Things I’ve noticed about being in new mexico (vs. the silicon valley):
sights: some of the little things: there’s a complete lack of any lawns (well, it is the desert, so that should be no surprise, but it was); most houses have fences. (lots of chain link). As expected, most of the architecture is indian based (lots of adobe) but there’s also a tremendous amount of faux-adobe. I guess the motto is “If it isn’t adobe… make it look like it anyway!” which gives a real uniform hue to most everything. Very different, and very interesting.
the quiet. I’ve become so used to the distant hum of the freeways near by. At night you can stand out side, and your own breathing and heart beat are the only noises you can pick up.
food: chilies are on everything. While there, every meal had chili on it (huevos rancheros for breakfast, even). I was even able to go Blake’s Lotaburger, where I was able to buy a cheeseburger, with green chilies on it. And these aren’t Ortega, these were some damned hot chilies. While it’s an amazing treat for the tongue, after 3 days, my bowels were starting to revolt.
The sky is big. Open. Driving from santa fe to taos, there’s a strange sensation, where you can look out for miles and miles, and not see anything, until a mountain springs up. with nothing obstructing your view in the foreground, the sky becomes so much bigger. And with the lack of smog, you can actually see more than 6 stars at night.
More later.