At some point stuck in Atlanta, I recall thinking of returning to Boston instead of pursuing my trip because I thought I would never get there. But I eventually did. And although the trip itself was exhausting and long -very very long- it was still exhilarating when peering through the plane window I saw the expanse of desert. I also happened to meet a very nice French man on the way there who went through the same kind of trouble I went through to get there, and got a free ride from Albuquerque to Santa Fé. I was like a kid in a carseat -I just couldn't keep still. I was going to Santa Fé for the first time, by myself, and ready to inhale it all in. When we approached Santa Fé, the landscape was very different from that of Albuquerque. One side is mostly desert, but the other side is a vista of beautiful mountains. Indeed, Santa Fé is nestled at the very bottom of the Rocky Mountains, which makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, rockclimbing, etc.As soon as I met up with my friend downtown, we headed back into the foothills where her and her boyfriend rent a little adobe-style house. Many of the houses in Santa Fé are adobe because of the Hispanic and Native american influences that inhabit the town. What I love about these houses and this style of architecture in general is that it blends right into the landscape. It's not overbearing, or scarring. It's subtle and natural.
After a long hot shower and some clean clothes thrown on my back, we headed out to a New Mexican restaurant called Maria's. I have never gotten more food for my money. It was delicious! And the sangria I ordered to accompany my chicken fajita meal was spectacular. My taste buds were thoroughly enjoying their first night out in Santa Fé!
The next day, Ali and I drove out into the desert to go cliff-jumping at Abiquiu Lake. I was surprised at how heavenly the water felt that day. It was chilly but just right, especially if the sun was bright and warm. I dipped and sunbathed, cherishing every moment of it. Later that day, after we had returned from our day at the lake we made our way to a "Cake" concert, which sealed the day with a great feeling of satisfaction (especially after the organic cinnamon icecream I had devoured earlier).
I wanted to spend the next and last day in Santa Fé doing two things. I wanted to go hiking in the mountains, and wander downtown. So we headed out for a hike towards Nambé Lake in The Pecos Wilderness early in the morning. That hike provided me with such an amazing sensation of freedom, and beauty, I think I will always remember it in sharp detail. The forest trees, mostly Pine and Aspens, tower over you letting the sun only glimpse through in streaks. The air is crisp and fresh, and immensely invigorating. in the distance, you can hear the water jetting down the stream and the wildlife's swift movements and warbles.
We made our way back into town right before lunchtime. Ali took me to this delightful gallery/café called The Tea House. Hands down, it's the best tea I have ever had- and I've had tea in England! I also savored a delectable meal consisting of a salad of mixed greens, walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled blue cheese, as well as a side of brie and baguette. Of course, I adored the French influence permeating the menu, and the luxury of relishing it in a Rock Garden.
After sipping the last of my Thai tea, Ali, her boyfriend, and I walked down Canyon Rd., reputable for its huge density of art galleries . Santa Fé has the third biggest aggregation of artists in the nation, after New York City and Los Angeles. From majestic sculptures to jewelry, and tacky pieces to exquisite paintings, the town thrives on their artistic culture. There are many galleries and museums to explore, including the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. Another sight to see downtown is the Miraculous Staircase. This staircase is part of the Loretto Chapel and was apparently built with no apparent means of support by St. Joseph the Carpenter. Unfortunately, I was only able to stay in Santa Fé for a brief weekend, which was exceedingly shortened by travel mishaps, but I am eager to return for more. I have yet to see the Native American culture in the Indian Pueblos that surround Santa Fé. The very nice French man I mentioned earlier told me the Taos Puelblo is the one most worth visiting. I highly recommend to anyone traveling to Santa Fé from the east that you plan to stay there for at least a week. This small town has a lot to offer and there's so much to see!
[Image 1 thanks to jsnelson according to this license]
[Image 2 thanks to Tuaussi according to this license]
[Image 3 thanks to AmUnivers according to this license]
[Image 4 thanks to frey.gefn according to this license]
