While I have never been much of a jewelry person, I have always been interested in gems, minerals, and rocks in general. My dad was an avid rock enthusiast and so it was hard NOT to become interested in rocks myself. One of the gems (minerals) that has always fascinated me was turquoise. You can almost always spot turquoise throughout history due to its beautiful, distinct blue-green color. Egyptian pharaohs wore it (like King Tut’s Ceremonial Mask). Native Americans wore it and designed with it, as did many other cultures across the globe.

Recently, I was fortunate to be able to cross an item off my bucket list. I have wanted to attend the world’s largest hot air balloon festival (the International Balloon Fiesta, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico each October) for quite a while. I was in New Mexico for nine days and attended the Fiesta four times while I was there. Allow me to show you around! Includes video, plus I’ll give you some insider tips along the way!