Monday, December 17, 2007

Space Travel - New Mexico

Spaceport America is scheduled to open for business in mid 2010. Those anticipating the thrill of outer space travel can start preparing, as plans continue toward completing the world's first spaceport.

In December 2005, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Virgin Galactic's Richard Branson, announced they would partner to build the Southwestern Regional Spaceport. Virgin Galactic will locate its world headquarters and mission control in the remote sandy desert of Upham, New Mexico, near the U.S. Army’s White Sands missile base.

SpaceShipTwo and White Knight Two motherships are under development by The Spaceship Company in Mojave, California and will carry the passengers skyward before release.

The dream of taking a trip to outer space is less than 2 years away and as it approaches, we will wait and see how affordable it becomes. Tickets were projected to cost $200,000.

Frontier Airlines to Fly to Puerto Vallarta from Albuquerque

There is now a non-stop service between Albuquerque and Puerto Vallarta. Flights are currently scheduled for Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday. So if you're looking for a fast, affordable tropical getaway, Albuquerque's Sunport International Airport and Puerto Vallarta's Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, also called Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Vallarta have this new service available for us.

Remember, Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport only allows smoking in certain areas, so look for the smoking signs. You'll get arrested if you smoke where not allowed or take pictures or videos inside or outside of the airport.

Depending on what day of the week you go and how many are traveling, airfares start at $390 to $1050. Think of it, no transfers or layovers, a straight shot to the sunny coast of Mexico.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Albuquerque - High Desert City

Those retiring or transferring to Albuquerque will find a dry climate. Most rainfall occurs during March and December. Winter months can mean either rainfall or snow. The snow typically melts by late afternoon. With the exception of the 100-year record-breaking snows of 2006, snow is usually seen up on the Sandia Mountains. Expect to see nightfall temperatures during winter in the 20 to 30 degree range, which will seem mild to those coming from the Midwest.

Albuquerque's elevation, greater than Denver, Colorado (Mile High City) will take a few weeks to get used to. Headaches and shortness of breath at first may be experienced by those not used to higher elevations. Allow for a transition time to acclimate. Keep fresh water with you at all times traveling in and around New Mexico and keep a good stock of skin lotion. The low dew points will dry your skin and prompt your thirst buds unexpectedly.

Those migrating to Albuquerque will experience a physical rejuvenation. Low dew points will mean more freedom of movement for those suffering from arthritis, gout or general stiffness in joints, usually experienced in humid areas of the country.

Expect to nourish yourself with an abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables from local organic farms and anticipate the treat of green chilies for the first time if you haven't already had the pleasure. Albuquerque has a plethora of fine restaurants and eateries allowing for a full range of local cuisine to the exotic.

Special attractions from the World's Longest Tram to the International Hot Air Balloon Festival every October, bring visitors from all around the world. The Rio Grande River flows abundantly throughout the city and special walkways and paths are devoted exclusively for enjoying it's beauty. Skiing, snowboarding and skating can be enjoyed by those so inclined up on the mountain. For the non-sport enthusiast, Albuquerque has many art galleries, wonderful activity filled community centers, museums, and university events through it's many theatres.

Albuquerque is a progressive city. Ideas for improvements are always on the board. It is one of the cleanest cities you will discover and very refreshing to the eyes. Art has a strong influence throughout the city. It is visible everywhere, from the freeway overpasses to center boulevards. The city takes great pride in representing local artisans.

Hollywood has taken a keen eye toward Albuquerque, building the new $74 million, 50-acre, film and TV studio, south of the Albuquerque International Sunport. Movies are being made on the local streets, downtown and out at the new studios. Casting calls are creating a new shift in demand from the local talent pool.

Real Estate values are escalating rapidly, although sales have slowed temporarily. There are plenty of condo, retirement villages and planned communities already in place with more on the horizon. Albuquerque is indeed the last of the western frontiers.

The Land of Enchantment

Welcome to Albuquerque, New Mexico!

Ventured here 4 years ago, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since then the landscape has changed immensely. With the lion-share of baby boomers retiring in 2010, Albuquerque is no longer the 'sleeper' state. People are moving out here in droves. It's a sea of roof-tops in Phoenix, Arizona, so New Mexico and specifically, Albuquerque has become the last frontier.

The West Mesa (west of the Rio Grande River) has expanded 10 fold in the last 4 years alone. Although the real estate market put on the skids this last fall, homes are still selling. Builders are feeling the crunch, but it can't be that bad, as new neighborhoods are still springing up over-night.

Now would be the perfect time to purchase that retirement nest or transfer here to grab something up while the prices are right. If you're planning a vacation soon, come to Albuquerque and experience the sky Georgia O'Keeffe discovered, witness the awe-inspiring sunsets for yourself, and become entranced at the mountains spread before you.