June 23, 2011

Timeless Taos - Adobe Charm

I have a few more photos to share with you of this lovely area in the next couple of weeks. (It won’t be long before we depart on our Alaska trip and my blog takes a little siesta.) After this series is over, I plan to feature photos of other New Mexico historical landmarks and landscapes throughout the summer. 


As I have revealed before, the tourists come and go, but routine life continues throughout the Taos Pueblo and about 150 people call this place home. One of the unusual things in this day and age is that there is a strict prohibition of electricity and running water within the pueblo border. Wood stoves have been introduced into some of the homes for cooking, but many residents continue to cook right in their fireplaces. As this perspective of the North House shows, there are also some craftsmen shops where visitors may purchase hand-made treasures such as clay pots, jewelry, and paintings. It was great fun looking in these shops. And yes, I did purchase a keepsake. That will be featured in a later post.




The adobe charm is unique to this area of the country. And with old structures like this, there is no such thing as a straight line! The roofs are supported by large timbers call vigas. Smaller wood pieces, called latillas, are placed across the vigas. The roofs are them compacted with earth.


10 comments:

  1. it's just gorgeous. I can't imagine living that way but I suppose the people who do can't imagine living with all the things we have that make life so easy. Or do those things really make or life more complicated?...lol

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  2. How interesting that they want no modern conveniences. They're lost in a time warp and I wonder if they're not better off for it.

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  3. I would miss my electricity and running water, for sure, so I give them a lot of credit for being able to live this simply.

    What are those buildings on the front porches? Sheds? Outhouses? Just curious.

    Great photos, as always!

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  4. Most ingenious and strikingly beautiful architecture! The color of the sky is so pure and the adobe colors nestled beneath it are so humble.

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  5. Although I could never imagine living without electricity and a working toilet (!) what a awesome place that looks like to live! And I love that green door! It just pops!!

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  6. I guess if you never had it...you don't miss it.
    Love the shots Donna! Beautiful!
    Happy weekend!
    hughugs

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  7. You visit the neatest places. And, it bears repeating; if you didn't share with us, I'd never go anywhere. :)

    Now, when do we leave for Alaska?

    Have a blessed day, Donna. ((hugs))

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  8. Beautiful...and simpler is better. I wish I had less stuff to be busy with....

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  9. at christmas time th
    ey line up luninaries along the tops of the stucco buildings and also along their side walks..it is really something to see!

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!