Our first day started bright and early with our 8:30 check in. We were miraculously all on time. Similar to Nashville, it was very cold; however, the only snow we saw capped the distant mountains. First, we visited the Petroglyph National Monument and our interpreter and park ranger, David, pointed out dozens of carvings into the basalt created by the Ancestral Puebloans and colonial Spanish. The rock formations from the three inactive volcanos, were the perfect canvas for spiritual anthropomorphic figures and Spanish crosses. We learned about the importance of protecting the petroglyphs and the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. We took a break for lunch where we ate burritos until we were about to explode. Then, we Coronado Historic Site where we learned more about Puebloan people and their history with the land. We were able to tour the inside of a Kiva (a sacred tribal meeting place where men preformed ceremonies). We entered through the roof and took a steep ladder into the adobe structure. Spanish imperialism lead to the depopulation of the community and land. We discussed the history of the site and it’s involvement in the Pueblo Revolt and as an encomienda as well as the current implications of their history on the Puebloan people. We finished the day with ice cream and karaoke in the bus. 

Love from Albuquerque, 
Piper (and the Southwest group!)