ABQHomeTalk.com

Albuquerque Real Estate

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science…and Let’s Throw in some Da Vinci!

by

New-Mexico-Museum-Natural-History-Science-Albuquerque-Real-Estate-Sugar-TeamThe most educational and culturally rich area in all of Albuquerque is densely concentrated in a three-block universe in historic Old Town.  Museum Row lines up the most powerful think-tanks, one right after the other: the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, Explora! Science Center & Children’s Museum and New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.  And right now, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is the shining star, shining brighter than even its sister stars (pulsars?) due to its temporary exhibit “The Genius, Leonardo Da Vinci.”

This isn’t to say that the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science’s permanent exhibits are full of fluff.  Quite the contrary!  Their permanent exhibits Origins, Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Jurassic Super Giants, Age of Volcanoes, Cave Experience, New Mexico’s Ice Age and planetarium could easily fill up your day (and your brain!) for the entire day.

For example, the dinosaur exhibits are truly to be reckoned with.  In the atrium stand the complete, gigantic skeletons of a Seismosaurus and a Tyrannosaurus rex (aka “Stan”) which measures an awe-inspiring forty feet in length and twelve feet in height.  Unbeknownst to most of the public, many dinosaur fossils have been unearthed right here in New Mexico, and Stan is actually the second largest T. rex ever to be discovered.

What makes this exhibit—and others like it throughout the museum—extra special is the participation of the volunteer docentsNew-Mexico-Museum-Natural-History-Science-Albuquerque-Dinosaur-Docent stationed at each one of the key stations.  In the atrium a retired physicist was situated in front of the massive dinosaur skeletons, cheerfully explaining the lineage and evolutionary process of the gargantuan reptiles.  Thanks to the docents, you don’t have to read all the placards (thank God!), and because of the insight of one docent, I learned that the modern lungfish is a key evolutionary animal that still exists today.

Probably my favorite permanent exhibits are the ones dedicated to astronomy and space exploration which appropriately take up almost an entire floor.  Everything from gorgeous large-scale models of our solar system to a Mars rover you can maneuver by remote-control round out these hands-on exhibitions.  There’s even a real meteorite that you can try to lift (believe me, I tried!).

Mona-Lisa-Leonardo-Da-Vinci-AlbuquerqueWithout creating too much of a sense of urgency, it is crucial that everyone visit the temporary exhibit “The Genius, Leonardo Da Vinci” immediately and before it moves to its next location after July 29, 2018.  This scintillating exhibition consists of two parts.  The first focuses on his paintings, and of course the world’s most famous one “la Giocanda,” the laughing one, or Mona Lisa.  In it you will find copious explanations of that famous elusive smile, the shadowy quality of the work and of course, its historic context.  There’s even a replica of the back of the painting (spoiler alert…it’s made of wood!)!

The second part of the exhibit focuses on Da Vinci, the Renaissance inventor.  This exhibition features 75 large-scale machine Leonardo-Da-Vinci-Albuquerque-New-Mexico inventions, all brought to life by modern day artisans from his detailed journals.  You will find everything from real-life concepts of a car to a military tank. What sets this delightful exhibit from any other one I’ve experienced that it is almost all hands-on!  Nothing is more joyful than watching a young boy pull a lever that forces a hammer to slam down on an anvil, or watch a young girl be surprised by pulling a lever that moves a gear, that operates another gear, and so on and so on…, all of which were originally designed by a brilliant mind who lived some 500 years ago.

So, check out the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science before it goes away!  And if you can’t, please enjoy the video below which hopefully is the next best thing:

The National Hispanic Cultural Center

by

National-Hispanic-Cultural-Center-Albuquerque-Real-Estate-The-Sugar-TeamEnjoy this fun and insightful little video about Albuquerque’s cultural icon, the National Hispanic Cultural Center!

Albuquerque Dia de los Muertos Marigold Parade

by

albuquerque-dia-de-los-muertosEvery year Albuquerque celebrates Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) and the Marigold Parade in the culturally rich South Valley.  Please enjoy this presentation of this actually joyous event which is a photographic delight at every turn!

These are a Few of My Favorite Things…The Sound of Holiday Musica in Albuquerque.

by

Tumbleweed snowman.  Bizcochitos.  Ordering your enchiladas “Christmas.”  These are some albuquerque-real-estateof the fascinating things you will find in New Mexico during the holidays, and specifically in Albuquerque.  There are many truly joyful events that happen throughout our wonderful city during the month of December that you absolutely will not find anywhere else. 

Kicking off the holiday season in Albuquerque’s cultural epicenter Nob Hill, the Shop and Stroll closes the streets to vehicles in this fabulous neighborhood, giving patrons the opportunity to walk the streets and shop locally until late.  During the Shop and Stroll shoppers enjoy the opportunity to ride in pedicabs, take in street performers, enjoy the excellent cuisine in Nob Hill’s restaurants and of course, shop!  This year is extra-special because Nob Hill is abuzz, celebrating its one hundredth year anniversary.

While New York City has its Rockefeller Center and the Lighting of The Tree, so does albuquerque-real-estateAlbuquerque, but in Old Town.  Old Town is more steeped in history than 100 Rockefeller Center, as it dates back to 1706 when founded by the Spanish.  Even today Old Town keeps its Spanish roots, preserving a central plaza and gazebo—Mariachis included of course!—, surrounded by historic golden-colored adobe buildings and the San Felipe de Neri Church.  Just one day after the Shop and Stroll the mayor lights the tree in Old Town and wishes peace and joy on all observing Burqueños. 

The third day of celebrations brings us back to Nob Hill to witness the Twinkle Light Parade, The Sugar Team’s all-time favorite.  This year there are 96 participants floating down the street with the one requirement that every entrant—whether it be a clown, bicycle or low-rider—be bedazzled with twinkle lights.  The culmination of live music, red and green flashing lights and overall kitschiness provides a scintillating experience for the senses.

However, the Twinkle Light Parade really doesn’t own the market on quirkiness in ‘Burque.  Just the second year running, the Rail Yards in Albuquerque’s Barelas neighborhood hosts their Rail Yards Holiday Market.  Located in the historic Blacksmith Shop which was completed in 1917, it has often been the backdrop for many Hollywood productions.  Albuquerque is pushing to convert this locale into a public market similar to what is found in cities like Barcelona and Los Angeles.  It is a great place to purchase local crafts, homemade chow and unusual souvenirs.

On Christmas Eve there is a gorgeous tradition that takes place yearly here in Albuqerque and albuquerque-real-estatedates back more than 300 years: Luminarias.  Luminarias are brown paper sacks filled with sand and a votive candle.  Historically, nuevomexicanos lit the candles on December 24th to welcome the Christ child into the world.  Today Albuquerque’s older neighborhoods like Old Town, North Valley, South Valley and Country Club place these ethereal decorations to adorn their walkways, churches and homes.  I promise you, you don’t have to be religious to appreciate this beautiful detail.

Last but not least, we have the River of Lights.  The River of Lights is an exhibit of visual light sculptures throughout the ABQ BioPark Botanical Garden running from the end of November albuquerque-real-estatethrough the beginning of January.  Although many other cities host a similar event, Albuquerque’s has been running strong for 19 years and simply is the best.  Where else can you find gorgeous light representations of a barrel of 14 monkeys, a butterfly bush, eight dragonflies, three cow skulls and a hot air balloon?  The River of Lights is the perfect holiday conclusion following the excess of egg nog, spicy tamales and ugly Christmas sweaters.  And it really is a pleasure to meander along the illuminated botanical garden paths, delightfully discovering what new “creature” has been rendered in lights.

So there you have it…Albuquerque during the holidays.  From the unique shopping opportunities of Nob Hill’s Shop and Stroll, historic Old Town’s Lighting of the Tree, the scintillating Twinkle Light Parade, quirky Holiday Market at the Rail Yards, ethereal Luminarias, to the River of Lights, Albuquerque has something for everyone at this time of year.  And that is why The Sugar Team is so proud to call “The Duke City” home.  Call us today (505) 850-9977 if you would like to work with a Realtor® that loves Albuquerque as much as we do!

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

by

Albuquerque Art Museum
The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History is one of the many reasons that I absolutely love, love the culture of the Duke City.  Located right on the corner of 19th and Mountain, abutting ‘Burque’s historic Old Town, and just East of the North Valley and South of Wells Park, The Albuquerque Museum sparkles as an absolute treasure trove among museum row, consisting of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the Science Museum ¡Explora! and the Rattlesnake Museum.  Originally designed by world renowned architect Antoine Predock in 1979, and then later tastefully expanded in 2005 this artistic masterpiece exudes high culture meant to be shared with the community both inside and out.

Albuquerque Museum Sculpture Garden
The Albuquerque Museum’s Hands-on Sculpture Garden

On the inside The Albuquerque Museum houses approximately 7,000 works of art, focusing on art of the American Southwest and its influences.  It covers everything from colonial to the contemporary and Native American jewelry to Georgia O’Keefe in the form of exhibits, photo archives and galleries.  On the outside you will find a hands-on sculpture garden in front of the museum, depicting various aspects of New Mexico’s rich history.  So, don’t be surprised if you see kids climbing and interacting with the sculptures!  This art is meant to be shared…

However, The Albuquerque Museum is no stranger to more cerebral works of art.  In fact, we are excited to report that from February 5, 2012 through May 13, 2012 the etchings of the subversive and imaginative artist Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes and his collection Los Caprichos will be on display at the museum.  Of course, The Sugar Team will be there opening night.  We hope to see you there!

Useful Links

The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History

Old Town Neighborhood

Antoine Predock Architecture

Francisco Goya

New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science

Science Museum-¡Explora!

Rattlesnake Museum

Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau

Albuquerque Real Estate

Albuquerque Spanish

by

Albuquerque Spanish Meetup

-¿Cómo se llama ‘jelly fish’ en español?

-¡Medusa!

-¿Y ‘shark’?

-¡Tiburón!

 

 

Albuquerque Spanish Meetup Day of the Dead

This could be a conversation you might overhear at the Albuquerque Aquarium on a Saturday morning.  Or you might encounter a similar exchange at the museum at Albuquerque’s National Hispanic Cultural Center… or maybe even at the downtown Salsa club.  But don’t be alarmed!  This is Albuquerque’s Spanish Meetup!

Spanish Meetup is a free local Spanish language and Spanish conversational group organized by Sutter Sugar open to all levels where we meet at different venues throughout Albuquerque to discuss a topic en español without overly stifling people from trying to get their idea across in Spanish.  In the past we have done everything from dining together at Spanish-speaking restaurants, receiving tours of the Zoo and Aquarium in Spanish, taking salsa-dancing classes and even hearing a lecture on Day of the Dead.  The goal has always been to gain the confidence to speak Spanish and just have fun.

Sutter Sugar Albuquerque Realtor

It might seem that Sutter a zealous Realtor® originally from San Francisco might not be the most qualified person to run Albuquerque Spanish Meetup, but his resume really speaks for itself.  After receiving a B.A. from the University of Washington in Spanish and then a M.A. also in Spanish from the University of New Mexico, he always felt that he wanted to continue to contribute to lovers of Spanish, whether it be volunteering at the language school Instituto
Cervantes, maintaining ties to his beloved Department of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of New Mexico or simply running Albuquerque Spanish Meetup.  If asked he would state it succinctly in three words: “¡Yo quiero español!”

Some Useful Albuquerque Spanish-speaking Links

Albuquerque Spanish Meetup

National Hispanic Cultural Center

Instituto Cervantes

UNM Department of Spanish and Portuguese

Página en Español del Agente de Bienes Raíces Sutter Sugar