I did not expect to like Santa Fe--assuming that excessive money and "style" (a word that makes me grit my teeth) would have leached it of character, that it would be an overwhelming experience of bad art, high prices, exploited Native Americans, Navajo blankets, and turquoise--a caricature of what it once was. There was quite a bit of that, but Santa Fe's essence as a lovely, interesting, historic town prevailed.
I enjoyed wandering the streets and visited four of the museums--Georgia O'Keefe; Indian Arts and Culture; International Folk Art; and Contemporary Native Art--and am sorry I didn't have time for the four or five others--an astonishing number of museums for a large town/small city.
The ubiquitous strings of chilies, simple adobe buildings, touches of bright color, and use of natural materials harmonize beautifully.
I came thisclose to bringing home a string of chilies.
I love that fancy wrought gate, and can imagine some kind of oasis-like garden beyond. Thanks for this latest installment of beautiful pictures.
ReplyDelete--Road to Parnassus
I have that exact same photo, the first one, shows how much they use that combination which works so well there. I'm glad you found the loveliness of it. I agree with you on the word style, even worse "style maker", says who? And don't get me started on "tablescape". Welcome home.
ReplyDeleteOne of my friends in Laramie (now in her 80s) who grew up in Santa Fe would always bring back chilies to make chili jelly - that's how much she missed their scent and taste. Glad you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sky! I guess you enjoyed different atmosphere, different culture. The red of strings of chilies is impressionable.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful Jen when one has an open mind to new places , stuff, people. We all have our prejudices, I suppose I would expect what you expected... I am glad you found many beauties there istead : )
ReplyDeleteit'snice when a touristy place we visit still offers us something of the underneath.
ReplyDeletewhat's with the chillies? i mean, on a front gate?
Strings of chilies were everywhere--stores, houses, gates, windows. Maybe it is a symbol of welcome? Or instead of a wreath. They actually look good, especially in a town where all the buildings are tan/adobe. They sell them in the open air markets and a guy came into a restaurant selling them too. They'd look funny on my New England colonial.
DeleteI thought they were not only decoration but as a charm or a talisman considering their color and spiciness. Here chili is also used in various dishes but indeed a country of origin; full of chilies! I'm happy that you found an unexpected pleasure to visit it.
DeleteI found your blog while "surfing the net" and have enjoyed your pictures of New Mexico. I was born and raised in Southern NM and lived up around Santa Fe for almost 8 years as an adult. It is a beautiful place, especially in the fall. Thanks for posting these pictures-it brought back lots of good memories!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen - just doing some catch-up. What wonderful photos you have of your trip. The brilliant blue skies and architecture look fabulous. M x
ReplyDeleteI've never been to New Mexico but if this is what it looks like. I really want to go. I love the pictures of the gate. That is a beautiful gate.
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