There is a sprinkling of rain this morning, the temperature is in the 60s and when I look out the window everything is lush and green - ahhhhhhhhh, this feels like home. The desert's vast landscape and dry beauty is awe inspiring, but it isn't home - for me a place to visit, not to stay. Six days of sight seeing at 70 mph through Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico was quite enough for me.
Last Thursday evening, after a last minute housing change and a breathless hauling of trunks and boxes, my daughter seemed comfortably settled in her 9 x 11 dorm room so the mom knew it was time to say goodbye. Just getting to Santa Fe was such a priority that I never thought about how it would feel to leave. When the tears welled up, I realized they were brought on by joy and a sense of accomplishment as well as a sweet parting with my all grown up baby. I instantly knew this new adventure was at the right time and place for her to flourish.
Another three day driving marathon with my college roommate and best friend, who came along for company on the return trip, brought me back home last night to where I need to be.
Seeds of Creativity
Showing posts with label Santa Fe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Santa Fe. Show all posts
Monday, August 30, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Message from Santa Fe
Three days, 24 1/2 hours of driving, 1388 miles, and three tired travelers. So far the only casualty is a gas cap left at a one pump gas station in the middle of no where (the gas was $4.00 per gallon). One thing I can say for sure - there is a lot of sage brush between Portland and Santa Fe.
Not much time to write - Rebecca's orientation starts bright and early tomorrow.
Not much time to write - Rebecca's orientation starts bright and early tomorrow.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
On the road . . . again
Another 3,000 mile road trip is less than 24 hours away. I'm in high stress mode - laundry, packing, watering plants, writing out instructions for Gary, collecting maps, checking paperwork, packing a lunch, and running around in circles.
At least Rebecca is excited about school and my college roommate, we've been friends since rooming together 40 years ago, is going along to keep me company on the way home.
Don't expect anything here for a while. On our way to Santa Fe . . . again.
At least Rebecca is excited about school and my college roommate, we've been friends since rooming together 40 years ago, is going along to keep me company on the way home.
Don't expect anything here for a while. On our way to Santa Fe . . . again.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
#5 - The Decision
Making life's big decisions is never easy. Often there are too many choices, sometimes too few, and usually not enough information to determine the final outcome. Most of the time we are deep into something new before we know for sure how it will feel.
For some the decision to attend college comes easily, but for intelligent, sensitive, creative, and talented artistic types who don't always fit in with the main stream, the decision is much more difficult. Not knowing exactly what she wanted to do upon high school graduation, Rebecca found a job and settled into supporting herself in her own apartment on the Oregon Coast. It was a priceless learning experience.
After more than a year of working two jobs and not finding many like minded contemporaries where she was living, Rebecca decided to take the plunge and apply to colleges. In hindsight, her first college choice didn't feel right so off we went to visit The College of Santa Fe.
We've been to Santa Fe, we visited the school, we heard about the programs, we met the people, now what? . . . THE DECISION!?! I was ready to sign up, but I'm just the mom.
Much to my surprise and without a lot of discussion, she suddenly decided to go for it the day after we arrived home from our trip. Maybe it was words of wisdom from her brother that finally tipped the scale. He told Rebecca, "even a bad experience is a good life experience and someone in her position needs to live in a different environment, meet new people, and face new challenges".
The forms were filled out and sent in before she could change her mind. No one knows what the future holds. . . may it more often than not be bright and always full of promise.
For some the decision to attend college comes easily, but for intelligent, sensitive, creative, and talented artistic types who don't always fit in with the main stream, the decision is much more difficult. Not knowing exactly what she wanted to do upon high school graduation, Rebecca found a job and settled into supporting herself in her own apartment on the Oregon Coast. It was a priceless learning experience.
After more than a year of working two jobs and not finding many like minded contemporaries where she was living, Rebecca decided to take the plunge and apply to colleges. In hindsight, her first college choice didn't feel right so off we went to visit The College of Santa Fe.
We've been to Santa Fe, we visited the school, we heard about the programs, we met the people, now what? . . . THE DECISION!?! I was ready to sign up, but I'm just the mom.
Much to my surprise and without a lot of discussion, she suddenly decided to go for it the day after we arrived home from our trip. Maybe it was words of wisdom from her brother that finally tipped the scale. He told Rebecca, "even a bad experience is a good life experience and someone in her position needs to live in a different environment, meet new people, and face new challenges".
The forms were filled out and sent in before she could change her mind. No one knows what the future holds. . . may it more often than not be bright and always full of promise.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
#4 - Old Santa Fe - Too Much to See
The weekend of the open house at the College of Santa Fe just happened to be the busiest weekend of the year for the area. The world famous Santa Fe International Folk Art Market was taking place on Museum Hill close to downtown, the SOFA (Sculptural Objects and Functional Art) Expo was being held in the convention center, the opera season had just started, a chamber music festival was underway and of course it was the height of summer tourist season. The owner of our motel said there wasn't an empty room in the whole town.
We considered taking a bus the three miles into the center of town, but the motel owner suggested parking in the Whole Foods parking lot and then walking through an interesting new development around the old train station on our way to the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Knowing the 7,000 foot elevation meant our pale sun deprived skin would burn easily, we covered ourselves with sun screen and set out to roam the streets of Santa Fe with thousands of our closets friends.
The Railyard proved to be an interesting district. While walking there we stumbled onto Double Take, our favorite retail establishment of the whole trip. The block long shop is filled with vintage clothing, cowboy boots, jewelry, and even furniture. As Rebecca looked over the jewelry, the staff was eagerly checking out the Bakelite cherry necklace she was wearing. The shelves in one room were lined with every size and description of lightly used cowboy boots; racks were filled with vintage chaps, vests, fringed jackets, Western skirts, and Mexican ceremonial clothing; cowboy hats hung on the walls; and gaudy belt buckles filled the glass cases. I had to resist an embroidered black skirt with smocking at the back and lace at the hem. After all, if I bought the skirt, I would also need a shirt, boots, and belt to go with it. We left the shop empty handed and happy with our discovery.
After the Railyard we crossed the Santa Fe River and turned into the narrow tourist filled streets of downtown Santa Fe where we discovered there was too much to see. Shop after shop filled with jewelry, clothing, rugs, and art of all descriptions. With no real plan in mind, we investigated hidden courtyards, peaked into the St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, checked the price on a stunning turquoise leather jacket ($800), and finally made our way to the Plaza and the Palace of the Governors where native people line the sidewalk selling their wares. How could anyone choose one from a thousand necklaces, earrings, or pendants?
The sensory overload produced hunger so we found a quiet courtyard next to the St. Francis Hotel for a pleasant lunch. One more shop lured us in with a striking black dress, piped in red and designed for a toothpick figure. Footsore and exhausted we made out way back to the car.
In spite of the heavy weekend traffic, I wasn't going to leave Santa Fe without at least driving through the Canyon Road gallery district. Old adobe houses turned into galleries where artists display an abundance of painting, drawing, sculpture, glass, fiber, and ceramics line the narrow street. There was too much to see.
A few wrong turns through hillside neighborhoods and it was soon time to take the Interstate back to Albuquerque where we were scheduled for an early flight the next day. Satisfied with our stay we said adios to Santa Fe.
We considered taking a bus the three miles into the center of town, but the motel owner suggested parking in the Whole Foods parking lot and then walking through an interesting new development around the old train station on our way to the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Knowing the 7,000 foot elevation meant our pale sun deprived skin would burn easily, we covered ourselves with sun screen and set out to roam the streets of Santa Fe with thousands of our closets friends.
The Railyard proved to be an interesting district. While walking there we stumbled onto Double Take, our favorite retail establishment of the whole trip. The block long shop is filled with vintage clothing, cowboy boots, jewelry, and even furniture. As Rebecca looked over the jewelry, the staff was eagerly checking out the Bakelite cherry necklace she was wearing. The shelves in one room were lined with every size and description of lightly used cowboy boots; racks were filled with vintage chaps, vests, fringed jackets, Western skirts, and Mexican ceremonial clothing; cowboy hats hung on the walls; and gaudy belt buckles filled the glass cases. I had to resist an embroidered black skirt with smocking at the back and lace at the hem. After all, if I bought the skirt, I would also need a shirt, boots, and belt to go with it. We left the shop empty handed and happy with our discovery.
After the Railyard we crossed the Santa Fe River and turned into the narrow tourist filled streets of downtown Santa Fe where we discovered there was too much to see. Shop after shop filled with jewelry, clothing, rugs, and art of all descriptions. With no real plan in mind, we investigated hidden courtyards, peaked into the St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, checked the price on a stunning turquoise leather jacket ($800), and finally made our way to the Plaza and the Palace of the Governors where native people line the sidewalk selling their wares. How could anyone choose one from a thousand necklaces, earrings, or pendants?
The sensory overload produced hunger so we found a quiet courtyard next to the St. Francis Hotel for a pleasant lunch. One more shop lured us in with a striking black dress, piped in red and designed for a toothpick figure. Footsore and exhausted we made out way back to the car.
In spite of the heavy weekend traffic, I wasn't going to leave Santa Fe without at least driving through the Canyon Road gallery district. Old adobe houses turned into galleries where artists display an abundance of painting, drawing, sculpture, glass, fiber, and ceramics line the narrow street. There was too much to see.
A few wrong turns through hillside neighborhoods and it was soon time to take the Interstate back to Albuquerque where we were scheduled for an early flight the next day. Satisfied with our stay we said adios to Santa Fe.
#3 - College of Santa Fe
A train whistle wouldn't have awakened Rebecca on the morning we were to attend the open house at The College of Santa Fe. Isn't that always the way it is - the bed is so comfortable and the sleep so satisfying whenever there is a need for an early start.
Even with the wake up problems, we were ready long before we needed to leave for the light breakfast offered at the school. There was plenty of time for at least one wardrobe change and a chance to sit around nervously thinking about the day ahead.
Cars were beginning to fill the parking lot by the time we arrived. Students and parents were sprinkled around the sunny courtyard quietly talking among themselves and shyly eyeing each other. A friendly admissions officer warmly greeted Rebecca, handed us packets of information, and invited us to partake of the ample breakfast buffet.
We were finally seated in a small auditorium where an introduction by the president was followed by a question and answer session with enthusiastic faculty, staff, and students. Having been sworn to silence to avoid embarrassment, I was pleased that others asked most of my questions. I liked what I heard - the school has recently gone through a difficult period, but has emerged stronger with new management and soon a new name - Santa Fe University of Art & Design. I heard phrases such as interdisciplinary opportunities, supportive faculty, friendly students, community involvement, and the primary goal of helping individual students find and follow their own passion.
After a short session where parents learned about financial aid and students separated into discussion groups by area of interest, we started our student led tours of the campus. The school is more than 100 years old, but the buildings on campus date mostly from the last 30 years of the 20th century. An impressive new visual arts building designed by a famous Mexican architect was the first stop. Our student guide, a creative writing major, teared up when she spoke passionately about being able to hold in her hands the original photographic prints by numerous famous photographers housed in a special library in the building.
We passed the Greer Garson Theatre on our way to the creative writing and contemporary music building. A visit to the Garson Communications Center, which houses the moving image program, and a walk through of one of the dorms completed our tour.
An open air lunch gave me an opportunity to strike up an informative conversation with the young man who manages the photo lab while Rebecca was engaged in conversation with a young woman who plans to attend in the fall. After lunch, a very animated former student gave an overview of all the degree programs - studio art, photography, graphic design, performing arts, contemporary music, and moving image (film/animation). I was ready to sign up. Rebecca's reaction? . . . undecided.
Even with the wake up problems, we were ready long before we needed to leave for the light breakfast offered at the school. There was plenty of time for at least one wardrobe change and a chance to sit around nervously thinking about the day ahead.
Cars were beginning to fill the parking lot by the time we arrived. Students and parents were sprinkled around the sunny courtyard quietly talking among themselves and shyly eyeing each other. A friendly admissions officer warmly greeted Rebecca, handed us packets of information, and invited us to partake of the ample breakfast buffet.
We were finally seated in a small auditorium where an introduction by the president was followed by a question and answer session with enthusiastic faculty, staff, and students. Having been sworn to silence to avoid embarrassment, I was pleased that others asked most of my questions. I liked what I heard - the school has recently gone through a difficult period, but has emerged stronger with new management and soon a new name - Santa Fe University of Art & Design. I heard phrases such as interdisciplinary opportunities, supportive faculty, friendly students, community involvement, and the primary goal of helping individual students find and follow their own passion.
After a short session where parents learned about financial aid and students separated into discussion groups by area of interest, we started our student led tours of the campus. The school is more than 100 years old, but the buildings on campus date mostly from the last 30 years of the 20th century. An impressive new visual arts building designed by a famous Mexican architect was the first stop. Our student guide, a creative writing major, teared up when she spoke passionately about being able to hold in her hands the original photographic prints by numerous famous photographers housed in a special library in the building.
We passed the Greer Garson Theatre on our way to the creative writing and contemporary music building. A visit to the Garson Communications Center, which houses the moving image program, and a walk through of one of the dorms completed our tour.
An open air lunch gave me an opportunity to strike up an informative conversation with the young man who manages the photo lab while Rebecca was engaged in conversation with a young woman who plans to attend in the fall. After lunch, a very animated former student gave an overview of all the degree programs - studio art, photography, graphic design, performing arts, contemporary music, and moving image (film/animation). I was ready to sign up. Rebecca's reaction? . . . undecided.
Monday, July 12, 2010
#2 - The High Road to Taos
After a less than a perfect night's sleep, we planned to head North from Santa Fe to take the scenic drive to Taos. The evening before I digested the thick Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide and decided a drive through the countryside would be a pleasant way to spend our first day.
Before leaving town, we drove along side the famous old plaza just to have a look in preparation for a visit later during our stay. Traffic was crazy and I couldn't believe the city would allow cars and people to mix freely in the narrow streets. We survived the encounter and finally found our way to Espanola where our scenic drive took us off the beaten path into the hills.
The unique beauty of the dry landscape and proliferation of charming adobe and faux adobe buildings made us feel like we were not just in a different state, but virtually a different country. Only yesterday we were surrounded by green - today our world was umber, sienna, sage, and terra cotta accented with turquoise or purple. If there is an opposite of where we live in Oregon it is New Mexico.
At Espanola we followed the signs to Chimayo and Truchas. We found ourselves traveling on a narrow two lane road almost alone. A view point parking area along the twisting mountain road was empty except for us. The vista of desert below and a vast sky above fringed with rolling thunder clouds was spectacular. Road work further up put us off onto a hard pottery colored dirt detour which seemed smooth compared to our experience outside of Lewistown, Montana last autumn. Signs warned of possible "water on the road" when storm drainage rushes down well worn gullies. With an occasional rustic looking house or old church, the scene could have easily been a backdrop for a Western.
There were no real towns or services along the way - just a few small collections of buildings now and then. Because restrooms were in short supply, I finally stopped at what looked like a community center although I wasn't sure because the signs were all in an unfamiliar native language. Rebecca hopped out to ask the older women congregated around the front door if she could use their facilities. A kind woman who managed the building, which turned out to be a local senior center, invited her in and even suggested she stay for lunch.
Back on the ever climbing road, we began to notice a change in the landscape. Much to our surprise, real trees were sprinkled across the hills and green vegetation filled the gullies. Not long after, a sign announcing the entrance to Carson National Forest appeared. By now the hills were covered with pine trees and the landscape looked like the East side of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. After a few miles and a drop in elevation the arid terrain and vegetation returned.
When we rejoined the main highway, we soon arrived at the narrow crowded streets of Taos which we quickly navigated to reach the Taos Pueblo just beyond the North end of town. This pueblo made of real adobe has been occupied by native people for more than 1,000 years. A thick wall surrounds the apartment like groupings of buildings arranged around a large central open area divided by a crystal clear stream. The famous church documented by well known photographers such as Ansel Adams stands just inside the wall. Signs by doorways announce the wares of native artists as well as native food baked in outdoor ovens that look like beehives. The pueblo is only open to visitors during certain times of the year and for festivals. We were pleased to be able to visit this fascinating native community.
In search of lunch, we returned to Taos where we found a delightful open air cafe called The Dragonfly. All through our meal on the sunny terrace, thunder clouds threatened around the edges of the sky. We didn't let the prospect of rain keep us from wandering the quaint old streets after lunch, but with an upcoming festival at the Taos Pueblo there were a few too many tourists for us to stay long.
While driving back to Santa Fe on the "Low Road," the vast landscape and sky took our breath away. Rebecca clicked off hundreds of photos to save the effect of the ever changing light caused by sun, clouds and rain showers.
Just before returning to Santa Fe, we drove by the tent covered open air opera perched on a hilltop. "Perhaps tomorrow night we could take in an opera," I suggested. Standing room for the performance of the Magic Flute starting after sunset at 9 pm was only $10. Rebecca didn't want to commit to anything knowing the visit to The College of Santa Fe would take most of our day. . . and energy.
Before leaving town, we drove along side the famous old plaza just to have a look in preparation for a visit later during our stay. Traffic was crazy and I couldn't believe the city would allow cars and people to mix freely in the narrow streets. We survived the encounter and finally found our way to Espanola where our scenic drive took us off the beaten path into the hills.
The unique beauty of the dry landscape and proliferation of charming adobe and faux adobe buildings made us feel like we were not just in a different state, but virtually a different country. Only yesterday we were surrounded by green - today our world was umber, sienna, sage, and terra cotta accented with turquoise or purple. If there is an opposite of where we live in Oregon it is New Mexico.
At Espanola we followed the signs to Chimayo and Truchas. We found ourselves traveling on a narrow two lane road almost alone. A view point parking area along the twisting mountain road was empty except for us. The vista of desert below and a vast sky above fringed with rolling thunder clouds was spectacular. Road work further up put us off onto a hard pottery colored dirt detour which seemed smooth compared to our experience outside of Lewistown, Montana last autumn. Signs warned of possible "water on the road" when storm drainage rushes down well worn gullies. With an occasional rustic looking house or old church, the scene could have easily been a backdrop for a Western.
There were no real towns or services along the way - just a few small collections of buildings now and then. Because restrooms were in short supply, I finally stopped at what looked like a community center although I wasn't sure because the signs were all in an unfamiliar native language. Rebecca hopped out to ask the older women congregated around the front door if she could use their facilities. A kind woman who managed the building, which turned out to be a local senior center, invited her in and even suggested she stay for lunch.
Back on the ever climbing road, we began to notice a change in the landscape. Much to our surprise, real trees were sprinkled across the hills and green vegetation filled the gullies. Not long after, a sign announcing the entrance to Carson National Forest appeared. By now the hills were covered with pine trees and the landscape looked like the East side of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. After a few miles and a drop in elevation the arid terrain and vegetation returned.
When we rejoined the main highway, we soon arrived at the narrow crowded streets of Taos which we quickly navigated to reach the Taos Pueblo just beyond the North end of town. This pueblo made of real adobe has been occupied by native people for more than 1,000 years. A thick wall surrounds the apartment like groupings of buildings arranged around a large central open area divided by a crystal clear stream. The famous church documented by well known photographers such as Ansel Adams stands just inside the wall. Signs by doorways announce the wares of native artists as well as native food baked in outdoor ovens that look like beehives. The pueblo is only open to visitors during certain times of the year and for festivals. We were pleased to be able to visit this fascinating native community.
In search of lunch, we returned to Taos where we found a delightful open air cafe called The Dragonfly. All through our meal on the sunny terrace, thunder clouds threatened around the edges of the sky. We didn't let the prospect of rain keep us from wandering the quaint old streets after lunch, but with an upcoming festival at the Taos Pueblo there were a few too many tourists for us to stay long.
While driving back to Santa Fe on the "Low Road," the vast landscape and sky took our breath away. Rebecca clicked off hundreds of photos to save the effect of the ever changing light caused by sun, clouds and rain showers.
Just before returning to Santa Fe, we drove by the tent covered open air opera perched on a hilltop. "Perhaps tomorrow night we could take in an opera," I suggested. Standing room for the performance of the Magic Flute starting after sunset at 9 pm was only $10. Rebecca didn't want to commit to anything knowing the visit to The College of Santa Fe would take most of our day. . . and energy.
#1 - Do You Know the Way to Santa Fe?
I'm not sure where to start. Should I talk about the aborted landing on arrival at the airport in Albuquerque first or should I give details about the unique wildlife serenade at our motel. Do you want to know how long it took to get home when our flight was rerouted because of thunder storms or perhaps you are interested in how many people were visiting Santa Fe on the busiest weekend of the year. . . or maybe you don't want to know anything at all.
I knew our college scouting trip to Santa Fe wasn't getting off to a great start when our plane started to heave on take off from Portland. Thankfully I had taken a pill for motion sickness, an affliction I've had since childhood, but Rebecca, never having been sick before, didn't. By the time we bounced into Salt Lake it was too late. There is nothing worse than being dizzy while trapped on an airplane. Our hopes for a better flight to Albuquerque were dashed when the pilot announced, "a little turbulence" could be expected. The final blow was an aborted landing at our destination due to wind shear on the runway. I thought Rebecca might break out the window and jump. Luckily we were not sitting in an exit row with a tempting handle to pull.
Still in shock from being bounced like a cork on a stormy sea, we arrived at the car rental desk and were met with, "wouldn't you like to upgrade for just $10 a day," "the insurance you bought online is from a third (irresponsible) party so we would suggest ours at $19.95 per day," "you don't want to be caught with an empty tank fee - for $$s you can return the car empty." JUST GIVE ME THE KEYS AND LET ME OUT OF HERE!!
Finally, safely in our uninsured car, I shifted into "drive" and pulled out on the highway. . . but no, wait a minute, this can't be "drive" the engine is racing. A quick exit and test of the automatic gear shift in a parking lot resulted in the real "drive" and we were off again on our way to Santa Fe. . . in rush hour traffic.
When Rebecca started to notice charming adobe houses tucked among the sage and scrub trees, we knew we were close to our destination. What we didn't expect was a spider web of six lane roads after exiting the freeway. Left turns at 5:30 pm were life threatening. I haven't seen so many cars since I last visited LA.
After a hair raising series of wrong turns, we pulled into the parking lot of our "home away from home" the 1950s vintage Silver Saddle faux adobe motel. It proved to be a somewhat funky yet clean and friendly place. One quirky feature we noticed soon after settling into our room was a tropical bird call accompanied by a distinctive "hee haw". Much to the chagrin of the motel owner, the Jacalope Trading Store next door keeps a peacock "looking for love" along with an exceedingly vocal donkey.
On the recommendation of the desk clerk, we dined at the Castro Cafe across the street. Opening the door of the inauspicious building revealed a colorful and pleasant interior packed with locals enjoying the popular New Mexico cuisine. The homemade Sangria and a tasty dinner calmed our nerves. We knew we had found our way to Santa Fe.
I knew our college scouting trip to Santa Fe wasn't getting off to a great start when our plane started to heave on take off from Portland. Thankfully I had taken a pill for motion sickness, an affliction I've had since childhood, but Rebecca, never having been sick before, didn't. By the time we bounced into Salt Lake it was too late. There is nothing worse than being dizzy while trapped on an airplane. Our hopes for a better flight to Albuquerque were dashed when the pilot announced, "a little turbulence" could be expected. The final blow was an aborted landing at our destination due to wind shear on the runway. I thought Rebecca might break out the window and jump. Luckily we were not sitting in an exit row with a tempting handle to pull.
Still in shock from being bounced like a cork on a stormy sea, we arrived at the car rental desk and were met with, "wouldn't you like to upgrade for just $10 a day," "the insurance you bought online is from a third (irresponsible) party so we would suggest ours at $19.95 per day," "you don't want to be caught with an empty tank fee - for $$s you can return the car empty." JUST GIVE ME THE KEYS AND LET ME OUT OF HERE!!
Finally, safely in our uninsured car, I shifted into "drive" and pulled out on the highway. . . but no, wait a minute, this can't be "drive" the engine is racing. A quick exit and test of the automatic gear shift in a parking lot resulted in the real "drive" and we were off again on our way to Santa Fe. . . in rush hour traffic.
When Rebecca started to notice charming adobe houses tucked among the sage and scrub trees, we knew we were close to our destination. What we didn't expect was a spider web of six lane roads after exiting the freeway. Left turns at 5:30 pm were life threatening. I haven't seen so many cars since I last visited LA.
After a hair raising series of wrong turns, we pulled into the parking lot of our "home away from home" the 1950s vintage Silver Saddle faux adobe motel. It proved to be a somewhat funky yet clean and friendly place. One quirky feature we noticed soon after settling into our room was a tropical bird call accompanied by a distinctive "hee haw". Much to the chagrin of the motel owner, the Jacalope Trading Store next door keeps a peacock "looking for love" along with an exceedingly vocal donkey.
On the recommendation of the desk clerk, we dined at the Castro Cafe across the street. Opening the door of the inauspicious building revealed a colorful and pleasant interior packed with locals enjoying the popular New Mexico cuisine. The homemade Sangria and a tasty dinner calmed our nerves. We knew we had found our way to Santa Fe.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Going Away to Santa Fe
It's a long story.
The short version is this: In two weeks, I am going with my daughter to check out the College of Santa Fe located, quite coincidentally, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The trip was brought on by one of those - "we need to come to a screeching halt and investigate a change of direction" - decisions brought on by a serious case of buyer's remorse regarding college choice for this coming school year. Not wanting my daughter to be miserable and not wanting to invest my life savings in a mistake, we have regrouped - off to Santa Fe.
A definite upside of the situation is an opportunity to visit a place I have never been. After completing the tedious process of making plane reservations and finding a quaint little adobe motel called The Silver Saddle, I suddenly realized I am excited about the trip. I've discovered a wealth of interesting places to visit and it appears the city has a reputation for being a charming artist's haven.
Have you been to Santa Fe? Please add comments about your favorite experiences.
The short version is this: In two weeks, I am going with my daughter to check out the College of Santa Fe located, quite coincidentally, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The trip was brought on by one of those - "we need to come to a screeching halt and investigate a change of direction" - decisions brought on by a serious case of buyer's remorse regarding college choice for this coming school year. Not wanting my daughter to be miserable and not wanting to invest my life savings in a mistake, we have regrouped - off to Santa Fe.
A definite upside of the situation is an opportunity to visit a place I have never been. After completing the tedious process of making plane reservations and finding a quaint little adobe motel called The Silver Saddle, I suddenly realized I am excited about the trip. I've discovered a wealth of interesting places to visit and it appears the city has a reputation for being a charming artist's haven.
Have you been to Santa Fe? Please add comments about your favorite experiences.
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