simple like fruit: Taos

New Mexico has always held a special place in my heart. I lived in Albuquerque for a few years as a child and my family went back to visit on occasion while I was growing up. With my mom being an artist, I grew up with a pretty deep appreciation for art and artistic culture. My mom was fluent in Spanish and spent part of her career as a Spanish high school teacher. She has always loved the unique cultural experience of a place like Taos...and she must have passed it on to me.

Enter: Random and Fairly Unplanned Trip. These are a such good thing! About a week ago, my mom invited me to drive down and stay with her in a rented "casita" in Taos. She was on her way down there to take a week-long abstract painting class and thought that if I could arrange to get away then we would have a great time. I didn't have to think about this one for long!

AND...what better way to practice my photography skills!...to practice shooting in Manual mode!

So I packed my wagon and headed south for a few days. I'm so happy I did! My mom and I had the best time together and I was able to get much more comfortable with that "M" mode. Here's a summary of my trip...complete with (what I think are) beautiful photos!

I was pleasantly surprised it took me only 4 hours to drive to Taos from Colorado Springs. It was a beautiful drive (and on a gorgeous September day). Why don't I go there more often? I might have to make this trip a yearly one.

I added this picture to honor all of you Chevron-pattern lovers. I love the pattern myself!

"Where the streets have no name"...well, this street probably has a name...I just didn't catch it. Every time I look at this picture I think of the U2 song - not sure why.

Lodging

This is the little "casita" we stayed in. Hmmm...maybe this picture is a bit overexposed, but it is such a cute casita...very old and authentic, yet well maintained (and very reasonably priced!)

Food

Shortly after arriving to town, my mom and I met some of her painting friends at Graham's Grill...a very yummy Mexican food restaurant that you should definitely try if you find yourself in this neck of the woods. I will warn you about their margaritas though...THEY ARE STRONG!!

Lunch at Lula's...best reuben sandwich EVER!

I guess this was "fast food", because it was fast! But sooooo yummy. I'd go to the Guadalajara Grill over and over and over again. Here's an interesting fact: apparently a Mexican Fanta is made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup, which is in an American Fanta!