7-Eleven

I’m not one to review everyday convenience stores, but this place has received some critical attention from other Unilocalers that’s insanely unwarranted. Setting the record straight about these previous reviews:
+ The sole pay phone is on the corner, away from the building.
+ There isn’t any beer in the store. I’m not sure there ever was. I think Annie has a few faded memories that she may want to reexamine.
My personal impression of this station has always felt rather sketchville, and that was definitely confirmed yesterday. I’ll admit, the people watching was fun, but I’d be especially wary as a college kid, especially female. This particular location has been the target of its share of crime over the years, the most recent two examples I recall:
+ Two kids held the place up, shot the teller, and ran up the alley to the east before they were caught.
+ Last year a traumatized Iraq veteran threatened to kill himself in front of a group of cops, one of which shot and killed the vet, leading to yet another police scandal.
Exiting the doors to return to my car, I had what I can only describe as a Breaking Bad moment — you know this ain’t gonna be good. A woman stepped out of her car in the tiniest of t-​shirts, she looked to be my mother’s age, and she had that aggressive hustle in her walk and eyes that definitely suggested some chemicals were at play and I suddenly worried that I’d get a glimpse of some rotting teeth, but I don’t think she actually saw me jump aside and hold the door. Sidestepping her, I peered over at the car and I just… I couldn’t believe it. The front and back doors were riddled with bullet holes. Seriously. The thing looked right out of a television set, not reality. But there it was.
Good for you, Albuquerque.
Oh, and who buys «Mugshot Junkie» magazine? You gotta love the 505.

Runaway Bride re-​enactment photo op. Couldn’t miss it. My date took a picture of me pretending to make a phone call, while keeping my eyes as open as possible. Being a light-​eyed gal with sensitive eyes, this was an incredible challenge.
If you’ve driving to, through or near Albuquerque, stop on by. At the parking lot’s edge, there are two payphones. It’s the phone booth closer to the store.
Lots of characters in this area, truly delightful indeedy. This must be what made Jennifer Wilbanks eyes pop outta her head like they did.