A Dream Called Santa Fe Part 2

Our last few days in Santa Fe were a little more indulgent. Yes, we kept it a little low key, so low key that I didn't take picture for many of it. But worth it to soak all of it in first hand, instead of behind a lens. 

Hot tub time

When I think of indulgence I think of dessert. But not just nay dessert, fresh and handmade stuff. Not that I have anything against Oreos or peanut butter cups. There's just something about tasting something homemade with quality ingredients that make me feel like I'm splurging for a good cause. Enter Kakawa chocolates.

It was hard to choose just a few things at this place. Their showcase boxes are filled with tiny chocolates infused with different flavors from prickly pear to cayenne, and their hot chocolate selection was so delicious sounding that I almost established that this is lunch and not a midday snack.

Dark chocolate macaroon, spiced hot chocolate and horachata

Come here, I insist

When it was actually time for lunch, Bryan and I drove a further away from the downtown area. In some ways we still felt like we were at Disney. The "authenticity" was a little overwhelming for the third day in a row, and we needed some space. Something more humble and real. 

We found Artrisco Cafe in a little mall after we found some locally brewed beer at the grocery store. Figured we pop in and I could try some famous green chile cheese fries Bryan kept raving about. Apparently they were a study-time staple of his while going to school in New Mexcio for three years. And now I know why.

They were delicious. A combo of cheesy and comforting with just a little green chile kick at the end. And speaking of kick, Artrisco Cafe has a sangria-swirled margarita. Yes, you heard me. Frozen margarita with a sangria swirl mixed in. Amazing. I don't know how they did it, but it was fantastic. I don't know who else sells this, but I loved it.

Sangria swirled margarita

Carne adovada, green chile cheese fries, and sopaipilla

After a hefty lunch we wanted to drive around and see the mountains. The things you take for granted when moving to the Midwest. I knew I would miss the beach and the sun, but you take mountains for granted. Clearly these are different than the mountains in Hawaii, but still very beautiful.

Sunset

If you recall, I mentioned some undocumented adventures. We did not take any pictures because there was no point in spoiling the magic of the universe. Late at night, we along with some of Bryan's friends, drove into the middle of no where. Yes, the middle of the desert. Why you ask? Middle of no where means little light pollution which is perfect conditions for star gazing. 

I got to the see Milky Way. It was like nothing I've ever experience in my life. Shooting stars, Jupiter and it's moons, constellations and so much more. It reminded us that this is what everyone saw at night so many years ago. There were no TVs and street lights and everyone spent the night looking up at the stars. Truly breathtaking. 

The next day was Valentines day and nothing says romance like spending it with your husband and his friend from undergrad. Haha. Just kidding. When you are in a state you haven't visited in years and a friend drives up to see you, you gotta put the coupley stuff aside to have a good time with the buddies. First stop: Cowgirl BBQ.

Poutine, because why not

BBQ sliders

After our BBQ lunch, we took a ride into a national park. There was still snow on the ground and the mountains were vast. Nature is so beautiful and wondrous.
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When we returned downtown, we found a cute little pastry shop, perfect for gorging ourselves with delightful cream and fruit filled treats. 

We spent the rest of the night drinking beer in the hotel room and slept well before waking up for a morning flight back to Illinois. Of course we had to eat before heading to the airport, hence the visit to the French Pastry Shop for coffee, apple tart and green chile crepe. Once last taste of green chile. 

Up in the air again

Santa Fe was beautiful and I'm so happy that we got to see so many facets of it. This trip helped me appreciate another region of our beautiful country. Yes I've lived in tropical climate and the Midwest, but it wasn't until recently I got to see the beauty and culture of the east coast, the south and the southwest. Happy to see the beauty that I would personally consider unnoticed. 

-Akemi-chan

A Dream Called Santa Fe: Part 1

I'm so incredibly behind on blogging. Just getting to Santa Fe, which was immediately after Orlando, in February! Oh my goodness. Need to kick this into high gear.

So after our second Disney trip together, Bryan and I headed west to the Land of Enchantment. We woke up at 2am to catch an early morning shuttle to make the 5am flight from Orlando. Ah the life of a Nonrev. Yes, Goof is my carry-on and yes I sleep with him. Just the way things are. 

Sleepy time on the plane

We landed in Albuquerque early in the morning and I instantly felt transformed. Florida was very nice, but there is something about the crisp Southwestern air that revitalizes you. No wonder Bryan came here for undergrad.

We drove from ABQ to Santa Fe, the capital and even the difference between those two cities was pretty impressive. Santa Fe is at a higher elevation, considered part of the Rockies. So even though we were in New Mexico, it felt like we were in Colorado. Not a far stretch considering they're close. Pretty far stretch considering we came from Florida. 

We settled into the La Fonda hotel in downtown Santa Fe. We were very impressed by this historical hotel nestled into a town I can only describe as quaint. The quiet, the sunshine and the cool air. So different, yet hauntingly welcoming. 

Goof on bed

Starving from our plane and car rides, we ate the hotel restaurant. I expected something, but I didn't know what and I was pleasantly surprised to find one the best meals of the trip in the lobby of our hotel. 

Sheltered by pergula and tiny white lights hanging from tall trees and even taller ceilings and surrounded by waiting windows, we had lunch that was comforting, exciting and classic but still unique. 

New Mexican corn chowder

Veggies stuffed pablano with red pepper sauce

The rest of the day was spent resting. Jetlag really gets to me when you change time zone twice in less than a week. Dinner was spent at Rio Chama. Very impressive. 

Elk tenderloin, delicious

Chile rubbed steak sandwich

We turned in early to get used to the timezone and I woke up relatively early, to explore the town. I missed the sun. I know I say that often, but you don't realize how much your mood changes with the weather until you go into Winter. It gives you new life and motivation for everything.

St Francis, right next to our hotel

One thing I did not expect from Santa Fe was the art. I'm not much of an art person. I can appreciate their beauty from face value, but it doesn't always speak to me. But there were so many statues and galleries in Santa Fe, it was hard not to get swept up in all of it.

For lunch we stopped by Palacio Cafe for what may have been the best bang for your buck. Santa Fe is pricier than I anticipated and this was a sight for sore eyes. Clean, delicious, affordable comfort food, New Mexcio style. Honestly I regret not going back and having breakfast there. It was tempting but I went elsewhere. 

Green chile and beef stew with side salad

Mouth-watering special of the day which I cannot remember the name :-(

The rest of the day I walked around downtown, browsing through shops, holding some spicy hot chocolate, admiring the locals selling their homemade turquoise jewelry and taking pictures of statues. Not a bad way to soak up the sun while wearing a Winter coat.

Oldest church in the US

Santa Fe Plaza

Hot chocolate with ground nuts and spices

On our first day and a half of Santa Fe was very low key. But it was a breath of fresh air to not feel rushed or consumed by schedules and itineraries. Just walking and eating all day, which I never mind. Up next, the rest of our Santa Fe trip.

-Akemi-chan