Sarah and Nathan gave us the advice to visit Taos Pueblo so you get a better idea about the culture and living of the Pueblo tribes. So we found a beautiful campsite close to Taos, next to the River Grande.

Here we also got a feeling for the canyons here. The land was very dry but next to the rivers grew those crazy yellow trees – paper trees. At the campsite we even met an artist who came here just because of those yellow trees in autumn.

At the Taos Pueblo we got a guided tour. There are still about 2500 people of this tribe living like a community and about 100 are living in the pueblo. The houses are more huts without electricity and running water.

The structure of those buildings is really fascinating and back than, they didn’t have doors. To get in the house you had to climb up a ladder and got into the building via a hole in the roof.

It was also here that the Spanish conquistadores burned down a church full with Native Americans after a riot. Shortly after the attack the Spanish found a decapitated governor.

They still do their dances at the Pueblo and combine it with their catholic belief.

Afterwards we had a quick glimpse at Taos old town and the houses’ style were a mix of the Pueblo and Mexican houses. Not to forget the risas of chili.

Running behind our schedule we changed our travel route to the west coast. Instead of Chicago we decided to drive via Albuquerque and Mesa Verde. Not only the distance was the reason for the change, also all the closed campgrounds around Chicago. The closest would have been 80 miles away.

Why Albuquerque? Well we met Sarah in Tibet and she ended up in Albuquerque. Months ago she was writing me about this spiritual place with so much Native American Culture still alive. So we wanted to find out about New Mexico and the Pueblo tribes.

And we didn’t get disappointed. First we visited the Pueblo Museum which is actually owned by the 19 Pueblo tribes. Since the Pueblos haven’t been nomads it was easier to claim back their land and now all the tribes own hotels, casinos, golf clubs and so on.

It was the first time that we could read about the horrible time of the inquisation. Not even in the Native American Museum in Washington D.C. there was anything about this. I spoke with some Native Americans and their stories where really interesting.

We were lucky and saw also the buffalo and turkey dance. Their costumes were great and the big Pow Wow must be special. So next time we try to be in Albuquerque for the festivals in April.

In Albuquerque old town we could see the Mexican influence and liked the small houses. They definitely love their chilies. Big risas where hanging from every house and in the stores you found the craziest, spiciest chili mixes.

The last evening we met Sarah and her husband Nathan and they told us about Taos and the Pueblo. It was great to see here again and for sure we have to check out some advices they gave us.