7/6/10

T is for Taos






After we left Santa Fe on our May roadtrip, we drove north to the town of Taos to meet an old friend for lunch. We had many miles to cover that day, but decided to make one last stop to visit Taos Pueblo, a Native American settlement that has been continuously occupied for over 1,000 years. For some reason, I'd never heard of this pueblo and was astounded to learn that there are actually dwellings in North America that have been inhabited for that long. The tribal members who live here do not use modern conveniences. They haul water from the creek and use kerosene lamps. Every year, another layer of plaster (mud and straw) is applied to the buildings, perhaps best seen in the middle photo of the church window. The igloo-shaped dome in the fourth photo is a traditional oven for baking bread. Originally the dwellings were entered through the roof, but today doors have been added. At one time, a very tall wall surrounded the village, but it has been shortened to a few feet. I'm glad we stopped here before heading back to the plains.
As for tea these days, I'm still stuck on my jasmine vanilla, although I did break habit and use Tazo's delicious Joy blend with my homemade crepes yesterday!
These photos are by my husband.



8 comments:

Unknown said...

what a wonderful discovery! something about these pueblo homes looks very cozy and safe and inviting .... I'm sure they are cool in the summer and warm in the winter .... it looks like you had a great trip :)

Happy T today!!! Kimmie

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

One of the things I adore about Tea Tuesday is all the information I learn from the Tea members. What a super informative post. I especially enjoyed reading about the bread oven and how the occupants used to enter the structure through the roof. Loved the photos your husband took, too. Happy Tea Tuesday.

Janelle said...

You know, I often bemoan our lack of "history" in the U.S. compared to the ancient buildings in Europe, but I guess I've just been looking in the wrong place! What an amazing place!

Dianne said...

I love Taos! It's such a beautiful place... and very spiritual...

DebD said...

beautiful photos.

Martha said...

So, is this NM or AZ? Did you see any Native Americans? It looks like not too many people were around...but sure is pretty! Looks hot, but dry...right now we're suffering from heat and HUMIDITY in Ohio!!!

Michelle M. said...

Wow- what a beautiful site! That must have been such a fun trip.

Meadowlark Days said...

Janelle, you're right - I was fascinated to learn of Taos Pueblo. And Martha, there were some members of the Tiwa clan around. One gave us our tour. Taos is in NM.