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Day 1: Getting There


I have arrived. Through the turbulence of my flight, the continuous threat of a bad rainstorm driving in my rental car, the menace of my phone slash GPS slash lifeline dying and leaving me with no direction, and the constant fear that I would just zip down the treacherous but magnificent curves of the mountain (having never driven mountainside before), past all of that, I finally made it.
            Though my travel must have lasted only about 5 hours (approximately 2 hours flying, 3 hours driving), I arrived in such a tired state. For all my fatigue, the beauty of this place did not go past me. In fact, it was one of my dangers as I was driving; I must confess it was sometimes difficult to keep my eyes on the road as they were too busy consuming the loveliness of the vista. In addition, my rental company had given me a complimentary upgrade to a 2018 Chevy Impala. Imagine that, in a sleek, black car, shades on, beautiful view by my side, just me, myself, and I. Pretty badass.
            You must be asking yourself “Where are you and what are you doing there?” Well, I can answer that. I’m in the quaint, little pueblito town of Taos, New Mexico, 7,400 feet high up in the mountains. I’m on a Writer’s Retreat with SMU-in-Taos. I came here for some quiet, alone time and to lose myself in deep thought and reflection before returning to the bustling tempo of modern day life. I’ve been meaning to get back to writing longer than I care to share and this was the perfect opportunity to push past the fear of writer’s block. It also helps tremendously that this place is designed as a “grown-up” campground, suited with a dining hall, bunk beds, and an endless possibility of trails. It reminds me of the time I came onboard as a chaperone to my then 10-year-old brother’s overnight camping trip. The ambiance was beautiful and inspiring then and it is beautiful and inspiring now. 
          I’m certain the natural charm of this place will serve as my medicine for good writing. The next 4 days are going to be so splendid. I can’t wait to see and write about it all. And you can read all about it here. Who knows? You might be the next one to experience this breathtaking journey.












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Location: Taos, NM 87571, USA

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