Further Advemtures of Route D

June 28th Route D had the most enviable place to stop on the friendshipment, Las Vegas, New Mexico. Sited on a plateau 6,400 feet above sea level, Las Vegas is above the oppressive heat and remains lush and green despite the draught.
But the reason to go is the people. Many families have been in the town for 5 generations to forever. Community spirit defines Las Vegas as much as the unique family owned businesses and the colorful history of the Sante Fe Trail. They have extended their community spirit to their sister city, Banes, and to recruiting students for the Latin America School of Medicine.
Our host, Miguel Angel, a retired professor of ethnic studies who lives in the adobe house his grandfather built, is exactly the man to introduce you to Las Vegas and to the hospitality that makes you sorry to leave. Our event with the sister city project was as much about entertaining us as hearing us. After the event, our hosts drove us to the hot springs just east of town.
With another wonderful meal under our belts we left early next morning to make our press conference in Amarillo, Texas, then on to converge with other routes.