We went with friends to Albuquerque this last weekend. We had a great time, and since I had never been there, it was fun to see and explore a new place.
They have a rich cultural background with all the Indian pueblos around- and we got the chance to go to the cultural center and the Acoma pueblo. Here's a few pictures from our experiences:
Mark, Erika and Erik
Wade and I
Our next stop was the Sky City Cultural Center, and Acoma Pueblo.
The Church at the pueblo. It was pretty impressive--
A picture of one of the cisterns they have to catch rain water. Notice the one cottonwood tree they have there (the only tree)- they affectionately call it "The Acoma National Forest"
This long stretch of a building with the ladders is actually the "Kievas"- where they practiced their religious ceremonies, etc.
Wade and I
Wade
just a cool shot...
Just before we all go in trouble for sitting on the benches- which are only for the Elders of the tribe... oops!
We even got rained on... a little bit, but mostly, I liked the shot of the sun behind the clouds...
Mark on the staircase the goes down the side of the plateau- He, Erik and I decided to try it out. It was fairly steep, and my legs were sore for 3 days, but definitely worth it! It was very neat experience. The stairs were carved into the rock, and there were even hand-holds carved into the rock.
here I am on the staircase... hanging on for dear life!
here's Mark again, but notice the steps that he's on and the ones behind him.. this was near the bottom.
Here's Erik, waiting on us ol' folks to hurry up and get down the side of the plateau
A look back at the pueblo on the plateau
A neat looking pen that I just had to photograph...
Wade and the Rio Grande (well part of it anyhow)
Mark and Wade-- at the Indian Fry Bread stop... yummy!
Cool pic of red rocks that surrounded that little area with the Indian fry bread.
Erik caught a lizard... "Can I bring him home?"
Another cool pic from that red rock area... so pretty
and one more... because I can post it! :)
Wade and I at Soda Dam
Erik is definitely "feeling the love" in this picture!
The hot spring across the street from the dam.
Erik after he climbed the rock to get to the top of the dam...
Wade and I
Mark with the "Travis", which was the inspiration for the "Daze burrito" that is served at his restaurant! :)
We had a great time, ate entirely too much food, and only had to fill out one complaint form (which is good if you know this group!) But it was completely warranted in my opinion. I did not post any pictures of the Navajo Dancers that we saw (per their request... or was it demand, or for fear of them destroying my camera?).
And the dancers were amazing!! So talented, and inspiring! I wish I could post some pictures, but I will refrain out of respect for their wishes. So, if you want to see them, we will have to get together sometime! :)
BUT the guy who was their spokesperson was pretty negative and attacked the Boys Scouts of America as well as complained about America in general throughout the whole presentation. I felt like saying "I got it the first time you said it- you didn't need to dwell on it throughout the whole presentation." Unfortunately, his negativism caused me to have less respect for a people who I greatly respected.... (Ok, I guess I still respect the people, but I have had hard time respecting that guy)
Overall, it was fun, and I learned that I LOVE New Mexico Hatch green chile! :) Love, Love, Love it! Must find a place that sells it here in Tucson...
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