
Others make you sit up and pay attention.
Each day we find new places to go and new things to do.
I love unusual and quirky things and who wouldn't love a house guarded by dinosaurs?
It only seems appropriate that a house from the future should be guarded by animals from the past. This is called the Spaceship House.
This house is in Albuquerque's Nob Hill District and was designed by Bart Prince, a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Mr. Prince built it in 1983 as his residence and studio. This tower that was added in 1990 is a library and storage for his design drawings. William Shatner dropped by one day and rang the doorbell and said "Beam me up Scotty" and Mr. Prince said he would if he could.
Mr. Prince is known for creating remarkable residences throughout the Southwest and beyond.
Many of his homes have been featured in Architectural Digest.
He also designed and built this structure next door that he uses as additional studio space. Notice the perfectly normal house on the right.
I loved both of them but Walt not so much. I appreciate that he is so willing to drive me to all of these crazy things I want to see.
We continued to explore the Nob Hill area. It is a neighborhood that was developed in the 1920's and at it's core is Central Avenue that was part of the original Route 66.
It was a booming area that saw it's decline start in the 1960's.
It is now experiencing revitalization thanks to a growing appreciation of the neighborhood's unique character and Route 66-era history.
They are promoting the Route 66 theme in the area.
There is construction going on for Rapid Transit installation and parking seems to be a problem but retail, restaurants and art galleries seem to be doing well.
We had lunch at Kelly's. It is a diner that has been established in the historic Jones Motor Company building on Central Avenue in Nob Hill.
In 1939, Ralph Jones commissioned the construction of a Ford dealership and service station.
Designed in the Streamline Moderne style, this building was considered one of the most modern facilities in the west at the time. Its position on the corner allowed cars access to the gas pumps from two sides while the large curved front window afforded passing motorists a view of the latest Ford automobiles.
The food was delicious and the decor was fun.
An afternoon was spent strolling around the Plaza in Old Albuquerque. It was a sunny day and the plants were green and the flowers colorful.
I have been reading recently about the discovery of the wanderlust gene.
Scientists have found a gene that controls motivation and behavior-affecting dopamine levels in the brain that causes restlessness for individuals who travel to their own accord.
Other studies conclude that individuals with the "wanderlust gene" have "a specific passion to travel."
The DRD4-7r variant of genes is confirmed by scientists as the "Wanderlust Gene."
The DRD4-7r means individuals who have this gene variant need bigger amounts of dopamine to keep warm and happy. That means doing grander, exciting activities often found during vacations and travels.
It seems I must have that gene. I am sure it was directly inherited from my Dad.
I am not sure if Walt has that gene but am wondering when they will start research to find out if there is a gene that makes him want to get out on the road and drive.
I am so thankful that we have interests that coincide and that we are having such a great time in this lifestyle we have chosen.
Simple things like wandering around Old Town makes a great day for us.
The conclusion to what I've read about the DRD4 gene is DRD4, or even genetics as a whole, won’t be what gets us out the door. But, get out the door we did.
Another day was spent heading into downtown Albuquerque.
Like downtown Phoenix Albuquerque is laid out on a grid so it is easy to find your way around.
Our destination this day was to the Albuquerque Convention Center.
It is a very large facility decorated with tile art on the outside.
Covering two huge showrooms was the New Mexico International Auto Show.
It was filled with hundreds of cars and trucks.
The vehicles included Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Jeep, Ram, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche,Volvo, Acura, Cadillac and Lincoln.
Some were just for fun.
Some were just plain cute.
Some were made for speed.
Some were green.
Some were greener.
Some were made just for the kids.
But only one made Walt go AAAAH.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So the journey to a new Navigator would have to begin with winning the lottery or going back to work!
He may be thinking "money can't buy happiness but it would be better to cry in a Navigator."