Snapshots from Old Town

On Sunday, I hopped in the Blazer and drove into Old Town Albuquerque.  Just a short 40-minute drive away, I hadn't been there in quite a while, and I sure needed a break from work.  I had no lofty photographic goals, just strolling with camera to snap what appealed to me.

Old Town is the original Albuquerque, founded in 1706 by Francisco Cuervo y Valdes, the Spanish governor of New Mexico.  Spanish law at the time required setting a plaza at the center of all towns, and that plaza still exists today.

On the north side of the plaza sits the San Felipe de Neri Church constructed in 1793.  Here is a photo of one of the church's two beautiful spires and a few of its many gleaming white crosses.

San Felipe de Neri Church

Albuquerque's original settlers built their homes, shops and offices around the church and the plaza, and most have since been converted into art galleries, restaurants and gift shops.  Old Town Albuquerque is a popular tourist destination, and today the galleries and shops feature Southwestern jewelry, paintings, sculpture, textiles and pottery.

I just love the brightly colored blankets and ristras (strings of dried red chili peppers) displayed outside this shop.

Mexican Blankets and Chili Ristras

As I walked around the plaza peeking into galleries and courtyards, I found this charming scene behind a locked gate.  Chili ristras - a New Mexico staple - and turquoise-green benches brightened the scene, highlighted by a large Mexican pottery urn.

Colorful Courtyard

The architecture in Old Town today looks much as it did centuries ago, with Pueblo and Spanish style flat-roofed buildings, soft adobe contours, and brightly painted window and door frames.  Just look at this gorgeous doorway!

Turquoise Doorway

Porches line the fronts of most buildings, offering shade from the New Mexico sun, and plenty of benches provide resting places to sit and people watch.  I snapped this elderly gentleman, decked out in copious turquoise-and-silver jewelry, taking a break.

Turquoise Guy

In Old Town, you'll also find the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (lots of dinosaurs and a planetarium), the Rattlesnake Museum, the Albuquerque Little Theatre and much more.  For more info on Old Town cultural activities, see www.albuquerqueoldtown.com/cultural-activities.html.

It's a fun day, and I won't be waiting so long to get back out there again.

Cheers 'til next time....Gail.
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All images and text ©2014 Gail Diane Yovanovich