Taos

2008_07_25_Taos - 104
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Quirky, small, alternative, commercial, very south-western. I liked it. We're rapidly discovering that you can drive a motor-home right into the heart of even the smallest American community and park on the street or in designated carparks. It really isn't a limitation to getting into town. So we parked near the centre of Taos and strolled around. First stop, a coffee shop opposite the Kit Carson House/Museum. The best coffee, and a sweet and ramshackle little patio garden at the back, full of hippies with dreadlocks, who were, from the snippets we ear-wigged, discussing arcane views on money as the root of the world's ills, Avalon, recycling and taking to the hills. Welcome to Taos. The search for a pac-a-mac continues, with no success, although Midge picked up two nice hats in a mountain outfitters, one of which has now been commandeered by Will. Some great Public Works Administration era murals in what used to be the County Courthouse, by a student of Diego Rivera's. Not as striking or brilliant as the Rivera murals in the Rockafeller Centre in NYC, but great to see. Lunch at Michaels Kitchen . Highly recommend it. Long queue to get in, but worth the wait for a plate of Tacos and beans. Came away with a loaf of cheese chile sourdough, which takes the top of your head off. After lunch we drove out to Taos Peublo, a Native American Pueblo, still used very much as an active community. Wonderful adobe houses. Were there for a traditional dance in the afternoon - the men of the community chanting, sitting on small wooden stools, the women dancing in southwestern dresses, lead by two mean wearing feathers and body paint. Will was captivated.