Despite all this, Albuquerque remains (thankfully) a strange place. For one, it is simultaneously an example of urban Americana and Spanish/Mexican heritage. There is an incredible amount of energy in the city's landscape, and it alternates between rage, acceptance, beauty, and love. Although I have lived in New Mexico for 23 years, I am still making fresh discoveries, still learning to experience things through different eyes.

In downtown Albuquerque, one can find the ruins of a 19th century railroad yard. These buildings are a monument to the Age of Steam, to the possibilities of steel and glass, and are truly the most beautiful structures in the urban landscape. I made a photo pilgrimage to this train yard on June 16th, 2003, mostly in an attempt to document the place before it is 'redeveloped' into a shopping plaza. My trip was cut short by the police, who (thankfully) didn't find us hiding in an upstairs loft--but not before things became interesting. These photos were definitely worth the risk of arrest.

I was able to document one of the smaller (modern) depot buildings, in which a tortured soul had recorded his disconnected thoughts. I also captured images of the 1st Street Ghetto, the exterior of several larger depot buildings, and the Albuquerque cityscape. My photographs can be found below; click on any image for an expanded view.