Safe Places- Albuquerque

May 26, 1:02 PMApocalypse ExaminerWyatt Shev

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Albuquerque, New Mexico- your one-stop post-apocalyptic destination

In my recent article Safe Places, I raised that age-old question- if you could select from absolutely any conceivable destination, where would you choose to spend the End of Days?

I chose the open seas, far away from the growing zombie menace. But what do I know, right? My idea of a world tour is to hit four or more casinos in one night in Las Vegas. So I consulted the experts- the Travel Examiners.

Neala Schwartzberg, the Albuquerque Travel Examiner, is the first to give us her opinion. Check out her report below.

Neala Schwartzberg has been a freelance writer and editor for almost 30
years covering everything from child development and health to offbeat
travel. A born and raised New Yorker, she now makes her home in
Albuquerque, New Mexico. You can read more of her writing at
http://www.offbeattravel.com and
http://www.examiner.com/x-1972-Albuquerque-Travel-Examiner

                                              Looking for a Post Apocalypse City - try Albuquerque

When Apocalypse Examiner Wyatt Shev first posed the question - Do you think your city (Albuquerque) would be a suitable place to survive the Apocalypse? My first thought was we probably wouldn’t survive at all, with the city being home to both Kirkland Airforce Base and Sandia Labs. But, if we weren’t nuked into oblivion, would it be a good place to live after Armageddon? Yes, I think it would.

My first thought was to recommend heading up to the pine woods and streams of the east side of the Sandias. There’s game, water, wood. It’s well over a mile above sea level and it would be easy to outrun anyone not used to the altitude. Seemed to make a bit of sense. But what do I know, I’ve always been a city gal.

Then, I realized it’s the North Valley of Albuquerque that would make the perfect place.

First, there are some really lovely houses there (with lovely furniture and great art) and why not survive the Apocalypse in style? Then, there’s the Rio Grande. Although it’s a kind of muddy stream here in the city, with any luck the turmoil of the disaster would bust a dam and release enough water to have a small river, not only to water the crops, but actually become home to fish. There’s also agriculture in the area, and it could be expanded. The North Valley also has its own well water, so we wouldn’t have to rely on receiving rain (you could die of thirst waiting for rain here in the desert), or drinking river water.

There’s a long growing season, and we’re prone to very few weather-related disasters. No earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes.

The Sandia Pueblo raises buffalo and perhaps they’d be willing to trade for a breeding pair. I know the last time white folks traded with them it didn’t go well, but they appear to have forgiven us. I personally promise to be a better trading partner. When surveying early American history, I’m always glad to be able to say, “heck, it wasn’t me – my ancestors were back in Eastern Europe, busy trying to avoid the pogroms.”

Would this be my first choice? Perhaps not. Although Albuquerque would be a good place to start to rebuild civilization, I’d prefer to be in Hanalei on the isle of Kauai, one of the Hawaiian island. It’s gorgeous and has plenty of water and fishing. The weather is mild all year long. It has a protected bay. Further inland are fertile fields. And did I mention it’s gorgeous? And why would I want to rejoin any civilization stupid enough to try to blow itself up? Nah, if I survive, you’ll find me walking along the water, picking up rocks and shells.

Thanks Neala! More reports from Travel Examiners to come... keep your browsers pointed here, people.

There are now only 1304 days left until the End of the World.