Straddling the Rio Grande River deep within the borders of the state of New Mexico lays a unique and exciting city known as Albuquerque. Albuquerque is the largest city in the state with a population exceeding 450,000 people. It is also New Mexico’s fastest growing and most popular city.
Albuquerque was originally founded in 1706. Because of its location in the southern part of the United States, it was strongly influenced by the Spanish settlers. It was named after Don Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, Duke of Alburquerque. Don Francisco was a popular Spanish viceroy from 1653-1660. (The first r in Albuquerque was dropped in the 19th century to facilitate pronunciation).
Albuquerque is a unique city because it is a mixture of Hispanic, Anglo, and Native American cultures. It is place where different cultures combine to create an atmosphere like no other place on Earth. It is also a city where old meets new. One can see very modern ideas and concepts intertwined with antique and vintage memories. All of this together makes Albuquerque one of the most interesting cities in the United States.
Visitors come to Albuquerque to enjoy its many attractions or to visit the beautiful Sandia Mountains. Because of the Native American influences on Albuquerque, there are many museums, parks, and other events that display and tell the history of the many Indian tribes that once flourished in and around Albuquerque. Camping and hiking in the Sandia Mountains is also a popular activity for Albuquerque visitors. The climate in Albuquerque is very hot and dry, so outdoor activities are not always a very popular choice for many visitors. However, there are several places with air conditioning for visitors such as museums, restaurants, and shopping.
Albuquerque is also home of the University of New Mexico. This is a very fine university that offers students a quality education in a wide array of majors and minors. It is large university covering over 600 acres near the famous Route 66. The University of New Mexico is just as unique as the city where it is located.
Albuquerque is a very large city and there is a lot of traffic around the clock. One of the largest problems in Albuquerque is the fact that many motorist drive drunk. Drinking and driving has recently escalated to the point of forcing law enforcement officials to create new laws. Now in Albuquerque, if one is stopped and charged for drinking and driving their car is sold; and if the drunk driver is ever permitted to drive again, an automatic breathalyzer is installed in their car and required each time before the car ignition will turn over. Car hire agencies in Albuquerque prohibit drivers from drinking and driving. They always inform all of their clients of the strict driving laws that are always enforced in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. There is a drunk driving hotline that one can call if they spot a drunk driver or need assistance with the issue. The number is 1-877-DWI-HALT. (1-877-394-4258). Other than the drinking and driving laws, all of the other driving laws in Albuquerque are the same as other places throughout the USA |
