The Land

The journey is the destination. – Dan Eldon

I first visited Northern New Mexico in 2018 and witnessed the “Land of Enchantment”. The scenic beauty and creatures, adobe houses, rich culture, Native Americans tribes, fantastic art and vibrant color palette always lies within my mind. The art, design and architecture called to my spirit to return to the area again in 2024, to re-explore and re-experience with a grown perspective and artistic sensibility. I did not plan and expect to experience a wild adventure for this trip, only to focus on art instead, but the journey took me to a new destination beyond itself. 

In the middle of this trip, my car crossed the jaw-dropping Rio Grande Gorge Bridge on U.S Highway, on the way to Canones, NM, to an Airbnb home, which rests in a stunning private valley called The Land, 43-acres with a creek, a barn and five homes, each stylishly and thoughtfully designed with art pieces by owner and filmmaker Jonathan Olinger and his sweetheart, Maya Savage (an artist, too). I chose to stay in the Epic Sky Home which nestles at the top of The Land, and was deeply attracted to its unique design, eco-centric focus, along with a panoramic view of Georgia O’Keeffe mountain. 

As always, I read the host’s message to learn about the property before I departed. I did not do a lot of research and preparation like my other adventures; I thought it was just an Airbnb. I knew it was in a rural area, especially in New Mexico there is adequate isolation, so I screenshot the directions provided by the host and kept open the address in Google Maps during the trip, as I had no cell reception. 

My car crossed extraordinary Abiquiu Lake, the light freezing rains dropped in a grey cloudy sky, then I left the main road and transitioned to a dirt road down the hill, kept going over the yellow cattle guard, and crossed the small narrow bridge. I was in The Land. 

I continued to follow the signs for “Panorama Home,” but a thrilling adventure awaited me: there were two different roads at the intersection, without any signs. I had to decide which direction up to the top. The curved road was small enough for only one car. I felt so scared, severe weather was moving through the area, the snow fell and was getting heavier, increasing the risk of getting stuck on the dirt road. My car was not a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and under the severe weather situation, things were out of my control. My mind was blank entirely, and I felt helpless. 

I tried to calm myself and observed the road carefully, seeing that that small road amongst the grass was right, deciding to follow my intuition and keep driving up at a very slow speed. I knew it was one way and I might not be able to backup if I got stuck or went the wrong way, or at least I could not turn around or easily contact anybody for help in such an isolated area. I drove up a little bit, then I stepped out and walked up a little bit to check if I was on the right path, repeatedly, to reduce the risk of a problem. It was my first time going on a wild adventure without any preparation. The snowstorm was getting more serious, the car climbed up the road like a snail, a 10-minute driving distance was like a very long journey. I did not know where the end of it at all, so I was filled with a lot uncertainly. 

I could hear my heart beating a roar in my ears and could feel my inner vulnerability and fragility, and a tear almost came out, the snow hit on my body and face. Wow! I was experiencing a wild drive and adventure! Just kept going, don’t look back! Finally, I met the red adobe home at the top, all the suffering was still so fresh – the journey is the destination! I just knew.

The snow and freezing cold continued. 

Wow! When I entered the house, I was deeply drawn to its unique and modern aesthetic and understated atmosphere, earthy colors, natural materials, humble and exquisite objects alike came together to create what I define as “harmonious living.” I opened the large sliding glass doors to walk on the heavy snow, respecting the original character of the space, enjoying the breathtaking views. I was at the top of nowhere, I was in the valley and mountain, I was so close to the earth! 

I opened my design radar again, taking inspiration from the antique and translating it to fit contemporary needs, the connection of house living and working space to create a thriving hub of economic activity.

The residence is surrounded by vast nature and blurred sky, and I was wandering through its aliveness: I re-experienced the struggle of my journey here. I found the state of solitude, I could honestly face myself, I re-connected nature, I was still to find the inspiration, I saw all the marvels of creation, I saw the positive, negative, vulnerability and renewal from it; I realized again, I arrived at its destination. 

When I woke up, I was transported to another new world: the whole valley, mountain and my car were covered by white snow. I drove down the narrow dirt road with snow again, I felt like lying down on the road and remembering it all, long lost and struggle, like the face of a long dead relative, like an old dream… As expected, I lost myself in the rural area again, I was calmer than before. A new journey continues. 

We are all traveling through life, physically or emotionally. The journey is one filled with lessons, hardships, heartaches, joy, celebrations and memorable moments. The Land, a journey and a destination. I was in tears, speechless, uncertain, adventurous and curious, and that is when I know the journey has it right, along the way, my exploration of vulnerability as a gift brings true self-discovery and positive change on the Earth. It is so beautiful.  

I think about the film “The journey is the destination,” inspired by the true story of Dan Eldon, a charismatic young activist, artist, photographer and adventurer, who witnessed and documented the struggle, heartbreak and hope of a war-torn and famine-ridden region of Africa. In 1993, Dan and three young journalists were killed while covering the aftermath of a tragic bombing of innocent people in Mogadishu. He left behind seventeen black-bound journals filled with drawings, writings and photographs, collages that chronicle a child’s journey into manhood and a lifelong struggle with the forces of good and evil. We might open ourselves to seeing the destinations as many and the journey itself as the goal. 

I am reading the introduction of The Land from the host Jonathan Olinger again, now I understand his words very well: “Welcome to THE LAND! Please enjoy the beautiful drive and drive safely. The journey is the destination. – Dan Eldon”. “We named the property THE LAND and feel a deep responsibility to be stewards of this place and extend the same magic and richness in our slice of the earth that first captured us to all who come. As you visit, you become a steward of the land as well.” 

When you have been, you will know. 

My journals are a celebration of adventure and a testament of desire to live life its fullest, filled with works of art as well, what I give and receive, of course, the journey truly is the destination, that I might arrive. 

THE LAND takes me to both on Earth!