Today we explored Old Town, Albuquerque's first neighborhood, the serene village that has been the focal point of community life since 1706. Quiet hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and balconies wait to be discovered by the day tourist. Unique items from around the world, as well as those that are distinctly Southwestern, can be found in more than 150 shops, boutiques, galleries and artist studios.
We especially liked this sculpture of scenes that would take place on a park bench. A runner stretching, young lovers, a mother reading to a child and a man taking time from his newspaper to pay attention to a dog. The detail is just amazing.
We noticed right away that at every turn there are little alley's tucked here and there.
Shop after shop sold the things like this. I could have spent a fortune if I had the rooms for these things!
These strung peppers are a common sight in this area. They are hung at homes and businesses for good luck and to say welcome.
We stopped to listen to this trio play for awhile. Once again the pan flute was being played and we bought a CD featuring this instrument.
We made our way to the heart of Old Town, the plaza. This is where the San Felipe de Neri is located. This is the oldest church in Albuquerque which has continuously served the community since 1706.
We went into this church and I can't explain the feeling that washed over me when I sat in one of the pews for a few moments. I'm not a particularly religious person or one that goes to church every Sunday, oh heck, any Sunday for that matter, but I do believe. When I sat in that pew I experienced a feeling of calm, of serenity that I can't say I've ever felt before. This church has been ministering to its people for over 300 years, I thought about the brides and grooms that passed through those doors, the babies that have been christened here and funeral services that have taken place. These eighteen inch thick adobe walls mean stability for this town and I felt it. This is one stop I'm glad we made.
A little garden tucked into the corner at the church.
Scenes from around the plaza.
We went into the business on the left and thought of our friend Mickey as soon as we saw this! Mick, you would be in heaven here! These are shelves of hot sauces. Its a good thing the names of the sauces can't be read in this picture because many of them were x-rated!
A fountain in the center of the plaza.For almost three centuries Old Town has been the crossroads of the Southwest. It is a historical zone of the City of Albuquerque and home for many families whose ancestors founded the town. Old Town follows the traditional Spanish pattern of a central plaza and church surrounded by homes and businesses. Many of the historic homes are still standing and some have been renovated into today's shops, galleries and restaurants.
Following are pictures of bronze sculptures depicting Spanish Conquistadors of long ago that are situated outside of a museum.
Following are pictures of bronze sculptures depicting Spanish Conquistadors of long ago that are situated outside of a museum.
We especially liked this sculpture of scenes that would take place on a park bench. A runner stretching, young lovers, a mother reading to a child and a man taking time from his newspaper to pay attention to a dog. The detail is just amazing.We noticed right away that at every turn there are little alley's tucked here and there.Shop after shop sold the things like this. I could have spent a fortune if I had the rooms for these things!These strung peppers are a common sight in this area. They are hung at homes and businesses for good luck and to say welcome.We stopped to listen to this trio play for awhile. Once again the pan flute was being played and we bought a CD featuring this instrument.We made our way to the heart of Old Town, the plaza. This is where the San Felipe de Neri is located. This is the oldest church in Albuquerque which has continuously served the community since 1706. We went into this church and I can't explain the feeling that washed over me when I sat in one of the pews for a few moments. I'm not a particularly religious person or one that goes to church every Sunday, oh heck, any Sunday for that matter, but I do believe. When I sat in that pew I experienced a feeling of calm, of serenity that I can't say I've ever felt before. This church has been ministering to its people for over 300 years, I thought about the brides and grooms that passed through those doors, the babies that have been christened here and funeral services that have taken place. These eighteen inch thick adobe walls mean stability for this town and I felt it. This is one stop I'm glad we made.A little garden tucked into the corner at the church.Scenes from around the plaza.We went into the business on the left and thought of our friend Mickey as soon as we saw this! Mick, you would be in heaven here! These are shelves of hot sauces. Its a good thing the names of the sauces can't be read in this picture because many of them were x-rated!
We had dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area and sat outside on their patio watching the tourists and locals go about their business. Once again Bob was much more adventurous in his choice of meal as I opted for a steak and baked potato. Bob had something native that I can't even fathom eating but he enjoyed it immensely.
Soon it was time to make our way back to our house on wheels and we're very glad we the opportunity to see the sights of Old Town in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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