Taos: The Enchanted Gem of New Mexico

• HelloHawwo
  [hah-woh]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSi
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh gooh-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh gooh-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/dah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh gooh-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwes-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [hoy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sayss]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs ehn-seh-nyahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Long before Spanish explorers set foot in the New World, the Taos Valley was inhabited by the Taos Pueblo people, an ancient Puebloan civilization. The Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands today as one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States. The multi-storied adobe buildings, made from earth, straw, and water, have housed generations of Puebloan people for over a millennium.

In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into the Taos Valley, marking the beginning of Spanish influence in the region. By 1615, the Spanish had established the town of Taos as a mission and trading outpost. The San Geronimo de Taos mission church, originally built in the 1600s, was a focal point of Spanish colonization efforts, seeking to convert the Puebloan people to Christianity.

The Taos Revolt was a significant event in the history of Taos and New Mexico. In 1847, during the Mexican-American War, a group of Taos Puebloans and Mexican settlers rebelled against American rule. The insurgents killed the newly-appointed American governor, Charles Bent, and several other officials. The rebellion was quelled by U.S. forces, which resulted in the execution of many of the insurgents. This event highlighted the deep-seated resistance to foreign rule among the local population.

The early 20th century marked the beginning of Taos' transformation into an artist colony. Artists such as Ernest L. Blumenschein and Bert Geer Phillips were captivated by the natural beauty and unique cultural heritage of Taos. They founded the Taos Society of Artists in 1915, attracting a wave of artists to the area. This influx of creative minds helped to shape Taos into the vibrant artistic community it is today, with numerous galleries and cultural events celebrating its artistic legacy.

British author D.H. Lawrence spent time in Taos in the 1920s, drawn by its remote beauty and the promise of a simpler life. Lawrence and his wife Frieda were invited by Mabel Dodge Luhan, a wealthy patron of the arts, to stay at her home in Taos. Lawrence's time in Taos inspired several of his works, and his presence further solidified Taos' reputation as a haven for writers, artists, and intellectuals.

Mabel Dodge Luhan, a prominent figure in the early 20th-century American arts scene, played a crucial role in establishing Taos as a cultural hub. Her home in Taos became a gathering place for artists, writers, and thinkers, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Ansel Adams, and Aldous Huxley. Luhan's efforts to promote Taos as a center for creativity and intellectual exchange left a lasting impact on the community, fostering a rich cultural environment that continues to thrive.

Taos is located in northern New Mexico, approximately 135 miles from Albuquerque and 70 miles from Santa Fe. The nearest major airport is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). From Albuquerque, you can rent a car and drive to Taos, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours via Interstate 25 and US Route 285. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle service or bus, such as the Taos Express, which runs from Santa Fe to Taos on weekends.

While in Taos, the best way to get around is by car, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Car rentals are available in town. For local travel, Taos has a limited public transportation system called the Taos Chile Line, which offers free bus service within the town and to nearby communities. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available but might be less frequent than in larger cities. Biking and walking are viable options in the town center.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and roadside vendors. ATMs are available throughout Taos, including at major banks and convenience stores.

Taos is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places. The areas around the Taos Plaza and main tourist attractions are usually safe, but always stay vigilant. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but as always, practice common sense and situational awareness.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Taos has a local police department, fire department, and medical facilities, including the Holy Cross Medical Center for healthcare needs. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, several pharmacies in town offer over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing when visiting cultural or religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting Native American pueblos. Always ask for permission before taking photos. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous when using local bus services. Don't expect frequent service, so plan accordingly. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning.' A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine, including dishes like green chile stew and tamales. Don't forget to tip your server; 15-20% is customary.

To experience Taos like a local, visit the Taos Farmers Market on Saturdays, where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals and artists in the many galleries and studios around town. Don't miss the chance to visit the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the stunning Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. For a unique experience, consider taking a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of the landscape.