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[whytemyke]

Ok. So I'm seriously considering a friends offer to go teach in New Mexico after I graduate in May. I could get some dough while teaching and pay my debt off, then apply for grad school after a few years.

The problem is, everyones now telling me that it sucks. Not so much the environment, cuz I guess the cost of living is dirt cheap there. But everyones saying it really sucks to have to live with the Native Americans down there, as they still hold a silly grudge over some 'genocide' something-or-other.

Is it really as bad as I'm hearing? Navajo just stopping me in the street and telling me why I can go fuck myself?

either way, it don't bother me too much. i'll probably still try and get a job out there. But it'll be a shock to go from one place (my school is on a reservation and we get along with them amazingly) where we're so liked to another where we're hated. Maybe I'll learn to speak ojibwe before heading out, take a few ojibwe history classes here before I leave, so when they start lecturing me about native american history, I'll just tell them to piss on it cuz I'm cool with Chippewas.

Any advice? It wouldn't be like a permanent move or anything. Just something to do to pay off my loans and save some dough up for grad school...

 

[King Jippo]

what part/city in New Mexico?

 

[The Shadow]

everyones saying it really sucks to have to live with the Native Americans down there... Is it really as bad as I'm hearing?

:|


Why do you talk to retarded people? Why do you even believe them?


The Native Americans here pretty much mind their own business. I've never had any of them give me a guilt trip about something that happened way beyond my life. Big shocker, well, for people without common freaking sense anyway.


The only thing really bad about New Mexico is the lack of entertainment. If you're the type that's always club hopping and living the city life, yeah, New Mexico is going to suck. That's about it though. I have a friend from Pennsylvania and she loves New Mexico and plans to stay here. She's even trying to recruit a few people from her home state to live here.

 

[Mermandala]

I guess it depends on the specific tribe. I didn't see stuff like that in the 5 months I lived there, but then I lived in Albuquerque, not exactly a remote reservation. I'm not sure what exactly "everyone" is telling you but if the worst thing to happen is an impromptu street lecture then big deal, ain't nobody getting scalped, right?

The friend making the offer, do they live there or somewhere else?

 

[whytemyke]

:|


Why do you talk to retarded people? Why do you even believe them?

Uh, because both of them have lived there and/or worked there. It's a small town near Gallup, right on the Navajo reservation. Keep in mind I was also told that the Pueblo over there are cool as hell, but the Navajo generally have an axe to grind.

The one girl I know works in Albaquerque and manages a restaurant inside a hotel where the Tribes Meeting (??) is held, and she's told me that everytime she walks to a table, the Navajo are there saying they won't tip her because white people have already taken enough from Native Americans. Said she's never had a single problem with anyone but the Navajo.

Mermandala- my friend telling me about the job had already worked out on the resi teaching, then came back to Michigan because he was so alone out there after a year of it.

 

[King Jippo]

Gallup is shady as hell. The only place in NM that I wanted to get the hell out of. Only stayed there for a couple weeks, but that was enough for me. I never had Native American give me crap specifically for whatever past events occured to their people, just got a bunch of dirty and odd looks. Then again, coming from NYC to Gallup NM I probably stood out.

 

[whytemyke]

Gallup is shady as hell. The only place in NM that I wanted to get the hell out of. Only stayed there for a couple weeks, but that was enough for me. I never had Native American give me crap specifically for whatever past events occured to their people, just got a bunch of dirty and odd looks. Then again, coming from NYC to Gallup NM I probably stood out.

Yeah, luckily the town I'd be in is a small mountain town like half hour away, but that's the best geographical reference for people.

I still am pretty sure that if I get this chance, I'm taking it.

 

[Mermandala]

I still am pretty sure that if I get this chance, I'm taking it.

Go for it. If the cold Navajo glares, coyote howls, and crazy desert quiet start to freak you out make like your friend and jackrabbit outa there after a year.

Just how whyte are you myke? I'm part Cherokee which helped me slide, but, If you are going to be working on a reservation then you should be cool. Some will resent you, sure, but most will respect your much-needed presence. Just like anywhere really.

You do like green chiles I hope!

 

[whytemyke]

Go for it. If the cold Navajo glares, coyote howls, and crazy desert quiet start to freak you out make like your friend and jackrabbit outa there after a year.

Just how whyte are you myke? I'm part Cherokee which helped me slide, but, If you are going to be working on a reservation then you should be cool. Some will resent you, sure, but most will respect your much-needed presence. Just like anywhere really.

You do like green chiles I hope!

Haha, I'm like an Aryan, man. Big, strong, blonde haired blue eyed guy. Even the blonde goatee. They'll know I'm european, haha.

It's not like I'm ignorant on my native american cultures or anything, ya know? If I'm given half a chance, I know people will at least tolerate me, heh.

 

[Mermandala]

Yeah. I just looked in the miyuru avatar thread. You're an Actual Fucking Viking! it seems.

No sweat dude, Quetzalcoatl was blonde. just eat the green chiles so you will at least smell right.

 

[whytemyke]

Yeah. I just looked in the miyuru avatar thread. You're an Actual Fucking Viking! it seems.

No sweat dude, Quetzalcoatl was blonde. just eat the green chiles so you will at least smell right.

:lol

 

[whytemyke]

bump... I wanna get more gaf advice on this.

 

[Sapiens]

There's a New Mexico?

 

[The Shadow]

Uh, because both of them have lived there and/or worked there.

I stand by my statement that they're retards.


I've lived and worked here all my life and never had a problem with them. The rural Native Americans keep to themselves. The ones in the larger towns and cities are just like anyone else.

I've had more trouble with white people than I've had with Native Americans.

 

[sonicfan]

I just moved to New Mexico about 6 months ago. So far, its pretty cool, I like it, but I'm in Santa Fe. What the say about the state being cheap to live in is for the most part true, EXCEPT IN SANTA FE, where the prices are INSANE.

It is sort of a backward state in alot of ways, its really old, and the politics are, well, read the story about our current and last state treasurer getting arrested and having federal charges of extortion brought against them. Insane people on the roads, drunks everywhere, 75 MPH speedlimit, which seems to be the minimum they travel on the interstate.

But being old is cool too, of couse the Indians have been here forever, but also many Hispanic families trace there roots here back for hundreds and hundreds of years, lots of history here. I knew almost nothing about NM before I came here, and have learned alot in 6 months.

And the weather so far has been nice here in SF, but it gets hotter than hell in ABQ and in the southern part of the state. I haven't spent anytime really outside of the SF/ABQ area yet, I would like to go on some weekend trips and explore more things, maybe this winter.

However, you having said you are going to be a teacher, I will say that the schools out here suck, I'm mean really suck. I'm sending my kid to a catholic school, which everybody says is sooo good, but he will probably get almost straight A's there, while he was struggling to get B's back in Michigan at a very good public school.

You do like green chiles I hope!

That is something I do love about NM!!!

 

[whytemyke]

I stand by my statement that they're retards.


I've lived and worked here all my life and never had a problem with them. The rural Native Americans keep to themselves. The ones in the larger towns and cities are just like anyone else.

I've had more trouble with white people than I've had with Native Americans.

Well, I'll take that under advisement, although you're still outnumbered 3 to 1. But it's good.... I'm hoping they are wrong about it all.

 

[izakq]

The Native Americans here are pretty much laid back. Then again, that kind of sums up everyone as well. I wouldn't worry about them. My Native American friends from high school were pretty cool and easy to get along with.

And the weather so far has been nice here in SF, but it gets hotter than hell in ABQ and in the southern part of the state. I haven't spent anytime really outside of the SF/ABQ area yet, I would like to go on some weekend trips and explore more things, maybe this winter.

Check out the Balloon Fiesta which is up in Albuquerque at the beginning of October. It's pretty neat.

Also, are you a skier? Santa Fe has a pretty good ski basin, but I prefer the Taos ski basin more.

I'm currently living in Albuquerque, but I'm originally from Espanola, 25 miles north of Santa Fe. I'm pretty sure some of you have heard or will probably hear 'Espanola Jokes'. Spare me, I've already heard my share.

 

[CabbageRed]

Take Sonicfan's words about the NM school system to heart as it is very true. As for the Native American bit, I ran into a lot it while I was managing a restaurant but it is in no way bad enough to avoid living here. I'm surprised that your friends mentioned it at all.

 

[sonicfan]

The Native Americans here are pretty much laid back. Then again, that kind of sums up everyone as well. I wouldn't worry about them. My Native American friends from high school were pretty cool and easy to get along with.



Check out the Balloon Fiesta which is up in Albuquerque at the beginning of October. It's pretty neat.

Also, are you a skier? Santa Fe has a pretty good ski basin, but I prefer the Taos ski basin more.

I'm currently living in Albuquerque, but I'm originally from Espanola, 25 miles north of Santa Fe. I'm pretty sure some of you have heard or will probably hear 'Espanola Jokes'. Spare me, I've already heard my share.

I missed going down to the Baloon fiesta, it looked like fun, but too many people. And I haven't skied since 7th grade, and I had knee surgery about 2 years ago, so skiing really is out of the question for me. Too bad, as it really is good around here, and the people I work with ski.

I've heard some of the locals talking about "Espanola Jokes", but not much in detail, I guess I don't get it yet. I got my hair cut today, the lady said she was from Espanola, she did have a bit more of a "local" accent, but that was about it.

You going to UNM or something down in Albuquerque?

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

So what's a good city to live in in NM?

I ask, because it's one of the spots on the map in my Cleveland escape plan.

I'd like to know before hand.

Is there any market for IT work?

 

[sonicfan]

So what's a good city to live in in NM?

I ask, because it's one of the spots on the map in my Cleveland escape plan.

I'd like to know before hand.

Is there any market for IT work?

Albuquerque is the only city of great size in NM, with the city and surrounding suburbs totalling something like 1.6 million. But that's like 90% of the state. Santa Fe is about 1 hour north, we have I think something like 70,000 people, its the state capital, but not much of a city for commerce, state jobs, Art, and tourism (I just read we have the highest number of restaurants per capita in the US) are the main things here. Intel has a big fab down near Albuquerque, which has been a boon for the area, but I don't know if it has spilled over to IT jobs all that much.

A real native could tell you a lot more.

 

[Widfara]

New Mexico is the worst state in the union. They do have the Carlsbad Caverns, though!

 

[BuG]

 

[Matlock]

New Mexico is the worst state in the union. They do have the Carlsbad Caverns, though!

Ohio would like a word with you!

 

[Mupepe]

New Mexico is the worst state in the union. They do have the Carlsbad Caverns, though!

agreed. I grew up in Alamogordo, NM and I thought it was awesome. Me and my wife moved back for six months and then moved back to Houston. The whole state is bleh at best.

 

[izakq]

I've heard some of the locals talking about "Espanola Jokes", but not much in detail, I guess I don't get it yet. I got my hair cut today, the lady said she was from Espanola, she did have a bit more of a "local" accent, but that was about it.

You going to UNM or something down in Albuquerque?

Well, here's one that I've heard.

Why won't baby Jesus ever be born in Espanola?
Because they can't find a virgin and three wise men.

Ah yes, the accent, described as "singing" the words. I've been guilty of this as well, but have finally lost it many years ago.

I'm just working here in Burque. Actually, I graduated from NMSU about seven years ago. Good lord does their football and basketball team suck hard.

So what's a good city to live in in NM?

Santa Fe is very expensive to live in. To give you an idea, a $120,000 home in Albquerque will go for almost twice that amount in Santa Fe.

Las Cruces is pretty much a college town, home to New Mexico State University. White Sands Missile Base is nearby and the city El Paso, TX is just an hour away. Juarez, Mexico is also just an hour away, which is very appealling to the 18 and over crowd, with the drinking age limit being lower down there. I liked Las Cruces, but their summers are brutal, not Pheonix, AZ brutal, but close.

Intel is actually hiring with the new fab being completed. Lots of jobs coming up.

 

[Jeff-DSA]

I don't live in New Mexico, but I have family and friends there. Albuquerque is a great city to live in, I wouldn't mind moving there at all.