Mexico

One of the great things about Elizabeth living in the southwest is the opportunities she has to see more of the country - and other other countries. A few weeks ago, she traveled to El Paso, Texas to meet up with one of her friends. They spent the weekend in Juarez, Mexico - living like locals, as his girlfriend is a resident.

View of Mexico and the border wall from the roof of University of Texas El Paso.

The border crossing.

Elizabeth had crickets for the first time!

Traditional dancers

Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral is located in the Historical Center of Ciudad Juarez. it was consecrated by Father Baudelio Pelayo in 1941 and construction was completed in 1957. It is attached to the old Franciscan mission, founded in the 17th century.

One of the many art galleries they visited.

Pancho Villa. Elizabeth's great grandfather fought against Pancho Villa and during this trip, she learned that her friend's great grandfather fought with Pancho Villa. Small world.

More of the downtown area.

Massive white writing on the mountain in Ciudad Juarez reads "La Biblia es la verdad. Leela" which translate to "The Bible is the truth. Read it". This message was created in 1987 by evangelical pastor Gerardo Bermudez.

The Juarez X that you see when you drive back into El Paso.

Chilequiles Verdes (Mexican breakfast food)

Arizona

Lee recently spent several days in Arizona with his brother and his family in Arizona. They hiked the Seven Falls Trail of the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. The landscape was spectacular, even if the temps (a dry 85 for a New England guy used to low 30s) were a bit warm. The hike was about 9 miles and they narrowly avoided a mishap with a rattle snake. They also spent some time in Tombstone and Bisbee.

Colorado

For their final fall break as students, Elizabeth and her friend Sophia decided to travel to Colorado. They spent five days in Denver and the surrounding area, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, touring the hotel from The Shining, visiting the state capital and taking in a Colorado Avalanche game. They took the train from New Haven to LaGuardia, which was impressive from my perspective, as they had to take a few different trains. Elizabeth really loved Rocky Mountain National Park and all of its glory. 

The State Capitol

The Bruins happened to be playing the Avalanche and the girls were more than happy to take in the game.

Outside the house from The Shining.

Carlsbad Caverns

While she was living in Albuquerque, Elizabeth made a quick day trip to Carlsbad Caverns, checking this incredible national park off of her list. 

New Mexico - Odds and Ends

Some odds and ends from our family time in New Mexico: 

It was 43 degrees when Emily and I left Hartford and 96 degrees when we landed in Albuquerque.

I love O'Hare

Really wish they had these on the East Coast.

Lee and I stayed at a really cool, historic hotel in downtown Albuquerque.