By Janet K., Aureus OR Nurse
Of all the adventures I have had in my life, next to parenting (which is not for chickens!!), I think coming to Santa Fe has been the most rewarding of all. Being born and raised in the Southeast, it was beyond my ability to imagine that the desert could actually be beautiful - I am used to lush green and humidity!
The colors of the desert are amazing...even without the green I am used to! There are no words to describe the beauty of the desert after a big rainstorm. Santa Fe is in the "high desert" and surrounded in part by the Jemez and Rocky mountains, so there is almost always a breeze. While here, I have watched the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets I have ever seen! I have heard the phrase ‘Big Sky Country’ many times, and now I understand just what it means. I have never seen so much sky in my life! The weather is also great - being from the deep South, humidity has been an annual annoyance. I have been more than happy to do without it this summer!!
Not only is the natural beauty incredible,
but the history of this region is unlike any I have ever seen. The Bandelier
Caves are natural rock formations that the Anasazi Indians made their
homes in until about 500 years ago.
Downtown Santa Fe has the historic Plaza, where Indians have sold
their wares for more than 500 years. The town fathers, in keeping with
the traditional architecture of the area, have passed ordinances that
buildings not be over a certain height, so you will not see a skyscraper
in Santa Fe.
(Above) Santa Fe is
known for it's natural beauty. (Below) Downtown Santa
Fe has kept it's original look and feel as it has grown.
The Governor’s Palace is the only municipal building in this country that has been continuously used since it was built in the early 1600's. The Loretto Chapel has a spiral staircase that is thought to have been built by St. Joseph. How it was actually constructed still remains a mystery today! It has two 360-degree turns and has no center support or nails in it!
Santa Fe and the surrounding area also have some of the very best food in the Southwest. There are nearly 900 restaurants – so I’ll just pick a few to recommend! I The historic Steak House on the Santa Fe Trail has excellent food that is affordably priced, and the Zia Diner is on my list of great places as well. The Plaza Café offers an incredible Chili Bowl that is delicious and has a bit of a zing to it, if you like spicy foods! continued on Page 5
