Drake and I went to our first Pride festival last weekend. I was told it's the 9th largest event in the U.S. along with the Macy's parade and DC fireworks. Not sure if that's true, but being there made me believe it! The best description is that it's like an outdoor rave-esque festival, complete with funnel cakes, beer, beads, and techno DJs. The best part was the community feeling of acceptance - unless of course you weren't flaunting your high-fashion threads and Zoolander face, which were benchmarks of beauty (see Burberry umbrella).
We were very happy to participate in Pride and imagine we'll do it next year as it was so much fun. It was a stark difference to the WWE show
we went to last month.
A couple of weeks ago we traveled to New Mexico for the first time. After almost six hours of driving through the beautiful mountains and farms of CO and NM we arrived at the Taos Pueblos. These pueblos are inhabited now for over 1,000 years. There is no running water or electricity in the village and traditional ceremonies are still held here. This was our first taste of New Mexico's unique and rich culture.
My favorite time was spent hiking Bandelier National Monument. Here, cliff dwellings, rock paintings and ceremonial architecture provide a glimpse of how the natives once inhabited this land. The drive there winds through the mountains and the large Los Alamos satellite visible at one turn is the only sign of modern life.
We stayed in Santa Fe and were very impressed with the historical areas - Old Town, Palace of the Governors, churches, and Railyard District. At many points I envisioned my life as an interior designer with an endless budget to decorate a home. Oh the art was awesome!
Along with the beauty and unique culture in New Mexico, it is also a state with severe economic depression. The back road driving was riddled with mangy dogs, neglected homes, and fortresses with so much junk that one might think every family owns its own junk yard. A visit to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque showed how far this depression went. Most exhibits hadn't been updated since last year, Pluto is still recognized as a planet and light bulbs that needed replacement were ignored. Despite the apparent lack of state funding I didn't see one homeless person. This may be a strength in culture rarely seen elsewhere.
New Mexico is truly a magical place with strong ties to the past and visionary steps of the future. The food, art and culture is some of the best in the U.S. and is worth experiencing.
Posts
