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
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