Taos, New Mexico

June 8, 2011
Yesterday I started feeling claustrophobic, actually, probably two days ago but it got particularly bad as I started my drive to Taos. I figured out that I really need to be on a coast. I mean, I knew that before, which is why I’m totally stoked to be doing residency in Ventura but when I’m not near water, I feel like I’m drowning, or at least like the vast expanse of land is closing in around me and going to swallow me up whole. Okay maybe that is a bit dramatic but seriously, the beginning of that drive was miserable. Until…

I finally reached the part of the road to Taos which winds along the Rio Grande Gorge and river. Gheera and I made frequent stops; it was beautiful and it was water. I wish I had had time to do some kayaking (I wonder if they would have let Gheer-face in the boat; it would have been pure torture for her) but it was fun even just watching people do it. Once we reached Toas we continued through and went to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, which is one of the main points of interest in and around Toas. It was breathtaking. It is so amazing to see perfectly flat land just drop off into a giant abyss. Even Gheera seemed fascinated. The bridge was a little bit scary though once standing on it with the cars causing it to shake beneath us. Oh and I also loved a bus which had been converted into an ice cream shop in the middle of nowhere by that bridge.

Next we journeyed on to Taos Pueblo, which is located three miles north of Taos Plaza (kind of the epicenter of Taos), home to the Taos Pueblo Indians and inhabited for over 1,000 years. I had to pay $6 extra dollars on top of the $10 entry fee to take photos so hope you enjoy. It was pretty cool. The only slight problem was all the dogs roaming around free that either wanted to violate Gheera or bite her face off. It turned out okay though. I’m very proud of her. I did, however, drop her at the hotel to rest while I ventured out around the town, checking out the plaza and the shops. I enjoyed a delectable cup of coffee, an almost white chocolate latte called “minx” at coffee cats and went to dinner at the Alley Cantina on 121 Teresina Lane where I watched love blossom between a short, old Native American gentleman and a Caucasian lady in probably her late 50s with a fake blond pixie cut, massive glasses which magnified her eyes, mildly rotting teeth and a blue backpack with a hello kitty keychain hanging from the zipper. Man I love watching people; they’re so great. I ended my evening out with the purchase of six very expensive truffles from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I have such a rough life, I felt like I deserved them. (Just kidding!)

This morning not much has happened so far EXCEPT for the little prairie dogs that came out to play in the parking lot while I sat and watched and ate breakfast at the hotel. That actually did make my morning. Now, we’re about to check out and set out to Teec Nos Pos, AZ (four corners) as soon as I upload some more photos. Check ‘em out! This place is beautiful. After that, Grand Canyon!