From the late 1000's to the late 1200's the ancestors of the Pueblo people (known as the Aztecs) resided in this village. Each brick used in their architecture was carried by hand from a quarry over 35 miles away.
The dwelling was once a buzzing metropolis with city buildings, apartment style homes, artisan quarters, a town square and great Kivas or ceremonial buildings. Clearly the Aztecs were astute mathematicians creating vast multi-use buildings and mammoth circular Kivas. The circles were perfect in formation.
Bryan and I visited the ruins on a sticky, hot day. We wondered how the Aztecs endured without air conditioning in the desert. Once we entered the homes we understood how they coped. Inside the buildings the air was cool and crisp. Also, they didn't have doors, rather they covered the portals with hides to welcome circulation.
This was the base of another great Kiva. This one hasn't been completely excavated yet. We still have so much to learn about these people. Unknown is why two sets of cultures lived in this dwelling at different times. Were they driven out? Or was there a drought or famine? Archeologists know two peoples resided at the site by sifting through their trash piles. Pottery designs differed, diets varied, and tools were more advanced with the second culture. What would our trash tell archeologists about us one thousand years from now?
Bryan and I had to duck down to pass through Aztec doors. (Notice Bryan towering over the doorway for scale.) "Why were the door wells so low?" I queried. "Because they were tiny. Think of how small grandma Yazzie is." It's true, the Native woman is maybe 4'10". Evolution has turned us into large monsters in comparison.
take a week's worth of driving,
multiply that by five varied desert landscapes,
add the perimeter of mountainous ranges,
exhibit a.
exhibit b.
Why is it so magical?
My favorite spot was the Loretto Chapel. Shrouded in mystery this chapel has miraculous stories to tell. When the chapel was built in 1878, the sisters faced a conundrum: How could they get from the chapel to the choir loft?
The sisters consulted with builders and concluded that a ladder was needed. Fearful that a ladder would interrupt the beauty of the chapel. The sisters prayed to St. Joseph, Patron Saint of carpentry. After the ninth day of novena, a man appeared to the chapel on a donkey with his tools. It was a sign. After months of work, the lovely staircase was completed. The man vanished without word or receiving pay. Legend claims that it was St. Joseph himself that built the architectural wonder, baring no wooden pegs or nails!
I loved the stained glass, and wonder how many people have marveled upon it's magnitude.
Moved by a beautiful life sized carving of the Christ, I was reminded of Matthew 11:28.
I loved how the artist unfurled His hand, beckoning to onlookers to literally and figuratively partake.
I loved this round of desert Polaroids.
rows of hand crafted dream catchers,
Native carvings, and occasionally me.
This weekend past I drove to my mother's beautiful new home in Arizona. I love stopping in the tiny desert cities between California and Phoenix. I enjoy the desert-scape view, open road, varied vegetation between deserts, and of course the local-yocal shops. In later posts I'll share with you my souvenirs, snap shots, and adorable polaroids from Quartzsite. Until then, hago shi {meaning good-bye for a short time in Navajo.}
After our delicious made-to-order breakfast at the Orchid Inn, we made our way to the wharf. I loved the panoramic view of the harbor. The mountains nestled next to the seaside just cooed charm.
We were shocked by the chutzpa of the local pelicans. They had far too much confidence when approaching humans. Crazy birds.
We visited the bay museum on the docks. It's a pint sized museum, but it's very hands on and the workers are extremely knowledgeable. Bryan's favorite creatures were the jelly fish. I loved the sea cucumbers (they are slimy and squishy) I also loved the starfish. Their coloring is varied, vivid and inspiring.
Bryan and I caught the train at union station and held hands the entire trip. My eyes were glued to the seaside view. The colors of the sunset kissing the sea were almost too much to take in. It was one of those truly magical moments in life. The tracks were so close to the beach that it seemed as if they would cross into the ocean at any moment.
Bunnie busied himself with music, munching on sugary treats, and thumbing through his books while I concentrated on the gorgeous view; trying my best to contain my excitement.
Bryan made thoughtful arrangements for us to lodge at the cozy bed and breakfast, The Orchid Inn. It was positively dream like. Above is the dining room in which we ate breakfast Saturday morning.
Above is the main quarters, it was a slice of heaven. I loved the simple twinkling lights. I felt right at home.
For our anniversary evening we haunted ELEMENTS restaurant and enjoyed an exquisite dinner. The Menu:
I am impatiently looking forward to October. "Why?" You might ask. Well, that is when Bryan and I will be going to Montreal and Quebec City! I can't wait to go on my first holiday outside of the states! And oh, how I desperately miss fall leaves. I can't wait to collect a few and press them in my journal. I wish we were packing and leaving tomorrow. I can't wait to meet the ever snooty, and fashionable Quebecois. {Le sigh!}
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