“I have come to believe that having a good life amounts to creating a tapestry of priceless moments and memories.” This quote from newspaper columnist, John W. Fountain, is an appropriate way to begin our invitation to all of you to join us on the next Alumnae Trip when we visit the Land of Enchantment in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Having fun and sharing good times with old and new friends will add to our life tapestry of memories. There are so many places to visit and sights to see in Albuquerque and Santa Fe that it was hard to plan activities for just a few short days. Some of you may want to come early or stay longer!
The May/June issue of Continuum will contain the cost, itinerary, and Trip Registration Form.
Special group rates at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town will be available for three days before and after the trip dates. The reduced rate is $99 (plus tax) per night for double occupancy. Our Group code is 1310ALUMNA. For more hotel information or to make your room reservation, go to www.hotelabq.com or call the hotel at 505-843-6300 or at 1-800-237-2133.
Tentative itinerary, updated May 1, 2013
Thursday, October 24
3:00 p.m. Hotel Check-in. If you arrive earlier, you can walk to Old Town for a look at some shops and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts may want to visit the nearby Rio Grande Nature Center for a short hike (1.7 miles) along the Rio Grande River or visit the Petroglyph National Monument. There are hiking trails that wind through ancient rock carvings and volcanic geological formations. Those who want to self-organize these nature hikes can contact Pam at poselka1945@att.net for more information. Hikes will not be included in our Trip Itinerary.
4:00-6:00 p.m. Attendees pick up Registration Packets in the Club Level Lounge, a Hospitality Room set aside for our use throughout our stay.
6:30-9:30 p.m. Fireplace Room at Hotel Albuquerque. We will enjoy a Welcome Dinner together as we share something special about ourselves in order to get to know one another better.
Friday, October 25
9:00 a.m. The traditional We Remember ceremony gives recognition to Leaders who have passed away in recent years. Be sure that any names of deceased Leaders from your area are included by checking this page or send names to dereszyn@verizon.net
10:00 a.m. Get an overview of Albuquerque by taking a 90-minute Trolley Tour to see the highlights of this beautiful city and drop us off at the Plaza in Old Town.
12:30 p.m. Lunch together at La Placita, a historic restaurant in Old Town featuring traditional New Mexican cuisine.
2:00-3:30 p.m. Walk to the nearby Albuquerque Museum of Art and History for a 30-minute guided tour. After that, enjoy some free time to visit the shops and galleries in Old Town.
Dinner on your own.
7:30 p.m. Evening entertainment, not yet scheduled.
Saturday, October 26
Attendees register for one choice on Saturday’s agenda: Travel to Santa Fe or to the Albuquerque BioPark.
8:00 a.m. Option 1. Leave the hotel for a trip to Santa Fe via Rail Runner Express. Enjoy a 30-minute Trolley Tour to see the highlights of this historic city which has been the Capital of New Mexico for more than 400 years. Visit Loretto Chapel and the Palace of the Governors. We will be dropped off at the Plaza to have lunch together at one of the many historic restaurants with free time afterwards to visit the shops and art galleries. Return to Albuquerque via Rail Runner Express in the late afternoon.
9:30 a.m. Option 2. A chartered van will pick up the Alums to visit the nearby Albuquerque BioPark, where the Albuquerque Zoo, Aquarium, and Botanical Gardens are located. A sightseeing train takes you around the park with “on and off” privileges so you can select where you want to spend your time. Lunch will be on your own. The group will return to Hotel Albuquerque in the late afternoon.
6:00 p.m. Dinner on your own.
8:00 p.m. A Special Alumnae Variety Show is planned for our evening’s entertainment. Refreshments will be served to add to our enjoyment!
Sunday, October 27
9:00 a.m. Brunch together in the Fireplace Room with a Brainstorming Session so that all the Alums can contribute ideas and suggestions for the future.
1:00 p.m. A chartered van will take us to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to see the unique cultural art displays, watch a demonstration of Native American dancing, and learn more about Native American history. Lunch will be on your own in the Pueblo Harvest Cafe. We will return to the Hotel Albuquerque in the late afternoon.
6:30 p.m. Get together one last time for a Wine Tasting and Dinner at the St. Clair Winery, which is within walking distance from the hotel.
Monday, October 28
Hotel check-out and good-byes.
Those of us on the Alumnae Council have been excited about planning this trip! Everyone has participated in the trip planning decisions. Judy Torgus has taken the lead in making the arrangements with help from Fran Dereszynski and Edna Kelly. We are all pleased that Phoebe Kerness will be acting as a trip consultant for us and making the arrangements for those who want to stay in Albuquerque on Saturday instead of visiting Santa Fe. Phoebe was the Trip Planner for the Alumnae trips to Savannah, Georgia; San Antonio, Texas; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Pam Bridgmon and Joan Meyer, Alums from Tucson, Arizona, will coordinate the special variety show featuring talented Alums on Saturday evening. Contact Pam at pam.bridgmon@gmail.com or Joan at Cjmeyer40@aol.com if you have a special musical talent you’d like to share.
Some have asked if the LLL co-Founders will join us in Albuquerque as they did in St Augustine in 201l. The answer is “We hope so!” All four co-Founders have been invited and the Alumnae Association is coordinating donations to pay their expenses. You can donate here.
The Land of Enchantment is waiting for us! Add these special moments to your life tapestry of memories by joining old and new friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 24 to 28, 2013. We look forward to seeing you!
