New Mexico
During my Junior Year, our class traveled to New Mexico, to learn more about Native American culture. During our trip we emerged our selves into Native American culture, as well as learning about the unique terrain that New Mexico Holds. We visited a verity of places throughout our five day stay, and had the privilege to have first hand experiences that many cannot say they have had.
Our trip all starts with a three am wake up on April 21. I arrived at the airport at four in the morning to catch our early flight to New Mexico. Although I woke up extremely early, I was energized and beyond excited for the things I was about to experience. After we got on our plane we had a short trip to Houston, for our layover, and then hopped on our plane to Albuquerque. As soon as we landed it was time to officially start our journey through New Mexico. We first went to the Rio Grande Nature Center, where we got a close up view of the Rio Grande, and learned about New Mexico's natural landscape. We then went to El Pinto for lunch, where we had some delicious Mexican food. Then we were off to hike the Tent Rocks. At the Tent Rocks, we had a geologist that guided us on the hike, as well as teaching us about the geology that the Tent Rocks withhold. Once we made it to the top the view was breathtaking, with us being bale to see for miles and miles around us. After our Tent Rock excursion we made our way to Glorietta, where we would be staying for the next two nights. The next day we woke up early, ate breakfast, and then started my favorite day of the trip. We first went to the Red River where we had our Feast and Float. We started off with the raft ride down the Rio Grand with a Native American Guide. He talked about the jobs he holds, his family, his passion for dancing, and showed us a variety of things he has made. This experience was very eye opening, and interesting to talk to someone who is both very involved in his Native American culture, and connected to modern American culture. After talking with our guide and floating down the river, we ate a traditional feast made by our Native American guides. This feast was composed of traditional foods, and was a portrayal of a feast they would have for a special occasion. After the Feast and Float we headed to Bandelier National Monument. At Bandelier we got to see ancient ruins, cave dwellings, petroglyphs, and pictographs, made by Native Americans that use to reside there long ago. It was very interesting to get to see the makings of a society from long ago, that has been preserved, and still being able to be seen today. After Bandelier we went to Meow Wolf, which is an immersive art experience, that holds different realms, and plays on your senses. Meow Wolf gave me one of the most interesting experiences of my life, with their being so much to see, but also things that I have never seen before, with it feeling like you were truly transported to different worlds. After Meow Wolf we returned to Glorietta. Day three started with a trip to downtown Santa Fe where we had the opportunity to explore the shops, art galleries, interact with Native American vendors and see the miraculous staircase in the Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis Assisi. After our time and Santa Fe we headed back to Albuquerque. Our first stop was to the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, where we explored the exhibits and familiarized our selves with Albuquerque's unique art history. After our time at the Museum we headed to Sandia Peak to ride the tram with a geologist. On the ride tram we got to to see the amazing and breath taking views of 10,378 feet up the Sandia Mountains. When we got to the top we had time to explore the area. To our surprise we got to see snow, and coming from Texas where we rarely ever get snow we where ecstatic to have the chance to play as kids in the snow, while also taking in the view. Our last stop of the night was to the Route 66 Diner where we ate dinner. Day four we departed for To'hajilee, where we would visit the To'hajilee Community School. At the school we got to watch and participate in a traditional dance which welcomed us to the school. We then played team building games with our fellow peers and some of the students that attend the To'hajilee Community School. Next we learned how to make our own traditional fried bread and learned how to find wild parsley. We also got to peak into the school and see what their classrooms look like. Our time at To'hajilee came to end and we had to say bye to the man people we met and got to interact with. The experience at To'hajilee was eye opening in that we got to see first hand what a school looks like on a Native American reservation, and what they do to preserve their culture but also integrate new ideas and technologies. After To'hajilee we headed to Acoma, which is a Native American pueblo also known as "sky city". At Acoma we got to tour and learn about the rich history of how it came to be, as well as see the amazing views. Next we headed back to Albuquerque to attend the Gathering of Nations, which is the largest pow-wow in the United States and North America. Here we got to see a variety of tribes with their traditional attires. After the Gathering of Nations we returned to the hotel to complete this packed day. Day five was our last day in New Mexico. We first headed to the Petroglyph National Monument where we got to hiked and got to see hieroglyphs from many years ago. We then went to old town where we got to look at the shops and take in the century old adobe architecture. After our time in old town the time had come to return to the airport to make our way home. My trip to New Mexico was amazing in that I was able to learn so much and have first hand experiences that many people my age cannot say that they have had. I loved getting to see the lives of Native Americans from a different perspective and really become familiar with their culture and connect with them. The experiences and memories I made on this trip are one I truly will never forget. |