New Mexico: A Sense That You Have Landed Not in Another State But in Another Country

By Sonya Zalubowski

The first thing that hits you after landing in New Mexico is the vastness of the blue sky, a panorama that surrounds you amid the state’s rough high desert and mountainous landscape.  The next thing is this sense that you have landed not just in another US state but in another country.  All without having to use your passport.

Right, Helmut Naumer, Sr. (1935–36), Taos Pueblo; Wikipedia

Perhaps that sky with all its limitlessness, including the unrealized possibility of finding more of the gold they found in Mexico, is what first attracted  the Spanish to settle this area.  Their influence dating all the way to the 16th century plus the large indigenous native American presence color the area’s flavor to this day. Over 40 percent of the population identifies as Hispanic. 

All of it combines with Anglo influences in a mosaic that is celebrated throughout the year with regular festivals.

As do most tourists, I flew into New Mexico’s main airport in Albuquerque, the north central city flanked by the Sandia Mountains that’s home to more than one-fourth of the state’s two million people.

A cab-ride away, I arrived at my destination, the bed and breakfast inn known as the Bottger Mansion of Old Town.  The home is one of the few Victorian era constructions left in Albuquerque, just steps away from the main Plaza.

Albuquerque was founded as a Spanish colonial outpost along the Rio Grande River.  The city to this day retains its old town in the traditional Spanish fashion with a central square or plaza with its church, the  San Felipe de Neri. The area retains its historical character with its flat-roofed adobe buildings featuring original roof timber vigas and kiva fireplaces.

Native American Indians make up nearly ten percent of the state population and have their own system of 19 self-governing pueblos based on tribal affiliations.  That culture is celebrated at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque.  The facility features a teaching garden with native plants, a restaurant with native food and exhibits featuring native art.  Live performances of Indian dancing are held on a regular basis.

Sandia Mountains, G. Thomas, Wikipedia