Traditional Pueblo home with dried chillis in the threshold
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Albuquerque, New Mexico? Breaking Bad? Cactus? Well that’s what I thought too. It’s definitely no Atlanta but it has a personality like no other. There is a strong Native American and Hispanic influence throughout the entire state. Every other street was in Spanish and a plethora of “New Mexican” food. While I was in New Mexico I visited the cities of Taos, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque – each with it’s own personality. In the capital of Santa Fe the city government passed a law that enforced all of the building maintain a Pueblo (a Native American tribe) style structure.
Now on to the food…
New Mexican food. Authentic enchiladas with beans, rice, and red & green "Christmas" chilli
New Mexico is said to have some of the best food in America and I can KINDA believe it. New Mexico is known for their red and green chili. A lot of spices savory enchiladas, breakfast burritos, chili burgers, and tortias. But after a while I was getting a little tired of Mexican food. However, New Mexico is a place that depicts the diversity of America. A good portion of the population are Native American and Mexican. Seeing these two culture blend in harmony is simply a feast for your eyes and taste-buds.
The capital city, Santa Fe, passed a law for all of the buildings to be build “Pueblo” style. So interesting! However, when traveling it’s not what you see but the people you meet…
Carson National Forest. The sky was so wide and big I felt like I could touch the clouds
Mexican sunflower....they were everywhere
But my greatest experience was actually on my flight back home. Little did I know that I was sitting next to the real life "Glenda the Good Witch." At first glance I knew I had nothing in common with her. Let me paint the picture: beautiful blonde hair, late 40s, face BEAT, nails done, toes done, botox, nose job, and Louis Vuitton bag. Literally, straight out of The Real Housewives of BeverlyHills. Believe it or not but we talked for the entire flight! Our conversation started off light with exchanging information about our families, hobbies, and places we've traveled but then something happened...
She started to express the turmoil in her family and how she bears the burden of others around her regards of kinship. Miss “Glenda” was so moved by a young girl’s misery that she blindly gave her $50 from her wallet. Beautiful.
She had golden hair and everlasting young and kind just like the fictional character . You will be surprised at the people you meet while traveling. I will never forget you and your tender passion for people "Miss Glenda."
Typical Pueblo style architecture in Santa Fe, New Mexico