Old and new cultures not so different after all
Trip Start
Sep 09, 2010
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27
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Trip End
Oct 10, 2010
Taos, New Mexico
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
So, after that excitment, we're off to explore Taos (altitude is 7,300 ft. Maybe that's why I had trouble standing on one foot - too light headed. lol). We started with Taos Pueblo, which is separate from the town of Taos. It is the old Puebloan Taos village that is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a UNESCO Heritage site, and is the first Living World Heritage site - it is considered to be the oldest continually inhabited community in the US. It goes back at least 1,300 years. About 100 people from the Red Willow tribe still live in the Pueblo in the adobe huts with no running water or electricity, following traditional ways.
From there we went to the Earthship community. This is a community started in Taos (others have sprung up in other parts of New Mexico and Arizona, as well as individual dwellings all over the world), which lives completely off the grid. The houses are built from natural and recycled materials; they use thermal/solar heating and cooling, water harvesting, and contained sewage treatment; solar and wind electricity; and they grow food inside their homes. We first heard about Earthship when we were in Guatamala with Brie, but didn't remember it was in Taos. We were stunned when we read about it in the Taos information and drove by it entering Taos. You'll have to Google it to learn more if you're interested. There are a couple Earthship houses for sale (one is listed for $400,000), and we were told they will build new for $200/sq ft.
We felt culture shock being at Earthship after Taos Pueblo, but when you think about it, they're not that different. Both built from natural materials, both living off the grid ... all good things come around again eventually, don't they?
We also visited the Rio Grande Gorge, and San Franciso de Asis Church. The church was built between 1813 and 1815, and is considered an outstanding example of adobe mission architecture.
I took 73 pictures today, so attaching only five was tough. Brie and Lorraine - I am going to send you my whole albums for today, because I know you will be interested. If anyone else is, just let me know.
Tomorrow looks like Colorado Springs.
Roger & "Grace"
"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."
Comments
OMG - I love this place, even the earthship altho I'd have to have my a/c ;o) Thanks in advance for sending the album.... Dija buy any pottery or silver or turquoise?? sigh....... sorry to hear about your fall..... that's usually my trick ;o( I'm extra careful when I'm traveling alone. I walk into trees & trip on curbs & stuff while looking up at buildings LOL
You wouldn't have to worry about a/c - the Earthship walls are 2 ft thick adobe so are very cool in summer and warm in winter. I bought a pot, but it's from Mexico. lol. I almost bought a tourqoise ring, but I didn't like it well enough to spend $70 on it (it was half price though). And my fall - I have a huge bruise on my butt, and my neck and ribs are starting to seize up. I'm sure there will be other bruises appearing too. I'm like you, and Brie has acquired the "grace" gene as well ... poor thing.
I loved loved loved your Earthship and Pueblo pictures!! I want to go there and see this stuff. I want to tour Earthships too!!