Santa Fe

Is he rubbing his hands together?

Today, was our first real day of rest from driving. We didn't have to get up early, pack our suitcases and hit the road. It was a pleasure. We had a leisurely breakfast at our motel outside on a little patio next to a warm fireplace that took away the morning chill. We then set out walking for the plaza which is the center of town and then just as quickly returned because I had forgotten my camera! After a short walk we arrived at The Palace of The Governors, a 400 year old Adobe building which traditionally was the center of the local government. There is an active native American craft market which is a well established tradition here and takes place under the front overhang of the Palace. As you will see, we made the most of it. All the crafts people were quite nice and seemed to be quite interested in their work.

Alan wants to look just like his new friend

After wondering for about 50 years why my classmate and friend Kenny Roemer, always wore those string ties, I finally bought one! I love it. It will definitely become part of my regular wardrobe.
Kenny's mother was actually part Native American and there was always a strong tradition in their family.

Giant Elm in the courtyard

We then visited the museum in the Palace of Governors which covered mostly local history but I also found this giant elm in the courtyard.

Canyon Road

We then took a stroll on Canyon Road, formerly home to many artists which has now become fairly touristic but contains many old adobe buildings and is said to have architectural interest. We did go into one gallery where we met Verne stanford who may be a self proclaimed professor but gave us a fairly impressive discourse on indigenous basket weaving,  He was actually quite interesting.

Alan at the Folk Art / Native American Museum Hill

We then proceeded to Museum Hill where the Folk Art Museum and Native American Museums are located. We decided to do the Folk Art museum which although interesting was not entirely to my liking, Next time we will see the native American museum.

quilt