Destination Santa Fe

Dinner yesterday was hamburger meal at Carl's Jr. which identifies itself as a chain that will prepare the meal only after the order has been made and that they have chargrilled hamburgers. No complaints here, very nice burger. Otherwise we just relaxed and did some shopping.

Early this morning we headed out to Santa Fe, some 120 kilometers away. Found ample parking space right near the center plaza. Even though Santa Fe is much higer from sea level than Albuquerque area, the weather wasn't that much coooler, the sun was as relentless as it has been during the whole trip.

First at the plaza we checked out the handicrafts (mainly brass/copper jewlery and accessories) made by the local native Americans. After that we went in to an art shop/gallery that had some fantastic paintings and sculptures for premium prices (pretty much starting from 1400 dollars and going up to around 40000 dollars).

Our next destination was Georgia O'Keeffe Museum that contrary to the name had a lot of works of other artists as well. Mostly modern art of some US artists,
For lunch we did french toast (really a sub) and quiche. My French toast was so big I only ate half of it and saved the rest for dinner. After lunch we walked past the St. Francis Cathedral and went to see the Miraculous Staircase at the Loretto Chapel. Interesting contraption.

Typical Santa Fe buildings

Then it was time for Starbucks' Frappuchinos and souvenir shopping after which we headed home, just in nick of time since it started raining soon after.

Hard to say how I found Santa Fe. It felt mostly like a tourist attraction rather than real, actual city. Most of the buildings in the center had been built in the same architectural manner. Also the city center is quite tiny for a state capital.