Las Vegas without slot machines

June 6, 2017

We leave Tucumcari towards Las Vegas. Not Las Vegas, Nevada, but the town of the same name in New Mexico, which is the original, as assured by a road worker. But we're not there yet. First, we have to drive two hundred miles through the desert, we can practically see the destination at the end of the road. The weather is changeable and it looks like it's going to rain any moment here in the desert.

But then the sky clears. In the middle of nowhere, it suddenly feels like Christmas, one of the many thorny shrubs apparently serves as a Christmas tree all year round. Another attraction is a combination of a gas station, sheriff's office, store, and post office. We refuel. A good decision. It was the last gas station for 100 km. Very discreetly, a ranch gate with a huge brand is placed.

Las Vegas in New Mexico is pretty unknown to us. But the town feels familiar right away. No wonder! About 100 films have been shot here, including Easy Rider. There are 900 listed buildings in contiguous streets and everything is conveniently close together. Our favorite is an authentic diner with brightly colored furniture. However, we eat elsewhere, rather un-American, although the restaurant is located in a beautiful old typical hotel. The cuisine is exceptional and good. American standards are varied with European ingredients at "El Fidel".

We had parked in front of a workshop and I asked if we could stay on the street. This led to a nice encounter. The workshop owner restores old American cars from the 50s. A 1955 Chevy convertible was the current project. He proudly showed us his cars, all treasures. Then he took us into an incredible world of collector's items from the last 100 years. Apparently, the deceased brother had collected everything for a future store project that was never completed. The items are worth millions without exaggeration. Three cars from the 30s and a 1928 Chevy are priceless alone. In addition, there are hundreds of original packaged matchbox cars, bicycles, mopeds, pictures, and dolls. Enough selection to fill five stores crammed into two large garages and stacked on top of each other.

For the drive to Santa Fe, I asked the navigation system for an alternative route. The GPS said, 'Yes, Sir!' and sent us on a 60 km gravel road through open cow pastures and streams. The four-legged residents looked somewhat annoyed. Ninety minutes at a leisurely pace with lots of scenery. The rabbits with their 30cm long ears had enough time to escape.

We were then glad to have arrived at our overnight quarters in Santa Fe without a flat tire, axle breakage, or fallen furniture.