I always spent my vacations anywhere but the US, but this pandemic has constrained my explorations to these United States. While I’d still much prefer to spend my vacations elsewhere, I have learned that if you stay away from the uniquely American soullessness of suburban drab, the diversity and beauty of nature you could experience here is incredible. New Mexico, in particular, where we spent around three months, has stunning landscape like nothing I have experienced before: Northern New Mexico has high desert climate, cacti, piñon pines and never-ending vistas.

Additionally, Santa Fe, a city of less than 100,000 people and 37 sq mi land area, with a population density of 1,621.25/sq mi – New York City has a population density of 27,755.25/sq mi – seems incredibly progressive. New York City has pretty good mask compliance compared to largely retrograde parts of the country like Wyoming or South Dakota, but compliance with the governor’s orders in Santa Fe puts even NYC to shame!