SF, NM Vacation #16-Palace of the Governors

Native American Indians have been selling their jewelery and pottery in front of the Palace of the Governors for hundreds of years. The Palace flanks the Plaza's north side. Built in 1610 it is the oldest government building, aside from prehistoric kivas, in the United States. The Indian vendors are a big draw for tourist, but this photo made me laugh. Instead of the stereotypical "stoic Indian" expected by some tourists, they are doing what we all do, reading and eating.

#12-Shidoni Sculpture Garden

Located in Tesuque, a village 8 miles north of Santa Fe, the Shidoni Sculpture Garden has long been a favorite of mine. It's part of a 3-part complex that includes the Shidoni Contemporary Gallery and the Bronze Gallery. It was established as a foundry in 1971 by sculpture Tommy Hicks. On Saturdays the public can watch as 2,000 degree molten bronze is poured into ceramic shell molds, one of the many steps in the casting process.

#6-Santa Fe Opera, 2008

 

John Crosby, 30, found the Santa Fe Opera in 1957 and its first production was Puccini's Madame Butterfly. Crosby retired in 2000, having built the Santa Fe Opera into one of the most famous companies in North America. The 2,126-seat theatre is 7 miles north of Santa Fe. After 4 decades the famous open-air amphitheatre was finally roofed in 1998 although the sides are still open to the nocturnal desert air. Because of its spectacular building and setting and the high quality operas, tickets are often snatched up months in advance of the opera season.

#5-The High Road to Taos

Last Tuesday we drove to Taos on the old highway, The High Road to Taos. It's one of my favorite things to do when I'm in this area. The vistas are breathtaking with a good deal of variety. Not to be missed!!

SF, NM Vacation #4 St. Francis Cathedral

Saint Francis Cathedral closes off the east end of San Francisco Street. It was designed in Auvergne, France by Antoine Mouly and his son Projectus, who journeyed to SF to oversee the construction. Before it was finished three different architects worked on it, revised the plans and completed the building which was consecrated in 1886.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Vacation #3

Several statues are in the courtyard in front of The Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral, but this one is the most interesting. It immortalizes Kateri Tekawitha, 1656-1680, who is said to be the first Native American to be promoted to sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church.

SF, NM Vacation #2

I've discovered that the marvelous light in Santa Fe is VERY tricky. I think that I need to shoot either early in the morning or late afternoon. I continue to experiment!

Santa Fe, New Mexico Vacation #1

Yesterday afternoon we landed in Albuquerque and drove to Santa Fe in our rental car. The house we rented exceeds our expectations, and the owner is a PERFECT host! I still don't feel 100% but sunshine, ambience, and countryside will be wonderful tonics! I know that when I'm not out-and-about, I'll be spending lots of time on this patio.