"Get your kicks, on Route 66" Albuquerque by Cruiseone2003

Albuquerque has some history behind it, discovered over 500 years ago by Spain, originally it was named New Spain or Nueva Espana, then was a part of Mexico, eventually becoming a U.S. Territory and finally at state in 1912. Many people, including my family are decendents of the Spanish but since a few centuries have passed we've assimilated and formed our own culture. Native Americans were the first people to live in New Mexico and are still a large part of the population. There is also a large caucasian population throughout the state. Spanish is still widely spoken by the Latino community but everyone will speak English too. Our food is just as diverse, "Red or Green?" is a common question asked when dining in a restaurant serving New Mexican Cuisine, these are our two chiles that are very common and served with staples like Enchiladas, Tamales, Posole or anthing for that matter. You can even get diced green chile on a Big Mac at McDonalds or a Pizza!
Route 66 is a famous road that moved people from East to West before highways were built. You can still travel on Route 66 but it's much slower than the highway but certainly more intereresting. Route 66 will give you a good look at what traveling by car was like back in the day.

Moon resting on a balloon.

In my opinion, the New Mexico Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is the best event to see in Albuquerque. I love to take photos and this is a photographers dream. The Fiesta takes place in early October when it's cool and hardly any wind which makes perfect ballooning conditions. You get up before sunup, get to the area just North of Albuquerque and see the owners slowly inflate the balloons. Just as the sun is rising over the Sandia Mountains the first wave of 250 balloons takes off. Once they get off the ground, the second wave are assembled and take off shortly thereafer. Seeing over 500 balloons over the Albuquerque skyline is a sight to be seen!