Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles approximately 1/2 hour each way. Walking a few blocks over the course of the day; standing up to 2 hours at Cultural Center.
In the hotel meeting room at 7:30 a.m., have what you like from the buffet with typical selections such as eggs, turkey sausage, potatoes, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, pastries, milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.
We’ll join our Group Leader for a presentation on the history of Albuquerque and New Mexico. We’ll then board our coach and depart for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Operated by the nineteen Pueblos of New Mexico, the IPCC is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Pueblo culture, highlighting the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo people. During our self-directed exploration, we will get an overview of New Mexico’s many different Pueblos as we view the Pueblo-curated exhibits on the lower level.
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of soft drinks, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Next, our expert instructor will introduce the fascinating history of conversos and crypto-Jews, dating back to the time of the Spanish Inquisition that began its “investigations” in 1480. In 1492, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain signed what is known as the Alhambra Decree ordering Jewish residents in Spanish domains to convert or leave on pain of death. Many fled and some reached the New World.
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
We’ll continue learning about crypto-Jewish history with a lecture on the Columbus question. Given the confusion about his life before the voyages, is it possible he was a converso?