The instructor has a Converso Jewish background.
There are many exciting areas to explore in New Mexico's rich history, but none is as multi-faceted as that of the Jewish contributions to the culture of the region.
At 11:45 AM, the bus will depart for Acoma Pueblo.Lunch: Box lunches to be eaten on the field trip to AcomaAfternoon: Visit Acoma Pueblo, one of the oldest pueblos in the state, at approximately 2:00 PM.
Acoma Pueblo, located approximately 85 miles from Albuquerque, is often called "Sky City." The oldest part of the pueblo was built on top of a 400-foot mesa, to protect it from attack. Much as it was several hundred years ago, the pueblo has no electricity and no running water, but its residents vie for chances to live there for a year at a time. There are other pueblo villages at the base of the mesa, where most of the Acoma Indians dwell. You'll have an opportunity to explore the Visitors' Center, and then you'll be bused to the top of the mesa where you'll explore the old part of the pueblo with a Native American guide. You'll see the adobe dwellings, an old Spanish church and meet some of the inhabitants of this remarkable historic place. Bus returns to hotel by 5:30 PM.Dinner: Dinner at the hotel from 6:00-7:00 PMEvening: Video in hotel meeting room: "The Milagro Beanfield War"Lodging: MCM EleganteMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bus will depart at 3:15 PM for Old Town/Albuquerque and a free afternoon.
You can walk around the old village, where the first Spanish families settled in 1706.
In 2006, Albuquerque celebrated its Tricentennial. Old Town represents Albuquerque's history: Spanish, Mexican, and the United States flags are displayed.
Buildings around the plaza and on the side streets are authentic adobes up to 300 years old, many built in the distinctive territorial style.
The church of San Felipe de Neri was used as a parish church for over 200 years.
It's also a shopping center with shops selling goods ranging from fine arts and jewelry to tourist trinkets, and Indians selling their wares on the sidewalk.
You'll enjoy your free afternoon and wish you had lots more time!
Bus returns to hotel at 5:00 PM, or you may choose to stay in the Old Town area for dinner and return to the hotel via taxi.Dinner: Dinner on your ownEvening: Free eveningLodging: MCM EleganteMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Chimayo and the surrounding area are rife with stories about Crypto Jew settlers, and many of the Hispanic families living there now are well aware of their heritage provided by Jewish ancestors.
Visits this morning include the historic Santuario de Chimayo, a church visited year-round by pilgrims seeking healing from the holy ground found inside a small room at the back of the church. El Santuario is fondly known as "The Lourdes of Northern New Mexico." It also offers primitive religious art work in the form of bultos (carved wooden statues of the saints), a beautiful retablo (altar piece) over the altar and unique stations of the cross. Lunch: Lunch at historic Rancho de Chimayo from 12:00-1:00 PM. The restaurant, located in a large hacienda, has been owned and operated for many years by a family from Chimayo, and is one of the best-known restaurants in the northern New Mexico area. In the warmer months, sit outside in terraced gardens; in the winter, sit in front of pinon-burning fireplaces and view the lovely art work featured throughout the restaurant. It's a dining experience you'll remember for many years to come!Afternoon: Bus departs for Santa Fe, where you'll have some free time. You'll receive museum passes to visit the Palace of the Governors Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Art, located just off the plaza. The Palace of the Governors features historic documentation of the settling of the Santa Fe and northern New Mexico area. The New Mexico Museum of Art offers changing exhibits by famous past and present artists of New Mexico and the Southwest.
Bus departs for Albuquerque at 5:00 PM.Dinner: Dinner at Sweet Tomatoes restaurant. Sweet Tomatoes offers a wide variety of items on a salad bar, including soups, breads and dessert options. It's a nice change of pace, allowing you to eat as much as you like. Evening: Bus returns to the hotel about 7:30 PM.Lodging: MCM EleganteMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner