It was a nice day today just getting to know Santa Fe a little better. We set off to find our coffee and to explore Canyon Road, a long road full of galleries and, of course, adobe shops, galleries and houses. Definitely the high end of town. We are always worrying about parking. It is so difficult, so we headed off early. Found a lovely place to have our coffee and scone (prononced scohn) under a lovely tree. We were early so we took our time. Then we set off walking up and down the street but still there was little open so it wasn’t too long until we decided to head for downtown. We paid an absolute fortune for the carpark on Canyon Road so didn’t really get our moneys worth.
Back in the old town area and the same problem, trolling for a park. But luck was with us and we got a 4 hr meter. We went to look at St Francesco Cathedral. Some nice primitive art work but the top drawcard, the statue of the top lady had gone on a procession and was somewhere else. We certainly weren’t going to chase her so we headed for the Loretto Chapel that has an unsupported spiral staircase claimed to be the biggest anywhere and also claimed to be a miracle. Well that was nice but I swear I’ve seen spiral staircases like it before. But maybe I’m wrong and who am I to deny a miracle?
We went to the very posh hotel in town, La Fonda, which is quite beautiful inside with gorgeous art work etc. It is apparently where the spies used to gather during the Manhattan Project (Oppenheimer). Los Alamos is very close by.
We went and sat in the sun in the Plaza and watched as they set up for the 4th July. It is already completely shut off to traffic. Tomorrow is going to be a nightmare. We went back to a few shops, wandered around the Native American stalls under the portico of the Old Government Building. Then headed for the New Mexico Museum of Art. We wandered around in very relaxed mode until it suddenly dawned on us that our 4 hr park was up and we had to abort and head posthaste to the car.
Our next problem was where to eat our combined lunch/dinner. We were both over the Mexico vibe so LPG suggested a Jamaican/ African restaurant that sounded fine to us. We ate a yummy dinner and headed back here. It’s pack up night! Although Santa Fe is just amazing and lovely, this house isn’t. It’s nerve wracking so we’ll be glad to leave it.
The thing I love most about Santa Fe (and Taos) is the strong Native American presence, arts and crafts mixed with the Spanish/ Mexican culture, language, food, peoples, arts and crafts. A fabulous little, manageable city.
On the road again tomorrow. Albuquerque here we come but we’re going to take it slowly making the most of the trip and staying away from 4th July festivities.
Oh I forgot to say that the dirt that was going to cure my arthritis spilled in the car, all over the gear shift and brake column. I was terrified it was going to gum up the works so have just been out using sticky tape to try and get it out of the tracks. Maybe the car will have extra zing tomorrow but that’s it for my cure!!