Old friends from far away

One of the highlights of the whole vacation was a very unexpected quick visit from Ameet, one of my best friends. We met long ago in 4th grade on the frozen tundra of a North Dakota playground, both hiding behind the same snow drift as the rest the class threw snow balls at us. You see we were both social outcasts there, both new to the town (in a town where almost no one ever moves to) and he was brown and I was a big nerd. Instant pariahs. But we have been great friends ever since despite not living in the same place for over 20 years. [Linguistic side note: what do you call your friend of the longest duration? Not oldest friend as he is the same age as me? Something else? Longest? Is there some magic word that I am missing?]

He brought his new girlfriend out for a visit to meet us and to see New Mexico. They are both from Chicago and so were used to the cold, but they also brought the cold weather with them and while here it was very cold for NM only getting into the 20s during the day. Despite this we had a good time and went up to the top of Sandia Peak via the tram, headed up to Santa Fe for the day to do some sightseeing, and eating a lot of nice meals together.



Pictures from the tram ride up - this place is beautiful!

We both always enjoy playing tourists, as we get to do things that normally we wouldn't do. It is also fun to see NM through the eyes of visitors and with people not from here to see their opinion. It always make me like NM even more.


The basilica in SF still decorated for Christmas.

All told a very nice visit. One of the great things about our friendship is that whenever we are together it is like we were never apart. Despite the years and distance, we still have a great friendship and I really enjoyed their visit here!