Are you a true New Mexican when your family roots stretch down through this earth for generations? Or when you first set eyes on the Land of Enchantment and can finally exhale, because this is where you’re supposed to be? Only you can answer the question of whether or not you’re a true New Mexican. However, those who call this state home often have these 20 shared experiences in common.
1. You've been caught in a monsoon...
...And been so grateful for the rain.
2. You've watched massive globes of hail tumble from the sky...
...In April.
3. You've seen our state bird.
Roadrunners are fairly elusive but, if you live here for long enough, you'll spot one. They're much tougher than they look; they can take on a rattlesnake and win.
4. You've encountered a rattlesnake.
If you didn't want to get close enough to figure out if it was a rattler or a bullsnake, fair enough.
5. You've hiked in the mountains.
Bonus points for reaching the summit.
6. You've bounced along a dirt road in the middle of nowhere.
How else are you supposed to test your car's suspension?
7. You've spent a night somewhere without light pollution...
...And admired a sky like this.
8. You've been to a ghost town.
If not, what are you waiting for? New Mexico has loads of cool
ghost towns.
9. You've descended into the depths of Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
10. You've seen the Rio Grande.
11. Your bare feet have sunk into the dunes at White Sands National Monument.
Bonus points if you went sledding (it's allowed).
12. You've been to at least one of New Mexico's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Choose from Taos Pueblo, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, or the aforementioned Carlsbad Caverns. Bonus points if you've experienced New Mexico's UNESCO trifecta.
13. You've learned why Popé (also spelled Po'pay) was important...
...And about the Pueblo Revolt.
14. You've correctly explained the Zia symbol to someone.
Bonus points if you have it tattooed somewhere on your body!
15. You've had to break it to someone that New Mexico is a part of the United States...
...On more than one occasion.
16. You've embraced the kitsch of Route 66.
It doesn't matter whether you've driven along an original stretch of the Mother Road, eaten at a
Route 66 diner,
or gawped at the old signs in places like Tucumcari. It all counts.
17. You've tried it Christmas style!
18. You've sampled traditional New Mexican dishes...
...Like carne adovada, stuffed sopaipillas, and green chile stew.
19. You equate biscochitos with Christmas.
People living in other states just don't know what they're missing.
20. You've bought freshly roasted chile...
...In bulk!
What would you add to this list? Here are some other activities that you might want to add to your ultimate New Mexico bucket list .
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