Despite its bold landscapes, New Mexico is a land of subtleties. Things that appear obvious to the first-time visitor may not be what they seem.
For instance, despite the fairly hectic pace of traffic in New Mexico’s larger cities, most native New Mexicans don’t honk their horns at each other. Beeping is offensive to those who don’t have to live their lives accounting for every second.
New Mexicans, especially in rural areas, enjoy a leisurely concept of time. This concept sometimes is unsettling to visitors taht it’s been used to sterotype New Mexicans for more than a century.
New Mexico is a land of graciousness, which, like subtely, takes attention to detail, and that takes time.
Suggestions for improving your visit:
1. New Mexico isn’t some kind of desert Disneyland. The people you meet in New Mexico are real, with their own deadlines, frustrations and joys. Approach them on an equal footing.
2. Take time to talk with those you meet. MOst New Mexicans enjoy visitors.
3. Respect American Indian traditions. If you’re on Indian land, you’re in a sovereign nation. That means Indian rules apply. These usually include:
*No photographs, sketching or video cameras without a permit from the pueblo or tribal government.
*No wandering into people’s homes without an invitation.
*Keep quiet and respect Indian dances or other cermonies. They are not performances, but religious observances. Don’t applaud or speak to the dancers. Don’t wander into the dance arena or block any of the sacred entry or exit ways.
*Don’t pick up pottery shards or other tempting artifacts
*Don’t walk on ruin walls or approach kivas
*Don’t bring alchol or drugs onto Indian land
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