Day 21 - April 6, 2006

We again started our day off with a 50 minute walk around the base. Then we headed over to Santa Fe, NM. What a charming city - much nicer than Albuqueque. We thoroughly enjoyed our day as you can see by the pictures below. The weather was a lot cooler up at Santa Fe - temperatures were in the 60's.

We are tracking the air conditioner unit with the trucking lines web site. So far it is in El Paso but it doesn't show it being loaded on a trailer yet to go to Las Cruces. Pretty soon we will have to start paying NM state taxes. Hopefully, we can be moving on very soon,

As we take our morning walk around the Air Force Base's Family Housing area, we are amazed at the typical landscape. Note all the rocks, few plants and no grass. Pretty neat idea if you are tired of mowing the grass all the time.

Strict ordinances enacted decades ago mandate the appearance of new and remodeled buildings. Even fast food restaurants and convenience stores must be painted in officially sanctioned hues of brown and conform to the traditional adobe style.

The Palace of the Governors. Built in 1610, the Palace is considered one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. The long, low adobe structure with massive walls was the seat of government under Spanish, Pueblo Indian, Mexican and US territorial rule until 1909. The portal (porch) is a gathering place for local American Indian artisans. Frank bought his necklace here.

We ate lunch at Ore House on the Plaza. The food was delicious and we had a great view of the Plaza and all of its activity. We were lucky enough to be able to sit out on the balcony.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. This is the first church in New Mexico to attain the status of cathedral basilica. The parish was founded in 1610 and the current building dates to 1869.

Kateri Tekakwitha - 1st Indian of North America to be promoted to sainthood.

The "Oldest House" is among the last surviving examples of a puddled adobe dwelling.

San Miguel Mission Church is one of the country's oldest churches in continual use. It was constructed in 1610. Priceless ornaments and painting were inside the church.

Frank with his new Indian crafted necklace.

New Mexico State Capital. It is round and designed in the shape of the state's official emblem, the Zia sun symbol (see yesterday's post for it's explanation). There were lots of really neat sculptures outside. Too bad we would not be there tomorrow as I understand there is quite a collection of art work inside.

Typical Street in Santa Fe, NM