Pam Lebsack relocated to Peñasco in 2003 from Evergreen, Colorado. “At the time I was working at the high school and part-time at Evergreen Fine Art – both jobs were a dream! My thought was, however, I was ready for a new adventure! This has certainly been it!”

l. How would you describe yourself in one sentence?

Friendly, outgoing and most always smiling.

2. When and how did you first discover Peñasco?

In 2000, I was looking for a place to be able to drive (with two dogs) from Colorado and spend some time, from a few weeks to months, and a friend told us to try Peñasco. We came and fell in love with the place and a year later purchased our villa at the Pinacate.

3. What enticed you to locate here?

After MUCH discussion, I talked my husband into selling our house in Colorado and relocating permanently to Peñasco. I loved the rustic charm of the place, the small town feel and just the idea of living in a different country – something entirely different from where we had always been.

4. What were your biggest challenges adjusting to life here?

Well, obviously the language, the culture, the way of getting things done with the various entities, electric, water, phone, etc. I immediately felt at home here, however and loved everything about the place.

5. How do you fill your days?

I used to work (for Seaside Reservations), but as of four years ago I no longer am a working girl. I play cards, Mahjongg, read, watch TV, play some computer games, walk, swim and generally just “hang.” I take road trips to break up the summer, but I always love coming back.

6. Besides here, where do you think of as home and why?

This is my only home, but my daughter and her family are in Denver, so I supposed I am most connected to Colorado. I do spend quite a bit of time in the Sedona and Cottonwood areas where I have good friends and I am their official “dog nanny” when any of them travel.

7. What do you miss?

I miss my family and seeing them regularly and I miss the convenience of shopping, although that is also the thing I miss the less!! It’s a money saver living down here.

8. What here always brings a smile?

Anything related to Semana Santa festivities!

9. If you were to leave what would you miss most?

The cost of living, being able to receive inexpensive medical care including drugs and, of course, waking up and going to sleep to the sound of the sea.

10. What one thing would you say to convince someone to relocate here?

It’s safer and less expensive than living in the U.S. I do believe that once people come and spend some time, they either love it or hate it here. I was instantly in love with Peñasco!

Pam has nominated Barbara Iverson as an interviewee. Look for Barbara & Joe’s interview in an upcoming issue.