Still in Albuquerque

Monday, May 1, 2017

Well, we thought our time in Albuquerque was about over, but the universe had other things in mind for us.  Ron needs to have a dermatology surgical procedure done on May 12 with at least one follow up visit so we will be remaining here in town until May 20.  However, this has not been an easy case of just extending our reservation.    All the campgrounds are full or not taking reservations for a month which has entailed scrounging around for a place to stay.  Not sure what is causing this as there is nothing going on here except construction at this time.  Strange.  Fortunately, after a couple of days wait, the KOA where we currently are staying was able to open up a spot for us because of our circumstances.  Thank goodness.  Now on to making new reservations for our trek to the northwest.  We hear things in that area of the country are already pretty full as well.   

 

Last Monday we were contacted by RV friends (Trish and Bob) when their travel plans changed and a few days in ABQ were in order.  We suggested they see what attraction might be of interest on this visit (they have been here several times before) and we would spend the afternoon sightseeing with them and introduce them to another of our favorite Mexican restaurants. 

Trish and Bob wanted to see the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center which Ron and I had not been to in many, many years.  The Center was founded in 1976 by the Pueblos of New Mexico to create exhibits to present the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo people.   Ron and I noticed there were some changes to the building and were told an addition had been made to the front of the building several years ago as well as changes to the exhibits. 

Our first stop was to the center of the building which is an outdoor courtyard where Indian dances are performed and explained to visitors.  We watched four different dances (three by women and one by a man) all dressed in colorful and interesting costumes.  These dances are accompanied by a drummer and several singers singing in their native language. 

Next we reentered the Museum to view the exhibits and read the many explanations about the Pueblo culture.   The exhibits are laid out with areas designated as Emergence, Gifts of the Creator, Traditional Teachings, The Elders, The Children, Perseverance, and Until We Meet Again.  Each exhibit has many explanations and artifacts.  Below are a few pictures of things seen in some of the exhibits. 

This is a hand carved wood plaque.

This is a blanket made of feathers.

Some interesting facts about Pueblos are that “the Pueblo is a tribal nation, a body of land under a tribal government structure and a community made up of related people with similar beliefs, spirituality and lifestyle.”  There are 19 Pueblos in the state of New Mexico who speak in three different language families.  Pueblo communities celebrate seasonal cycles through prayer, song and dance with traditional agriculture and cuisine rooted in corn, beans and squash.  Art forms include weaving, pottery, drum making, jewelry and beadwork.

A short visit to our Old Town walking around the Plaza and walking through a few of the shops  was our next stop.  It was interesting to note that Old Town was very empty of visitors and even the Indians who normally sell their wares in front of one of the restaurants were mostly absent compared to many of the other times we have visited in the past.     The tree that appears to be behind the restaurant is actually growing up through the middle of the building. 

After a brief stop back at Trish and Bob’s RV to take their dog for a short walk, we drove to Sadie’s Mexican Restaurant which has some of the best Mexican food in Albuquerque.  Sadie’s has been a family owned restaurant for over 50 years serving recipes passed down for generations.  Their house specialty of enchilada’s was all of our choices along with house margaritas.  A delicious dinner and a fun afternoon.  Thanks for letting us share time with you again, Trish and Bob.  Safe travels until we meet again. 

Stay tuned for our further adventures in about three weeks.

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