New Mexico, USA
10 - 20 September, 2017
(maximum 8 rooms)
Bookings: +1 505 310 9177
or b@palateearth.com
“It ain’t new, and it ain’t Mexico”
This is also no ordinary Yoga Journey.
It’s a fun tour incorporating supportive practices, guided by experienced teachers, in a unique land which has attracted well-known artists, healers, architects, native tribes, conquistadores for centuries.
We practice Yoga every day, discuss different aspects of the philosophy, and apply them to other creative practices like painting, writing and cooking.
It's the sthira sukham of travel - a well balanced itinerary to enjoy the good spaces of what this land has to offer.
New Mexico's big skies are like no other. Its land provides sustenance to a wide spectrum of cultures and demographics.
The oldest native Indian village, still being inhabited (after 1000 years), attracts tribes from across North America every year to celebrate their traditions.
We will enjoy the art (we stay at Georgia O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch), go on hikes, fly fish, forage (it will be porcini and chanterelle season) and bathe in the vast beauty of the American wild west.
And since it's as much as part of the land and culture as burritos are, a sneaky tequila will no doubt be enjoyed as well.
This is also no ordinary Yoga Journey.
It’s a fun tour incorporating supportive practices, guided by experienced teachers, in a unique land which has attracted well-known artists, healers, architects, native tribes, conquistadores for centuries.
We practice Yoga every day, discuss different aspects of the philosophy, and apply them to other creative practices like painting, writing and cooking.
It's the sthira sukham of travel - a well balanced itinerary to enjoy the good spaces of what this land has to offer.
New Mexico's big skies are like no other. Its land provides sustenance to a wide spectrum of cultures and demographics.
The oldest native Indian village, still being inhabited (after 1000 years), attracts tribes from across North America every year to celebrate their traditions.
We will enjoy the art (we stay at Georgia O'Keeffe's Ghost Ranch), go on hikes, fly fish, forage (it will be porcini and chanterelle season) and bathe in the vast beauty of the American wild west.
And since it's as much as part of the land and culture as burritos are, a sneaky tequila will no doubt be enjoyed as well.
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Itinerary
Sunday 10th - Day 1 Fly into Albuquerque We will be there to meet you and bring you to the charming, organic lavender farm Los Poblanos. It’s an opportunity to acclimatise and recover from your journey in a peaceful, supportive space. Accommodation: Los Poblanos (2 nights) Monday 11th - Day 2 Enjoy a post-travel Yoga session, a farm-harvested breakfast. You can choose to join us on an optional trip into the old town of Albuquerque to enjoy some turquoise, pick up a Breaking Bad memento, or you’re welcome to simply rest at the farm. Tuesday 12th - Day 3 A 90 minute drive to Santa Fe, a charming adobe south-west town which celebrates art. We’ll visit the Georgia O’Keefe museum, walk the famous Canyon Road and enjoy a margarita with the local legend of Lamy and well-known artist, Thom Ross Accommodation: 4 star Hotel Santa Fe (1 night) Wednesday 13th - Day 4 We leave Santa Fe for Abiquiu (ab-ee-cue-ee). Abiquiu was the New Mexico home of Georgia O’Keeffe, and the inspiration for much of her art. The road to Abiquiu will give you a sense of how spectacular the American Roadie can be. Sandstone rock formations which date back over 100m years, vast open spaces, this truly is the wild west. Accommodation at the Ghost Ranch (1 night) is modest, but the night skies are not. Thursday 14th - Day 5 Today we enjoy a tour of O’Keeffe’s Home and Studio. See where she lived for over two decades, and be in the space which inspired some of her most famous work. |
Georgia O’Keeffe and a brief history of local art.
The birth of Taos as an art mecca began in 1898, when itinerant artists Bert Phillips and Ernest Blumenschein were rambling their way to Mexico to paint. A broken wagon wheel forced them into town, and after seeing Taos they gave up all thoughts of Mexico. By 1915 they had easily convinced others to join them in Taos, and the Taos Society of Artists was created.
Art patroness Mabel Dodge Luhan followed and hosted writers D.H. Lawrence and Aldous Huxley, photographer Ansel Adams, Georgia O'Keeffe and other world-famous luminaries, solidifying Taos' reputation to the this day as a Bohemian retreat.
“Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the most significant and intriguing artists of the twentieth century, known internationally for her boldly innovative art. Her distinct flowers, dramatic cityscapes, glowing landscapes, and images of bones against the stark desert sky are iconic and original contributions to American Modernism.” ref: O’Keeffe Museum.
“Born in 1887 and raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin in the US, O’Keeffe eschewed the frills and frippery of her time for a long black plait and monochrome clothing. But it wasn’t just her dress that challenged the conventions of the day. She reinvented the still life with her paintings of enlarged flowers and desert skulls; had affairs with both men and women; mixed with Frida Kahlo, Joni Mitchell and Allen Ginsberg; and lived on a remote ranch in New Mexico among rattlesnakes and tumble weeds.
She was the first woman to be given a retrospective at MoMA, and last year she became the highest-selling female artist at auction in history. Fearless, determined and liberated before her time, O’Keeffe was a pioneer of women’s freedom of expression.”
Georgina Safe- Broadsheet
The birth of Taos as an art mecca began in 1898, when itinerant artists Bert Phillips and Ernest Blumenschein were rambling their way to Mexico to paint. A broken wagon wheel forced them into town, and after seeing Taos they gave up all thoughts of Mexico. By 1915 they had easily convinced others to join them in Taos, and the Taos Society of Artists was created.
Art patroness Mabel Dodge Luhan followed and hosted writers D.H. Lawrence and Aldous Huxley, photographer Ansel Adams, Georgia O'Keeffe and other world-famous luminaries, solidifying Taos' reputation to the this day as a Bohemian retreat.
“Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the most significant and intriguing artists of the twentieth century, known internationally for her boldly innovative art. Her distinct flowers, dramatic cityscapes, glowing landscapes, and images of bones against the stark desert sky are iconic and original contributions to American Modernism.” ref: O’Keeffe Museum.
“Born in 1887 and raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin in the US, O’Keeffe eschewed the frills and frippery of her time for a long black plait and monochrome clothing. But it wasn’t just her dress that challenged the conventions of the day. She reinvented the still life with her paintings of enlarged flowers and desert skulls; had affairs with both men and women; mixed with Frida Kahlo, Joni Mitchell and Allen Ginsberg; and lived on a remote ranch in New Mexico among rattlesnakes and tumble weeds.
She was the first woman to be given a retrospective at MoMA, and last year she became the highest-selling female artist at auction in history. Fearless, determined and liberated before her time, O’Keeffe was a pioneer of women’s freedom of expression.”
Georgina Safe- Broadsheet
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Our time in Taos
Thurs 14th - Tues 19th days 5 - 9 Will be spent at a leisurely pace, beginning with Yoga each morning. We want you to breathe in the history, culture, and creativity of the place. During the days we will enjoy….
Tuesday 19th - Day 10 From Taos We drive from Taos back to Los Poblanos in Albuquerque, ready to fly out to our various destinations the next day. We’ll take the scenic route of course, enjoy lunch along the way, and stop to pick up a classy bottle of tequila as a souvenir, if desired! We spend the night here and take you to the airport, only 11 mins away the next day. Accom: Los Poblanos Wednesday 20th - Day 11 Albuquerque Depart to your onward destination. If flying out, we'll take you to the airport. |
**Tizia also spends time with us on other days, guiding painting and creative writing sessions. A wonderful Ayurvedic practitioner, Tizia settled in Taos two decades ago after having spent some time living in the community Auroville, just outside Pondicherry, South India. She is available for watsu sessions and massages, by appointment. Should you wish to stay on in Taos and enjoy a Pancakarma experience (customised Ayurveda treatments coupled with diet) she and her husband Paul have built an Earthship on the mesa called “Auromesa” and I couldn’t recommend their supportive spaces more highly.
Read more about Tizia.
Read more about Tizia.
Extensions pre /post tour
There are many things to do in Taos, and we can’t possibly fit them into this itinerary. There are also many things not to do, like rush. The space lends itself well to just being.
We can help you organise an onward stay in Taos, enjoy a Panchakarma for example, and be there for one of the most famous Native festivals in the Taos Pueblo, San Geronimo on Sept 30 (the reason we don’t offer the tour at this time is mainly because accommodation is scarce for a group, but can be secured now for individual travellers).
The same weekend an outdoor, interactive street art festival The Paseo is also held, curated by our host’s husband, Matt Thomas.
We can assist you in organising accommodation anywhere. You can stay where you are
at Casa Gallina (7 min drive out of town), or move more centrally into the Mabel Dodge Luhan house, or perhaps head 30 mins north and retreat to the gorgeous Goji berry farm, from where DH Lawrence produced some of his work
We’re happy to help.
Taos Pueblo, and San Geronimo Day
San Geronimo Day is of great importance to the Pueblo. Named after St. Jerome, the patron saint of the Pueblo, it was originally a fall trading festival at which neighbouring tribes would gather. After Spanish colonisation San Geronimo Day was institutionalised. It incorporated the original rituals with those of the church. Among the ceremonies that have always been a part of San Geronimo Day are the morning races along the race course in front of the north building, and the afternoon pole climb. Running has always carried great religious significance at Taos Pueblo.
For the Indians of Taos Pueblo, life has been a continuing struggle against external forces which have come into Taos. As with all Pueblo tribes, Taos Pueblo was agrarian, and was raided by nomadic Indians such as the Navajos and Apaches. Later, Spanish Conquistadores and settlers, French traders and trappers, and finally, American settlers exerted their influence on the tribe.
Although the interaction between the Spanish colonists and the Indian pueblos was often one of conflict, the early Spanish settlers and Pueblo Indians were also allies against attack by marauding plains Indians. The people of Taos Pueblo have miraculously survived all outside influences and have still retained their essence. Taos Pueblo is famous for its drums and micaceous pottery. In addition, modern art forms have evolved from the traditional ones, including sculpture in clay and alabaster, and painting.
The Indians of Taos Pueblo remain fiercely independent of spirit and mind. They continue to speak Tiwa, which is still an unwritten language, and strive to maintain a balance between their traditional way of life and the modern world.
Altitude
Since we climb to a relatively high altitude (Taos is around 2,100m - or 7000ft), expect warm days but pleasantly cool nights.
It’s very rare to experience any adverse effects from altitude other than dryness of skin (drink plenty of water and bring a good oil/ moisturiser).
Weather
Taos has a semi-arid climate with below-average rainfalls and can reach temperatures of around 40 deg in the heat of summer (August). Remarkably, during the winter, it becomes a popular ski resort with the tail end of the Rockies providing long runs from the tallest 4000m peak.
Mid September you can expect warm days and cool nights. Layers are recommended.
What to pack
Given our variety of activities, consider:
Cost
Please enquire for Twin Share or Single Supplement price.
Early Bird discount applies US$200 pre May 30
Inclusions:
From the moment you land in ABQ, we cover most meals (unless you choose a day to wander by yourself), all accommodation, museum entries, tips, tours and guides, classes, airport transfers and everything really, except flights, visas and beverages other than still water provided with meals.
Exclusions:
Foreigners flying to the States
Everyone has their own preference with airlines these days. Keep an eye out for sales and sign up for notifications from your favourite airline.
Domestic travel to Albuquerque
This will depend on where your point of entry is into the States. There are direct flights from LAX, depending on the time of day and with whom you prefer to fly with.
Personally, I like Southwest airlines, no frills, no extra luggage fees and very reliable. Book early enough and $85 will get you there, one way.
Perhaps you’d like to consider the train with Amtrak from LA? - The journey takes approx 24 hours through the Mojave desert, arriving into Lamy - Billy the Kid’s last stop. Ever.
Visas
For non-US residents it's a simple process. You’ll need to apply for an Electronic Via Waive (ESTA) at least 72 hours prior to departure. It costs US$14 and takes less than 5 minutes.
Be wary of many sites posing as “official” ESTA visa application sites. They will do it for you, but for a fee which you don’t need to pay.
This is the official US site;
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out full Insurance when traveling to the US, and request that you email us a copy of your policy before departure. There are a variety of policies available. Advice given on request.
San Geronimo Day is of great importance to the Pueblo. Named after St. Jerome, the patron saint of the Pueblo, it was originally a fall trading festival at which neighbouring tribes would gather. After Spanish colonisation San Geronimo Day was institutionalised. It incorporated the original rituals with those of the church. Among the ceremonies that have always been a part of San Geronimo Day are the morning races along the race course in front of the north building, and the afternoon pole climb. Running has always carried great religious significance at Taos Pueblo.
For the Indians of Taos Pueblo, life has been a continuing struggle against external forces which have come into Taos. As with all Pueblo tribes, Taos Pueblo was agrarian, and was raided by nomadic Indians such as the Navajos and Apaches. Later, Spanish Conquistadores and settlers, French traders and trappers, and finally, American settlers exerted their influence on the tribe.
Although the interaction between the Spanish colonists and the Indian pueblos was often one of conflict, the early Spanish settlers and Pueblo Indians were also allies against attack by marauding plains Indians. The people of Taos Pueblo have miraculously survived all outside influences and have still retained their essence. Taos Pueblo is famous for its drums and micaceous pottery. In addition, modern art forms have evolved from the traditional ones, including sculpture in clay and alabaster, and painting.
The Indians of Taos Pueblo remain fiercely independent of spirit and mind. They continue to speak Tiwa, which is still an unwritten language, and strive to maintain a balance between their traditional way of life and the modern world.
Altitude
Since we climb to a relatively high altitude (Taos is around 2,100m - or 7000ft), expect warm days but pleasantly cool nights.
It’s very rare to experience any adverse effects from altitude other than dryness of skin (drink plenty of water and bring a good oil/ moisturiser).
Weather
Taos has a semi-arid climate with below-average rainfalls and can reach temperatures of around 40 deg in the heat of summer (August). Remarkably, during the winter, it becomes a popular ski resort with the tail end of the Rockies providing long runs from the tallest 4000m peak.
Mid September you can expect warm days and cool nights. Layers are recommended.
What to pack
Given our variety of activities, consider:
- Light, active wear for hikes (hiking shoes or sneakers are fine),
- Comfortable Yoga clothing
- Hat etc.
- Insects are rare at 7’000ft, so no bug repellent required!
- Moisturising lotion / oil for a dry climate.
- water bottle to refill along the way.
- Day hiking bag
Cost
Please enquire for Twin Share or Single Supplement price.
Early Bird discount applies US$200 pre May 30
Inclusions:
From the moment you land in ABQ, we cover most meals (unless you choose a day to wander by yourself), all accommodation, museum entries, tips, tours and guides, classes, airport transfers and everything really, except flights, visas and beverages other than still water provided with meals.
Exclusions:
- International and domestic travel
- Visas
- Meals if you’re free-ranging away from the group
- Alcoholic beverages and any additional beverages outside what's provided
Foreigners flying to the States
Everyone has their own preference with airlines these days. Keep an eye out for sales and sign up for notifications from your favourite airline.
Domestic travel to Albuquerque
This will depend on where your point of entry is into the States. There are direct flights from LAX, depending on the time of day and with whom you prefer to fly with.
Personally, I like Southwest airlines, no frills, no extra luggage fees and very reliable. Book early enough and $85 will get you there, one way.
Perhaps you’d like to consider the train with Amtrak from LA? - The journey takes approx 24 hours through the Mojave desert, arriving into Lamy - Billy the Kid’s last stop. Ever.
Visas
For non-US residents it's a simple process. You’ll need to apply for an Electronic Via Waive (ESTA) at least 72 hours prior to departure. It costs US$14 and takes less than 5 minutes.
Be wary of many sites posing as “official” ESTA visa application sites. They will do it for you, but for a fee which you don’t need to pay.
This is the official US site;
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out full Insurance when traveling to the US, and request that you email us a copy of your policy before departure. There are a variety of policies available. Advice given on request.
Your host Baxter, your tour leader, is a fully qualified Yoga Teacher and Therapist who has studied and practised many traditions of Yoga from Sivanada, Iyengar, Ashtanga and KYM.
Baxter’s focus now lies with viniyoga- the tools of how Yoga can be applied to the meet the special needs of the individual.
She worked for 8 years with a travel company, assisting culinary, cultural and textile tours to India, France, Spain, and Bali. Now her focus is solely on Yoga journeys to Kashmir, South India and New Mexico.
She speaks fluent German, Spanish and Italian, was a chef for many years on Yachts out of Mallorca, was a casual pilot, is a breath app developer and enjoys milking goats.
To make a booking
Please contact Baxter on +1 505 310 9177 or b@palateearth.com.
Uponn request, we will email you a brochure with full price, terms and conditions.
Baxter’s focus now lies with viniyoga- the tools of how Yoga can be applied to the meet the special needs of the individual.
She worked for 8 years with a travel company, assisting culinary, cultural and textile tours to India, France, Spain, and Bali. Now her focus is solely on Yoga journeys to Kashmir, South India and New Mexico.
She speaks fluent German, Spanish and Italian, was a chef for many years on Yachts out of Mallorca, was a casual pilot, is a breath app developer and enjoys milking goats.
To make a booking
Please contact Baxter on +1 505 310 9177 or b@palateearth.com.
Uponn request, we will email you a brochure with full price, terms and conditions.