Albuquerque: Sweet City in the "Land of Enchantment!" Part One (January 31st to February 11th)

 Arriving in town around noonish, I made my way to my first house and pet sitting gig here in Albuquerque (or, simply "ABQ" as it is often written...no surprise there!). I obtained this "job" through a platform called "Trusted House Sitters"-- a site that enables the traveler to find places to stay around the world, in exchange for taking care of the house and whatever pets reside there. Although I am a professional pet sitter and accustomed to being paid, it seems a fair trade when traveling, since I no longer have a "permanent" location for which to advertise/promote my service. The fees I had to pay to become a member were well worth it: if I had to find Airbnbs to stay in (anywhere in the U.S.), I would have to spend hundreds of dollars per month. In short, I am MOST grateful for this brilliant arrangement!

Both of these rescue dogs are the canine children of Marie, a most lovely and generous woman who lives in the sweet, clean and well-organized house in which I gratefully landed. The location was good: not far from Trader Joe's, a car wash (was great to get my dirty Dharmini thoroughly cleaned!), and Metro-by-T-Mobile (had to exchange my damaged phone for a new one.)  So... I felt blessed indeed! I settled in happily for the 12 day stay. (Although Marie would only be out of town for 9 days, she was kind enough to let me come a day early and stay 2 days after her return. What a great gal! Just one of the loveliest young women I could hope to meet!)

Both rescues, Maya is a mixed-breed mutt; Mitchell, a rather sad-looking chihuahuah. He is blind in his left eye, and as is typical of the breed, very hyper with a high-pitched bark...definitely NOT a fave of mine! Maya, on the other hand, was mellow and quite sweet.  


Her front window faced the Sandia Mountains to the east of town, and I was graced with some fabulous sunrises like this one. 


One great thing about the desert--always--is the frequency of beautiful skies! ABQ is considered "high desert"-- situated, as it is, at 5,312 feet. It is the highest metropolitan city in America. 


Next up: Second Trusted House Sitters gig for CATS-- LOTS of them!!!-- near the Old Town of ABQ!







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