The Great Western Pilgrimage - Part Two

The travel agent (moi) was smart enough to book two nights in Albequerque. This was primarily due to the need for a stable base from which to continue online classes (we've had success with public libraries but, it's nicer to just have a hotel room). So, after science, health, and breakfast, we headed out to see the sights.

Our journey took us to the town square of Old Town Albuquerque. The area dates from 1706, and the day was perfect to walk around (the website states, on average, there are 300 days of sunshine here! Definitely not The Burgh).

Our experience of New Mexico was beginning to form - pleasant people but extreme poverty. The majority of Native American people made it look different immediately but people from all races and ethnic backgrounds seemed to need help. Perhaps the temperate climate made it a better area in which to be homeless but it was still desert - the nights were very cold. A good reminder from above to pray for all those in need.

How convenient that there just happened to be a church nearby ;0) San Felipe de Neri parish has been continuously celebrating Mass since the 1700's! What an amazing piece of history and a beautiful connection to the past. God has been, is now, and will be forever. Of course it was also special to us because of our own church of St. Philip Neri at home. How comforting that the laughing Saint was the first to meet us on our journey!

The adobe of the Southwest is very beautiful

Little boy was begging to see a cactus - how about a cactus tree?



The simplicity of most of the churches we would visit was so beautiful to me. Nothing overly ornate, just a few statues to focus your mind and straight-ahead to the tabernacle!

This church was founded by the Franciscans, later run by the Jesuits and the school was run by the Sisters of Charity - lots of religious orders from which to choose!

Back to the hotel for a late lunch at my new favorite restaurant...Mimi's Café which, providentially, is "French inspired" but, in this case, was decorated very much in New Orleans/French Quarter vibe. Odd, normally but on Mardi Gras? Perfect!

Speaking of...we returned in time for #1 to attend her online "Myth in Literature" course. She is blessed to have Mr. Kevin O'Brien as her instructor. Mr. O'Brien is an actor by trade and also, if you watch the link, an atheist-turned-Catholic. He's portrayed many famous men on EWTN, including Chesterton, Frodo, and St. Paul. He is theatrical to say the least and didn't miss his chance when class happened to fall on Mardi Gras.

That's a jester's hat...the purple side blended into the background :0)
 

We finished off the day with a nice dinner downstairs (hooray for Drury Inn! Breakfast and dinner!) and back to the room for King Cake to celebrate the feast before beginning our Lenten fast. Tiny boy was lucky enough to find the baby. We watched some of the Olympics then off to dreamland, which isn't too difficult when you're only on day two of Mountain time.

We are blessed.