After a five year absence from the desert southwest, business brought me back to Albuquerque and it’s surrounds. The history and culture in this area is boundless. Many Indian tribes call the area home, most dwell in pueblos. Driving down the interstate or any of the myriad of state routes finds one passing through many Indian reservations, each with its own unique culture, and, in general, its own casino-resort. While the "mile high" altitude does take its toll on some, the trip is definitely worth it. Visitors should remember, however, that although it is desert, at 5000 to 7000 feet above sea level, it is cooler than one might expect. Be sure to bring a jacket.

This gallery is divided into four distinct sections. The first is the area surrounding the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. The grounds of the Hyatt are rich with local flora and fauna, beautiful rock formations, and fascinating activities designed to keep the visitor occupied and happy.

The second sub-gallery takes us to the Old Town section of Albuquerque to see the beautiful architecture and to enjoy authentic New Mexican cuisine. I am told the difference is New Mexican cuisine is based around the chile pepper as opposed to the traditional jalapeño pepper used in Mexican cooking.

In the third gallery we venture north on I-40 to Taos. On our journey to Taos, we take the "High Road" (NM 503), stopping in Chimayo for a look at El Sanctuario de Chamayo on our way to Taos Pueblo. On our return via the road along the Rio Grande, we also visit the San Francisco de Asis church; the one made so famous in the paintings of Georgia O'Keefe.

Finally our travels take us to Bandelier National Monument to see the remains of the caves and pueblos used by the Ancestral Pueblo people. On our return from Bandelier, we will also make a brief stop in Santa Fe to look at some of the oldest churches and houses in the US.

I hope you enjoy the pictorial journey as much as I enjoyed visiting in person and taking these pictures to share with you.