Touring a city by participating in a walking food and history tour is the bees knees! On Sunday, we learned a great deal about the history of Sante Fe from our guide, Peter, all while walking through this beautiful city and sampling Mexican and New Mexican dishes. The chicken enchilada was my favorite, covered in a green chili sauce. Green chilies were a theme of our guide’s presentation. We learned that seventy-five percent of the world’s green chilis are grown in New Mexico; ninety percent of those chilis remain in New Mexico, indicating how central this ingredient is to the diet and cuisine of this state. Finishing with chocolate was a bonus!
The architecture of Sante Fe is strikingly different than any other city we have visited. Two styles dominate the city: Pueblo Revival and Territorial Revival. Interestingly, the original state capitol was dedicated in June of 1900; it looked like most any other state capitol with a more classical style. In 1966, a new capitol was dedicated, designed to reflect the Territorial Revival style that better represents the culture of this state. It is the fourth iteration of a capitol building in Sante Fe. The round structure was designed to resemble the Zia sun symbol to incorporate the culture of the indigenous pueblo peoples. New Mexicans informally call it the roundhouse. You can read more about it here.
We were particularly struck by three churches we passed. Most notably, the Loretto Chapel is famed for its miraculous spiral staircase – a great story.
One of the great joys of our southwestern adventure is hiking each day. In the past few days, we’ve hiked a trail near the Cochiti Dam where we camped for three nights, and yet another trail near the Abiquiu Dam where we’ve been for the past two nights. These two dams are engineering marvels and crucial in ensuring Albuquerque doesn’t flood with spring rains and snow melt. The views above the dams have been breathtaking. Watching for snakes is a necessary precaution and adds a hint of danger to our expeditions. Accordingly, I make Skip hike in front of me!
Our next post will include our adventures in the Bandelier National Monument and the Aztec Ruins. Come along for the ride!
Having just visited that area for the first time very recently, it is fun to hear and see your descriptions!!
Oh, MY! What familiar territory to me! I have spent a LOT of time & money in SF!! Love Canyon Rd with art galleries, food, and architecture. Wish I had gone to St John’s College there for their famous Great Books degree. Speaking of great books – read Willa Cather’s Death Comes to the Archbishop – all about that area based on historical narrative. The Bishop’s Lodge in SF was actually where the historical Bishop in the book lived. Enjoy!
Be safe
That is spectacular country! Are you going to Chaco Canyon? It blew our minds. What an example of Native structure and science. The world is so much bigger than we knew.
Enjoy. Bandelier is incredible.
Barbara
We drove through Chaco Canyon today and learned more about it while visiting the Aztec Ruins, which it turns out weren’t built by the Aztecs! The vastness of this part of the country never ceases to amaze me. Yes, the world is so much bigger than we know. We were at Bandelier yesterday and I will write about that soon. My best to you and Tom!
Anne
Your pictures and descriptions are fantastic. Im so proud of the hiker you have become! And the food. Is Skip even eating it and enjoying 😳?
Yes, Skip ate the food tour plates and really enjoyed them!
I love all of this sharing! I love the history, the photography and the heart behind each entry! I don’t love snakes though 😳
I always learn something reading your blogs. I thought the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista was the oldest church, but if you say “continental” US, it is the San Miguel Chapel! I haven’t spent time in Santa Fe. Looks like I should put it on my list!
Absolutely! We could have spent more time there. If you are a foodie or art lover, there are amazing restaurants and galleries to savor!
Hi Anne! I have never been to New Mexico so it’s interesting reading and seeing it through your words and pictures. It’s so great that you both can share such wonderful adventures together. I love reading your blog and living vicariously through them.
Safe travels and God bless you both 🥰🙏
Thanks, Pat. Sharing our adventures adds joy to our experience!
The pictures are gorgeous and I am so glad you are getting a lot of hiking in these days. We finally managed to get out of France 3 days late. We had some challenges on our barge trip on a canal in the Champagne district.
Hi Nan – so glad you and Chris made it out of France. I want to hear those details next time we chat!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!
xoBecky