Thursday, December 29, 2011

NM Sojourn, So Far

Spending time with my sisters, particularly Michelle. It's a work week for folks, so not as much time as desired, but still, some.

Still following 'Breaking Bad' filming locations. Mid-afternoon yesterday, I finally met 'Walldruggie', whose original photo posts regarding the show inspired me to do the same. Great conversation! Great fun!

In the morning, I visited the strange, many-windowed white building where Saul rendezvoused with Walt late in Season 4. What an unusual place! Well-built; lovingly-built, but now in ruin. It has the institutional character of a youth hostel, with rooms above and kitchen and living area below, but little touches (it sits adjacent to modern facilities for troubled youth; fortified windows on the rooms above) suggest it may have had some correctional purpose at some time. 'Waldruggie' said someone who worked nearby told her it was once a girl's school. That is an interesting hypothesis. The building bears a faded label: if I recall, 'Book Alliance Program'. So, the building has probably had several incarnations over the year. In any event, it seems unique, which makes it sad it is now so desolate.

Tried to eat breakfast at Loyola's Restaurant, but the family restaurant was closed for the holiday week, so ate at the University Denny's instead, in Walt and Jesse's booth. Recent upholstery upgrade makes the booth nearly too tight to slip into.

Wandered briefly around Gibson Hospital until I attracted the attention of security. Photographed bus stop on Gibson. Got mixed up regarding roads near airport.

Ended up driving around Q Studios: e.g., Pavilion parking lot. Headed west on Los Picaros Drive to loop around and go east into Tijeras Arroyo, but stymied by a closed road barrier (weird doings afoot). Saw an open gate and went onto a sandy, steep dirt road, but had to abandon the four-wheel fun because the chance of being trapped was too high. Tried to find alternative road into Tijeras Arroyo, but failed.

Left the area and went to Martin Road, and went Los Pollos Hermanos (aka Twisters) on Isleta Blvd. A family from Ohio was posing at the Los Pollos Hermanos wall painting inside the restaurant. I smiled. They explained they came because of the connection with the TV show. One (Michelle from Ohio) was a confirmed 'Breaking Bad' fan. I introduced myself and said I kept a 'Breaking Bad' film locations web site. To my surprise, she recognized me. Great time!

Met 'Waldruggie' at Barelas Cafe. We had planned to visit the Mexican field hospital site, but I explained we might have trouble because I had passed by the location and the gate was closed. Nevertheless, on the return trip, the gate was mysteriously open. So we drove on-site and snapped only just a few photos when Irritated Guys In A Large Cab Pickup Truck Towing A Horse Trailer showed up. I quickly explained what we were doing to Irritated Guy #1, and we were firmly escorted from the property.

Afterwards, 'Waldruggie' showed me Jerry's Market, where Walt Goes Naked in Season 2. I've been looking for that place for 1.5 years! Then I showed her River Park in Los Lunas, where Hank did his clumsy RV Surveillance! Great time for us both! On Friday, we will meet again and try to sleuth out where Mike's Bar is located. I think downtown, but 'Waldruggie' suspects the vicinity of Eubank & Central.

Ate dinner with sisters & Ken at Sweet Tomatoes. Afterwards, saw Bruce and Richel. Watched Gabriel Iglesias' 'Live From El Paso' DVD. Funny guy!

And after that, a few snaps of the Mesa Verde Apartment Complex (where Victor catches Jesse in the opening of Season 4).

Today, will head towards San Ysidro. Go Northwest, young man!

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