In my last post, a recipe for Chimayo Punch I hinted at the serious denial I’m in that our Santa Fe trip is over. I usually get the post vacation blues. This time however, my case seems particularly acute. My next few posts will be devoted to our food experiences while on vacation, but today I’m just hitting the major highlights of our trip…
On December 30th we headed out from Steve’s hometown in west Texas at zero dark thirty. By sunrise we had crossed into New Mexico and had the great state of Texas behind us.
We spent plenty of time sight seeing on our first day. And did our best to stay warm in the freezing & aired mountain weather. When stopping for this picture in front of the cathedral, Steve had to keep yelling for me to “try to look less cold!”
Steve took a trip up to the mountain to snowboard one afternoon, so I took the opportunity to shop till I dropped. I spent hours looking at gorgeous decor and art, and I now have a new concept for my dream abode. More on that later, but for now, enjoy this handpainted calico occasional table. I would love this for a kitchen or casual dining room. Or in a foyer, or anywhere really.
While in Santa Fe we had to really bundle up. The high each day was in the low thirties, and as soon as the sun went down the temps drop to the teens. Here is an example of my attempt at Santa Fe chic.
Santa Fe is so magical at holiday time. Fresh snow accumulated each night, and we awoke to a gentle dusting on our patio. The lights in the square are so charming, and the adobe buildings are all lined with luminarias. The general effect transports you to another place in time. It made me crave some magical realism. Though I hadn’t packed any Gabriel Garcia Marquez, I did have plenty of Rudolfo Anaya in my reading bag- super appropriate when in New Mexico I thought. And yes I have a reading bag when I travel.
Headed for a romantic date with my favorite travel buddy. (Who has since trimmed his ridiculous beard)….
The most romantic meal we shared while in Santa Fe was most definitely the can of black eyed peas we warmed up in our hotel fireplace on New Years Day night. Luckily Steve’s mom had sent us off with a can before we left, we didn’t find any on the menu while eating out.
Sadly though, our vacation couldn’t last forever. We left Santa Fe behind us, this time driving away as the sun set behind the mountains and nothing but miles and miles of flat roads in front of us.
A GREAT trip! I’m so in love with New Mexico, and I hope to make many many more trips throughout my life. I know I’ve only scratched the surface on Santa Fe, and Alburqurque, Taos and the rest of the state is still left unexplored.
If you’re feeling like you could use a dose of Santa Fe living, enter the HGTV dream home sweepstakes. I have been entering daily since our return. One request – if any of you readers win instead of me, I get to visit! I’ll cook for you! Please?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I have never been to Sante Fe, which is ridiculous considering my name is Samma Faye. I mean, really! It’s on my to-go list of travel destinations.
Samma: HOLD UP. Samma Faye and Maggie Mae?! This is too much.
Elizabeth: I’m so, so glad you discovered some New Mexico magic. You’ll always have it with you, I assure you! So happy it was wonderful for you guys.
I just found your blog and we have SO many cities in common! San Antonio, Austin, Santa Fe! My parents have a house in Santa Fe and I have cousins there, and I’ve always said it’s the city where my soul lives, even though I am not your typical Santa Fe free spirit. I’m weird. And maybe an exaggerator. But I LOVE Santa Fe, and that is not an exaggeration. Where did you stay, if you don’t mind me asking?
Anywho. Hubs and I just spent Christmas up there, and the high was maybe 19? Definitely a shock to our Austin weenie butts!