After researching and reading about the Santa Fe Trail off and on for two years while writing Lila’s Journey, I was in a very sweet spot last week visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico. The purpose was a reunion with hometown girlfriends I’ve known since childhood, which is always special, so it was a win-win.
The direct translation of Santa Fe is Holy Faith. It is a vibrant community, rich in history, full of art galleries, museums, restaurants, and unique stores.
An informative way to see the town is by trolley. To be clear, this is NOT a picture of our group. The morning of our tour the sun was shining in a brilliant blue sky, but the temperature was 44 degrees. We were huddled under lap blankets and grateful to have them. Our guide gave us a detailed early history of Santa Fe while pointing out its many “must see” museums and landmarks . . .
. . .one of the most famous being The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Franciscan Friars brought the Catholic faith as they arrived with Spanish colonists migrating north from Mexico in 1598 and founded the City of Santa Fe in 1610. The first adobe church was built on this site.
Santa Fe has many museums, too many to see in one visit. This is the beautiful courtyard at the New Mexico Museum of Art which featured printmaker and painter Gustave Baumann, an artist new to me. This was a lovely place to sit and soak up the atmosphere.
Another “don’t miss” is The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Although a portion of the gallery was closed due to changes in the exhibit, viewing her art is a special experience. The oil painting above is “Corn” which she painted in 1924. It was one of my favorites along with the introductory movie of her life including personal interviews.
During our four day visit, my friends and I did things as a group or individually. We took time to wander through shops and along the Plaza downtown for Native American art and jewelry. I’ve never seen so many displays of turquoise ranging from vendors on the street to very high end stores.
This stall along the original Old Santa Fe Trail sold blankets, straw baskets and hats.
Here are the girlfriends at the Inn of the Governor’s restaurant our first evening after arriving in town. We also ate at a local favorite, Tomasita’s, and The Coyote Cafe. We shared a milestone birthday this year, and I’ll let you guess which one it was!
Our last day in town was Halloween. The Plaza, which is the center of town, was setting up for an evening of music and entertainment when I walked by at three in the afternoon. Everyone I saw was in costume.
I had one last stop to make. I wanted to stand in the place where the original Santa Fe Trail wound its way into town some 800 miles from its beginning in Independence, MO, near where Lila began her journey in my book. I imagined the freighters and wagons, the mules and oxen, the hundreds of traders and settlers who ventured here at great cost. I have stood at the other end of the trail which runs two miles from my home in Kansas. Of course I had to see the end of the trail here in Santa Fe.
Before I leave, I have an appeal. A dear friend’s son is waiting for a kidney he desperately needs for a transplant. Jason is on the list at the Nazih Zumdi Transplant Center in Oklahoma City. Call 405-951-8724. Or contact me if you can help in any way.
I hope this season of Thanksgiving finds you well and full of gratitude for the blessings in your life. It is a beautiful time of year. Until next time . . .
Great summation of such a lovely city. Great photos, education, and, of course, the sharing of Jason’s dilemma and needs. 😍
Perhaps I can add more about Jason on my personal Facebook page than I did here. I think it gets more traffic, too. You do such a good job keeping us updated. I admire your strength! Love to you!
A great overview of our memorable experiences together in Santa Fe. Thanks, Jane, for your informative blog posts!
–a hometown friend
Hi, Jane. The trip sounds like a great success. I loved Santa Fe when I went to see my daughter preform in the opera there. Did you buy anything with KokoPali (sp) on it? I became enthralled with him and came home with about 4 or 5 things of his depiction and history. Also, I had to have some jewelry.
The girls all look a little tired, but very happy. I understand not having enough time. My son and I were only there 4 days as well. The area was so beautiful and I kept wishing I had my motorcycle the entire time.
Oh, I meant to ask you what the Title of your new book will be. Maybe you are still working on that.
I certainly enjoyed our breakfast together. It was so good to see you again.
Take care of yourself.
Rick
I have been so out of touch. Sorry! it’s good to hear from you and your comments about your time in Santa Fe. It was a great trip and so fun with the girls! There’s a town south of SF called Madrid, a biker town that’s very quirky and hippy where a movie Wild Hogs from the 80’s was filmed. A comedy with Tim Allen. Your mention of your motorcycle made me think of it and I just might watch the movie.
It was so good to see you too. Did I thank you for the coffee and tiramisu? I’m glad we connected. I don’t even have a real title for the next book–just calling it Lila and John at this point. Progress is slow but keeping on with it.
Is Andrew in his own apartment? We watch ISU and hope they can turn things around this week.
Be well and take care!
Jane
Thank you, Jane, for your wonderful description of Santa Fe and its attractions. I have always been fascinated by the history and culture of the Southwest and have collected turquoise jewelry for decades. I regret not being able to join you but now have a real sense of what your week was like.