The Ultimate New Mexico Road Trip for Families: 3-Day Itinerary

New Mexico is one of those states where you can experience an incredible variety of landscapes and history within a relatively short road trip. From the brilliant white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park to the adobe architecture of Santa Fe, the unusual volcanic formations of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks, the mountains of Albuquerque, and the UFO history of Roswell, there is something for almost everyone.

If you have only 2 or 3 days in New Mexico, you will have to prioritize. I would personally recommend 3 full days if you want to include most of the places on this list.

This itinerary is designed primarily for travelers flying into Albuquerque and renting a car, but it can easily be adapted if you are driving from Texas, Colorado, or Arizona.

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How to get there?

For this itinerary, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the most convenient airport.

If you are coming from Texas, Colorado, Arizona, or neighboring states, driving is also a great option. New Mexico is particularly well suited for a road trip because many of the attractions are connected by scenic highways.

Tips:

• Start early: This itinerary involves quite a bit of driving, especially on the day you visit White Sands and Roswell.

• Rent a car: A rental car is almost essential for this itinerary. Public transportation will not work well for visiting White Sands, Tent Rocks, and Roswell.

• Check operating days: Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks currently requires reservations and is open Thursday through Monday, with visitors required to enter during the designated morning/early afternoon window and leave by 4 PM. (Bureau of Land Management)

• Check weather and closures: White Sands can occasionally close because of missile testing at the neighboring White Sands Missile Range. (National Park Service)

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Where to stay?

For a 3-day trip, I wouldn't stay in one place for all three nights.

Instead, I recommend something like:

Night 1 – Albuquerque

Night 2 – Santa Fe or Alamogordo

Night 3 – Roswell or Albuquerque, depending on where you are ending your trip.

If you prefer not to change hotels, Albuquerque is the most practical central base for the northern attractions, but you will have a very long drive to White Sands and Roswell.

Budget-friendly accommodation tips

As I mentioned in my Colorado itinerary, I prefer an Airbnb or vacation rental with a kitchen when traveling with family.

Having breakfast at your accommodation and preparing sandwiches/snacks for the road can save quite a bit of money.

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Budget Planning

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Now let's go to the itinerary!

Day 1 – Albuquerque + Santa Fe

I recommend starting your trip in Albuquerque and then driving to Santa Fe later in the day.

Morning – National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

If you are interested in science, history, aviation, or the Space Race, this is one of the most interesting museums in Albuquerque.

The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History explores the history of nuclear science, from the Manhattan Project and Atomic Age to nuclear medicine, energy, and modern applications. There is also an outdoor Heritage Park with aircraft, missiles, and other large artifacts. (National Park Service)

Allow approximately 2–3 hours here.

This is also a great attraction for families because it combines history, science, and large outdoor exhibits.

Our family enjoyed visiting this museum. Here is our travelogue on all the beautiful things in and around Albuquerque. 

Tip: If your family isn't particularly interested in science or military history, you can skip this and use the extra time elsewhere.

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Afternoon – Sandia Peak Tramway

After lunch, head toward the Sandia Mountains.

The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway takes you several thousand feet above Albuquerque and offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding desert landscape. The tram travels about 2.7 miles to the upper mountain terminal. 

Allow about 2 hours for the tram ride, plus time to explore the observation areas and take photos. We drove to the peak as the tram is closed in winter due to high winds. 

View from the peak

The temperature at the top can be considerably cooler than Albuquerque, so bring a jacket even if it is warm in the city. 

Important: The tram currently operates Wednesday through Monday and is closed Tuesdays for scheduled maintenance, although schedules can change. (Sandia Peak)

Sunset option

If your schedule works, try to be at Sandia Peak around sunset.

The Sandia Mountains are especially beautiful when the rocks take on their characteristic pinkish color in the evening.

Old Authentic Mexican Restaurant

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Evening – Drive to Santa Fe

After the tram ride, drive to Santa Fe.

Santa Fe is one of my favorite places to visit in New Mexico because it feels completely different from a typical American city.

Spend the evening walking around:

• Santa Fe Plaza

• Palace of the Governors

• Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

• Canyon Road

• Historic downtown

• Local shops and galleries

Santa Fe's historic downtown is filled with adobe architecture, restaurants, galleries, museums, and shops. 

Read our travelogue of Santa Fe. 

Loretto Chapel

Dinner

This is a great place to try authentic New Mexican cuisine.

Don't leave New Mexico without trying:

• Green chile

• Red chile

• Enchiladas

• Chile rellenos

• Sopapillas

Overnight: Santa Fe

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Day 2 – Santa Fe + Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks

This will be your scenic and cultural day.

Morning – Explore Santa Fe

Start your morning with breakfast and spend a couple of hours exploring the historic center.

If you have time, visit one of Santa Fe's museums.

The city has more than a dozen museums covering art, history, and culture, including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. 

For a short trip, however, I wouldn't try to visit several museums.

Instead, enjoy the Plaza, adobe architecture, shops, and galleries.

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Late Morning / Early Afternoon – Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks

Drive toward Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.

This is one of the most unusual landscapes in New Mexico.

The monument is famous for its cone-shaped volcanic rock formations, some reaching approximately 90 feet high. (Bureau of Land Management)

Important reservation information

This is something you should plan before your trip.

Kasha-Katuwe currently operates:

• Thursday through Monday

• Reservation required

• Entry between approximately 8 AM and 1 PM

• Visitors must leave by 4 PM

• Day-use only

• $6 per person, including the current reservation fee

There are limited reservations, and there are no on-site/day-of tickets. (Bureau of Land Management)

Also, all visitors must first check in at the Cochiti Visitor Center before proceeding to the monument.

How much time do you need?

Plan on approximately 2–3 hours depending on how much hiking you want to do.

The landscape is especially photogenic, so don't rush this stop.

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Afternoon – Start driving south

After Kasha-Katuwe, this is where the itinerary becomes more ambitious.

You have two choices.

Option A – Continue to Alamogordo

If White Sands is your priority, drive south toward Alamogordo and spend the night there.

This makes Day 3 much easier.

Option B – Return to Albuquerque

If you don't want to change hotels, return to Albuquerque.

However, this means Day 3 will involve a very long drive to White Sands and then Roswell, so I strongly prefer Option A.

Overnight: Alamogordo

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Day 3 – White Sands National Park + Roswell

This is the most unusual day of the trip!

Morning – White Sands National Park

Start early and head to White Sands National Park.

The first time you see White Sands, it can be difficult to believe that you are still in the United States.

The park protects the world's largest gypsum dunefield, covering approximately 275 square miles. 

What to do at White Sands

You don't need to spend the entire day here.

For a short itinerary, I would concentrate on:

• Visitor Center

• Dunes Drive

• Walking on the white dunes

• Dune Life Nature Trail

• Photography

• Sand sledding

• Sunset, if your schedule allows

Dunes Drive is an 8-mile scenic drive, or about 16 miles round trip, through the heart of the dunes.

Don't forget a sled!

One of the most fun things to do at White Sands is sledding down the dunes.

You can bring your own sled or purchase one near the park.

And yes, kids usually love this!

How long?

Allow approximately 2–3 hours for a first visit.

White Sands is open year-round, although operating hours vary by season and the park can occasionally close because of missile testing. 

Important: Check current park alerts immediately before leaving for the park.

We enjoyed our time at White Sands. Even if it's 2 hrs, it's worth it. Sand is super soft and great for sledding. It is great for photography too. But when the sun is bright, white sands reflects it more and looks even brighter. It's better to wear goggles. When it's windy or too chilly, it becomes challenging with sand blowing on our faces. So, please check the weather before driving.

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Afternoon – Drive to Roswell

Now it's time for a completely different experience.

Drive approximately 2½–3 hours toward Roswell.

Roswell is famous around the world because of the alleged 1947 UFO incident.

UFO museum

Whether you are a UFO believer or simply curious, the town has fully embraced its extraterrestrial identity.

You'll find alien-themed signs, green alien statues, UFO souvenirs, and plenty of photo opportunities.

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Roswell – International UFO Museum & Research Center

Your main stop should be the International UFO Museum & Research Center.

The museum focuses on the 1947 Roswell Incident and other UFO-related phenomena.

It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and admission is currently $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 5–15. (roswellufomuseum)

Allow around 1–1½ hours.

Afterward, walk around Main Street and take some fun alien-themed photographs.

If you have extra time

Visit:

Bottomless Lakes State Park

This unusual state park is about 15 miles southeast of Roswell and contains a chain of lakes that are actually deep sinkholes. (EMNRD)

The park offers:

• Hiking

• Swimming

• Picnic areas

• Paddleboarding

• Pedal boats

• Wildlife viewing

However, I would only add this if you have several extra hours.

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What if you only have 2 days?

If you have only two days, I would NOT try to cover everything.

Here are my two preferred options.

Option 1 – Nature-focused 2-day itinerary

Day 1

Albuquerque → Santa Fe → Kasha-Katuwe

• Santa Fe Plaza

• Historic downtown

• Kasha-Katuwe

• Overnight Santa Fe/Albuquerque

Day 2

White Sands → Alamogordo → return

This gives you the best combination of culture + spectacular landscapes.

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Option 2 – White Sands + UFO Road Trip

If White Sands and Roswell are the reason you're visiting New Mexico:

Day 1

Albuquerque → White Sands

Spend the afternoon at White Sands.

Stay in Alamogordo.

Day 2

Alamogordo → Roswell

Visit:

• International UFO Museum

• Downtown Roswell

• Alien-themed attractions

• Bottomless Lakes State Park, if time permits

Then return toward Albuquerque or continue your road trip.

This option is especially fun for families with children.

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Bonus places to add if you have extra time

New Mexico has so much more than the places listed above.

🌋 Petroglyph National Monument – Albuquerque

If you have an extra 1–2 hours, this is an excellent addition to Albuquerque.

The monument contains thousands of rock carvings created by Indigenous peoples and Spanish settlers.

Boca Negra Canyon is a particularly convenient option for a short visit.

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🏘️ Old Town Albuquerque

If you don't want another long drive, spend some time in Old Town.

It was established in 1706 and today has historic buildings, shops, galleries, restaurants, and the San Felipe de Neri Church. 

This is an easy addition to Day 1.

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🏜️ Meow Wolf – Santa Fe

If you are traveling with older children or teenagers, consider Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return.

It is very different from a traditional museum and can be a fun addition to Santa Fe.

Meow Wolf

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If you have 4 days...

A fourth day makes this trip considerably better.

I would do:

Day 1 – Albuquerque

Nuclear Museum → Old Town → Sandia Peak

Day 2 – Santa Fe + Kasha-Katuwe

Santa Fe → Kasha-Katuwe → Santa Fe

Day 3 – White Sands

Drive south → White Sands → Alamogordo

Day 4 – Roswell

Roswell UFO Museum → Bottomless Lakes → continue/return

This gives you much more time to actually enjoy each destination instead of spending most of your vacation behind the wheel.

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A few final tips for your New Mexico road trip

• Reserve Kasha-Katuwe first. Your entire itinerary may need to be built around the available reservation day. (Bureau of Land Management)

• Buy White Sands tickets online if convenient. The park recommends purchasing ahead, particularly because connectivity can be limited. (National Park Service)

• Carry plenty of water, especially at White Sands.

• Pack sunglasses and sunscreen. The white gypsum reflects a lot of sunlight.

• Bring layers for Sandia Peak; temperatures can be 20–30°F cooler than Albuquerque. (Visit Albuquerque)

• Don't underestimate the driving distances. New Mexico looks deceptively compact on a map.

• Start early. This is especially important on the White Sands/Roswell day.

• Check attraction schedules before finalizing your dates. Kasha-Katuwe and the Sandia Peak Tramway both have specific operating days. (Bureau of Land Management)

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Final thoughts

New Mexico is one of those destinations where three days will give you a taste, but not the whole experience.

What makes this road trip special is the variety. In just a few days, you can go from the historic adobe streets of Santa Fe, to strange volcanic formations at Kasha-Katuwe, to the surreal white dunes of White Sands, and finally to the UFO capital of Roswell.

If you have a little more time, don't rush it. Add a fourth day and enjoy the drive, the food, and the smaller roadside attractions along the way.

And if you are driving from Texas, this can make an especially good long-weekend road trip!

Until next time,

This post is part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.

4 snacks to know more about you

 Prompt: 4 snacks to know more about you

I am not sure if this prompt is even relevant to me, as I don't eat snacks often. But that's more reason to write about it. I am particular about my snacks, and here goes my snack story :-)

I am particular about a few things when it comes to snacks.

• No fried foods
• No tea on an empty stomach
• Just fruits alone are not a snack. 

Chana chat:

A high-protein snack. Easy for busy moms. I soak it in the morning whenever I remember, then put it in the Instant Pot for 15 mins in the evening in pressure cook mode. I add a little tempering with red chillies, salt, turmeric, chilli powder, jeera, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, and sprinkle lemon juice. 

I am particular about not eating this in large quantities, as it feels heavy and might not make me feel hungry for an early dinner. So, portions matter. 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/vibrant-chickpea-and-roasted-vegetable-salad-34429559/

Protein Bar:

I am not promoting this product, but I like Rx protein bars. Very good option after an intense exercise. Easy to carry and my go-to snack while travelling. 

Lemon bread and chips (my cheat days):

Unhealthy snack option for cheat days or craving days, whatever you call it. A nice lemon-flavoured slice of bread and jalapeño chips :-) It's a quick snack with no preparation. Lemon bread and chips from the HEB grocery store last for a few days. 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-view-of-sliced-sponge-cake-on-a-plate-beside-a-lemon-8538303/

Cookies and Tea:

Another partially unhealthy option. I always have basic pistachio Good Day brand cookies at home for a quick snack along with ginger tea. I make tea especially with less milk, more water, sugar, a little ginger, and cardamom. That makes digestion easier for early dinners. 

https://www.pexels.com/search/tea%20and%20cookies/

I add 2 types of fruit in the evenings, but fruit alone doesn't feel like enough as a snack. This month, we are trying kiwis and Pears. Bananas on an empty stomach don't work well for me, so that's out. 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-close-up-shot-of-slices-of-kiwi-fruits-with-a-fork-10493955/

So, that's about my snacking saga. What do you prefer as a snack? Do let me know in the comments.

Until next time,

This post is part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.

A Place I love going back to - Colorado

Prompt: A Place I love going back to

The first place that came to my mind when I read this prompt is Colorado. Our home for 5 years, with a window facing Pikes Peak. This view has become an important part of our lives. The mountains, clouds, and sky change colors and appearance with the season.

If we don't consider the high altitude, dryness, and severe cold for a few months, it's a paradise to live in. 

I started my blog when I started working in Chennai as a fresher around 2006, I guess. But if you observe my blog posts and history, there is a huge difference between my posts before and after my Colorado visit and stay. My blog has become more colorful with those lovely Instagram-worthy pics and has been buzzing with travel content from Colorado.  

If you don't believe what I am talking about, check these 2 pages:

A to Z places in Colorado

Index of all travelogues

Why I love Colorado?

Mountains:

 I am always a mountain person and not a beach person. I love how mountains change in appearance with snow, dark clouds, on summer days, and in the fall season.

 They look majestic and remind us that we are small, and our problems are tiny compared to nature and its power. They keep me grounded. They give me hope that we can set high standards in our lives and can really achieve them.

https://www.pexels.com/search/colorado/

Alpine scenery:

Winding roads, dangerous curves, scenic views, wildlife, and unexpected weather. The joy of being on top of a mountain, enjoying the scenic beauty, is not comparable to any other experience. The fresh breeze on the face and the play of light between clouds are not easy to explain unless experienced by us.

Snow:

The first experience of snow can make any normal person write poetry. The experience is like white little flowers falling from the sky. The blanket of snow the next day after snowfall is as mesmerizing as snow itself. The trees and leaves are heavy with snow, but shining with a new glow. Even adults become kids making snowmen :-) But cleaning the car after snow is not a pleasant experience; I agree :p

https://www.pexels.com/photo/snow-covered-forested-mountain-landscape-38455729/

Summer afternoons and Rainbows:

At high altitudes, we should never be hiking in the mountains. On hot summer days, weather usually becomes unpredictable. Rains, hail, and sleet are common. The amazing colors of the sky during sunset are a gorgeous experience. Rainbows make a grand appearance often. 

Fall colors:

The green leaves turn yellow and then red due to their inability to make chlorophyll at certain cooler temperatures with less sunlight. During fall, it seems like the earth shows off its amazing fashion show. 

My pictures never do it justice, and seeing the fall scenery in person is always the best. 

https://www.pexels.com/search/?q=fall%20colors%2Bmountain

That is the place my heart loves to go back to anytime.

Until next time,

This post is part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.

Lily. An unexpected journey by Volodymyr Samoiliuk

 

 This post may contain affiliate links; clicking on those links may earn us a commission without any additional cost to you.

Book Details:

Title: 

Lily. An Unexpected journey : A Cozy Chapter Book About Friendship, Feelings, and the Magic of Drawing (Ages 7–10)

Author: Volodymyr Samoiliuk

Genre: Chapter books, kids fiction

Publisher: SAYVI STUDIO S.L.

Print Length: 48 pages

Reading age: 7 to 10 yrs

Source: A review copy from the publisher

Blurb:

What if moving to a new home meant leaving everything familiar behind?

Lily’s life changes overnight when her family relocates to Spain. A new house, a new school, and a language she barely understands make her feel lonely, nervous, and completely out of place. Like many children facing a big move, Lily struggles to express her feelings and adjust to an unfamiliar world.

Everything begins to change when she discovers a mysterious old book and meets Ding-Dong — a tiny dragon with a gentle heart and a gift for inspiring courage and creativity.

Through drawing, imagination, and a little magic, Lily slowly learns how to overcome her fears, build confidence, and start making friends in her new environment.

This heartwarming illustrated chapter book combines fantasy and emotional growth in a story that helps children navigate change, friendship, and self-discovery. Perfect for families looking for kids books about feelings, social emotional learning stories, and comforting books about moving to a new house.

Ideal for readers ages 7–10, especially children:

• adjusting to a new school or country
• coping with anxiety or loneliness
• learning friendship and social skills
• building confidence through creativity

A touching story about change, resilience, and discovering that home is the place where you feel loved and understood.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

The story is about Lily, an 8-year-old who had to leave Kyiv for Barcelona unexpectedly. Since she is not mentally prepared for such a sudden move, she feels homesick. She is an innocent and lovely girl who believes in clouds and dragons and loves her bunny. It is not easy to settle in a new place where she doesn't know the language well. How she navigates through this phase is the remaining story. 

What did I love?

I loved the way the story is written in a heartwarming and empathetic way. I like the characters of Lily's parents who answer her questions with patience and love. Sarah seems like a regular teen sister in any family. 

The illustrations are great, with nice expressions on the faces. The book title is apt, and the cover looks great and relevant.

Overall

Nice story about friendship, emotions, estrangement, and believing in magic. 

⭐ My rating: 5/5

Until next time,

This post is part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.

7 reasons to un-follow me

Prompt: Give us 7 reasons to follow/unfollow you

I loved this prompt. Now, I am at an age where I choose my friend circle wisely; why not do the same for followers? The problem with an Instagram account is that it's public, and I cannot choose who follows me. As a blogger, I cannot make it private and use it to promote my blogs. 

https://www.pexels.com/search/?q=reading%20book%20with%20mountain%20view

Here are 7 reasons to unfollow me now on social media:

1. If you are expecting personal info

Some influencers love to share every nitty-gritty detail of their daily lives, and I am not one of them. I keep my privacy; I usually never share my family photos or kids' photos on social media. 

So, if you are following me expecting my personal info, you can unfollow, as that's not going to happen. 

https://www.pexels.com/search/social%20media/

2. If you don't like travel or reading books 

My profile reflects what I like. I post regular content on family travel in the USA, my book reviews, and book recommendations. If these 2 areas don't interest you, you can unfollow me.

3. If you like just quick reels

I do share a lot of reels for my travel content, but the intention is not just quick content. I love to share some unknown places, quirky roadside attractions, some great places to relax in nature, great hiking destinations, photo opportunities, scenic drives, different travel experiences, etc., but not trending viral content on places. 

My intention is not to gain more followers but to provide genuine content to make travel planning easy and affordable. 

4. If you don't like quotes and positive affirmations

My goal is to be positive and spread good vibes around. If you don't like being hopeful and seeing positive content only, then this place is not for you. 

https://www.pexels.com/search/positive%20quote/

I believe I am a lucky person, and I am grateful for every small thing and opportunity that I come across. 

5. If you like hypocrisy

I share content that I genuinely believe in. I think twice before posting anything so that it doesn't cause harm or bad intentions in people. I try to avoid political content. I don't like sharing some good content just because everyone thinks it's right. I share content that I feel is actually right.

6. If hiking and connecting with nature is not your cup of tea

For me, driving a little long to hike to a beautiful place is ok. I share travelogues where we hike/walk 10k steps a day and sometimes more in a few national parks. If leisure travel is your interest and 8k to 10k steps a day seems too intense, you might not agree / not find my content very helpful.

7. If you are not looking for family travel content

I keep in mind how we can travel with 2 kids, limitations with food, areas where outside food is not available, and try to share tips. I understand the problems that come with traveling with kids. So, I always mention hikes specific to families with small kids. 

https://www.pexels.com/search/family%20travel/

If you are looking for an adventurous young couple travelogue, this might not be for you.

Here you go. I know, I have been blunt and pretty straightforward :-)

Let me know what kind of people you usually follow.

 Here are the links if you still want to follow me on social media:

Facebook 

Twitter 

Pinterest

Instagram

This post is part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.

Until next time,

Peach 🍑 - A color that describes today

Hello to my readers 👋

Blogging has taken a back seat recently, but Iam happy to get back to the groove in September with the Blog chatter half marathon. 

Rules doesn't seem to be that tough. 7 blog posts in 15 days. I can manage it, right? Let's see 🙈

https://www.pexels.com/search/peach%20color/

I like this prompt - A color that describes today 

This is about last Saturday. Last week we had Labor Day on Monday and so, a long weekend. I decided to take a real break from my extra duties. Magically, my kids' classes also got cancelled. Our weekly hiking trip got cancelled as well.

Nowhere to rush. No appointments. Time seemed to have frozen a little. 

https://www.pexels.com/search/peach%20color/

I remember the color peach as it's pastel. Not too bright to attract attention, but light, yet beautiful to look at. Seems like peaceful, and slow, lazy, calm days.

That day has been exactly the same for me. Peaceful, slow, not dominating, just going with the flow. 

I woke up late.  Cooked a basic yet traditional, homely meal with a daal (lentil dish), vegetable fry, and rice. Watched a nice comedy movie, had some rest at noon, worked on my thesis for a few hrs, and ended the day at the usual time after a simple dinner. Wow.. I miss these simple days now. No kids' classes, no dance classes, no appointments on my phone calendar. 

When did you have such a leisure day? Please do share in the comments. 

Until next time,

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.