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Friday, July 7, 2017

Summer in Old Town Albuquerque



Just a few snaps from my most recent jaunt to a historical part of Albuquerque. Besides a nice visit for our visitors from out of town, it's always pleasant to pop in and see what's happening on the square where you can see the oldest church found in these parts. It has had a recent face lift and looks especially venerable against our sunny blue skies.













A quick look at the beautiful cool interior of this humble place in Albuquerque history.




Old Town is pretty understated. It's best to take a leisure saunter through. My departed mom-in-law, Jane, used to say it reminded her of  Santa Fe in the old days before it had much notoriety. I especially like peeking through old gates off the square that are off limits.





But there are plenty of little nooks and alleys off the plaza that are open to everyone, with little shops to explore. Always something new. The old architecture is a treat all by itself. Old walls on a quiet afternoon in summer hold a delicious serenity. And I am often reminded of some old European village I have visited.




Beautiful gardens lie hidden away here and there. Do you know this plant? I haven't a clue.




But hollyhocks are present everywhere you go.




These pastel beauties are clustered on the small park square. High noon and my limited skills do not do them justice.





Local art.





Lots of souvenir shops, but lots else too. I did a recent post on a great new tea shop. That link is here.




I was going to delete these washed out photos, but they give you an idea of what the heat and light really is like on a July day here. But popping into a bit of shade with the merest breeze makes all the difference. 





I hope you're getting in some lazy afternoons too!

Happy Days!

Jacqueline







21 comments:

  1. Jacqueline:
    I see many similarities to Old Colorado City which is the historic district for Colorado Springs. Your photos are lovely and I especially love seeing the flowers!

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  2. hi Jacqueline
    This is on our list for next summer for a family reunion. Looking at resort called Tamaya to accommodate all the ages and stages of family members! laura@notatrophywife.com

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  3. I believe that beautiful pink flower is astilbe. It comes in other colors, too.

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  4. What a nice tour! The church is beatiful- love the interior. That plant is called Astilbe. It's a shade lover and I wouldn't have imagined it growing there. The hollyhocks look happy there! Love the local art. I enjoy going in the little shops to explore what they sell whenever we travel about. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Oh Jacqueline, that top photo is just amazing! Actually they all are! If I had any doubts that NM was on my bucket list (and I didn't) they would all be gone now! Fabulous!

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  6. Swooning over all your photos. What a gorgeous area. That church on the inside is beyond beautiful. Happy Weekend.
    Kris

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  7. Thank you for a most beautiful tour! I have never been to this part of our country - I hope to one day.

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  8. I think your anonymous friend is right. I think it's an Astilbe too.

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  9. Hi Jacqueline! Your lovely post brought back lots of fond memories. Next time we're in A., we'll stop by your shop and hope that you're there. Yep, astilbe. I bought one this year and it promptly died. Have to keep it pretty wet and in the shade. Lesson learned. I dug up what was left of it and moved it into a shady spot; it's actually putting out some new leaves but no blooms. Always look forward to seeing your new post in my mailbox. Hugs, Pat at Bringing French Country Home

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  10. Hi..That plant/bush is called Astillbe....mine is a faded pink and wish it were as bright as the one you saw!! Photos are lovely - never been here!

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  11. The one pink flower is an Astilbe. I have them growing in my yard. Lovely photos.

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  12. Beautiful photos, Jacqueline...so much character there!

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  13. Gorgeous photos, Jacqueline! Makes me want to hop a plane to visit. Have a great summer!

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  14. This post is simply lovely. It's going on my 'wanna go there' list, lol.

    Thanks so much for sharing, Sandi

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  15. Hi Jacqueline, as always your recent post is lovely.. like a small holiday to see the images and read your descriptions of this wonderful town! I love peeking theough gates and archways, too. Take good care. - Haworth @ cottage-industry xx (who disappeared but is back again now)

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  16. Your pictures tell me I really must visit Albuquerque in my depth. When I came through in May it was a very brief stop and I knew there must be more to see. How I would love to walk here in the square and sit for awhile in the quiet of the church.

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  17. What lovely scenes, Jacqueline! I love the 'old world' ambiance. The church renovation is really beautiful. My parents built a stucco home in White Rock near Los Alamos, back in the late 70's and we spent many a wonderful visit in and around Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and the Sangre de Cristo mountains. I can honestly say it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Lucky you! xx Karen

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  18. I am up early and making the time to stop in before my travels.
    Love your history post here, and I have to agree with everyone else that the church is really amazing, and Full of historical beauty.

    Love the tour through town and would love to visit someday. Glad you left the intense faded foto's, you can defiantly see the heat glare of brightness that fades away the beauty in a cooler greyer day.

    Enjoy your summer and all that it inspires in your travels.

    Will visit soon.

    Xx
    Dore

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  19. Beautiful Albuquerque colors! Thanks for the reminder to go to old town next time I visit my family in ABQ. I'll be sure to shop the tea shop and your shop too!

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  20. What fun place to be maybe next fall will visit
    I will be back I hope you come visit and leave a comment and follow
    Happy times
    laura

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  21. I should so very much love to visit your neck of the country one day. I wish I would have while my aunt and uncle lived there. (Kicking myself.)

    That church is stunning - what a lovely place.

    Thanks for the mini tour - stay cool and dry if possible. I know it's hot.

    Our temps cooled off again - today is gorgeous. Hugs. ♥

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