For a weekend jaunt, Sherry, Matt, Storm and I make the 1-1/2 hour ride up to Chimayo. We visit the Sanctuary there and view the Holy Dirt. Matt and Storm also shop for jewelry while in Chimayo. Sadly their efforts are not directed at adorning Sherry and me with locally made turquoise encrusted trinkets. Instead they both find super great deals on some ring bling for themselves. With the shopping spree ended, our growling stomachs insist we find some tasty morsels to appease them.
Sante Fe is only a short ride back toward Albuquerque so we head to the town square there for lunch. We settle into the sun-bathed dining courtyard at La Fonda Plaza to devour the cuisine served there which includes spicy and savory authentic New Mexican fare. The sun beams through the atrium skylights but proves to be no match for the blasting air conditioner. By the time we finish our feast, we are shivering like arctic explorers.
An after lunch walk in the sun helps us defrost while we explore the art and shops around the square. A tip to those traveling here to shop: we find the jewelry and rugs in Chimayo are about 1/3 the price of the same items in downtown Sante Fe.
A potluck dinner with all of our new Balloon Fiesta friends caps off our lovely weekend. You will be glad to learn that I am safely ensconced in a covey of superb chefs here at Fiesta. Many more of their fabulous dinners and I will have to add afternoon, evening and midnight walks to my exercise routine!
Photos from Chimayo, Sante Fe and beyond
