New Mexico: Day #5

Tuesday was our last full day in Albuquerque. Sarah took the day off to spend with us at the Rio Grande Zoo, Garden and Aquarium. It was a great bargain at $12.00 a person for a combo ticket.

KC was mesmerized with the flamingos.

Jon and Sarah, who were both Peace Corps Volunteers in Mali smiled to see the African exhibit.

The zoo keeper told us that the zebra foal had been born during the night. It was still getting acclimated to his new environment.

Jon, Sarah and Tif had made lunches for us to enjoy at the zoo.

After enjoying the zoo's animals and train ride, we went to the Gardens. There was a children's garden that had a giant pumpkin, bee, ants and spider.

Sarah took a photo of the four of us.

The arboretum had an Insect and Desert World.

We were impressed with the zoo and gardens!

We could smell roses everywhere.

They filled a large bird bath like stone container with black water and filled it with flowers. The effect was lovely.

The farm had a vineyard and animals. KC continued sleeping. She napped for a couple of hours while we were at the garden.

Of course.... we did need to see the Japanese Garden.

Seeing as we have just come from seeing the three major gardens in Japan, we could see that these gardens had a more southwestern flavor... maybe an Eastern southwestern flavor.

The Aquarium was nicer than we expected.

KC did not want to leave. She kept pointing out the different fishes in the huge aquarium tank.

After our fun day at the zoo, aquarium and garden we went to the University of New Mexico to see where Jon's classes were.

The campus also had a wonderful Southwestern feel.

Tiffany treated us all to dinner at Flying Star which is a well-known Albuquerque eatery.



It was truly a wonderful day, and we're sad about leaving to return to Chicago today. We're leaving out of the Albuquerque International Sunport... not the Airport, but the Sunport. They must not fly out at night.