I have always wondered if I could live in NM.  Yes I admit it!   However Albuquerque never entered my mind but Sante Fe did.    Just from things I'd read and seen I thought "Hmmm.  Sante Fe might be nice someday."

So when I discovered it was only an hour away from Albuquerque I made plans last minute to get up there while I could even if only for a short time.   I'm not sure what things I'd read or seen but I can tell you it was not what I expected.   Realize that if I had not been quit as tired as I was or had more time to spend (that last one may or may not have made a difference) my thoughts may have been different.   

It seems most everyone has this magical idea of Sante Fe (or maybe it is really the Taos area).  Little did I know that those Albuquerque people kinda like their little secret.  LOL   I drove intentionally towards the old downtown area.  A great place don't get me wrong but not as "historical" as I'd have liked to see but rather more "touristy" (I know not a word but you get the idea).   I definitely wanted to see some of the old churches and as I wasn't really in the mood for shopping I probably didn't appreciate that part as much.    Since I went on a Monday, there also were a number of the smaller museums that were not open and I think I would have enjoyed some of those.

Anyhooo, definitely go see it if you are in the area.  For me, unless I have some specific museum spots to see (or the birding area I didn't make it to) I likely will not go back but rather spend my highway time heading to more of the native and natural areas in NM.

My first stop was the Loretto Chapel (as the mission church was under construction).   A very lovely little place it is but in the realm of chapels - it is quite the tourist operation.  You pay to get in and then they push you out through the store.   Just didn't feel right for a place of worship - just sayin.   Still I did get some shots and if you click the link above it will tell you about the staircase.  I recommend reading about it.

Outside was a tree in a nook with rosary beads.

There were so many shops with lovely items outside that I had to share some of them.    I also will admit it is darned easy to get lost in the winding streets in the area.  Honestly if you are a shopper or even just a window shopper (and it isn't 90+ degrees) it is a fun place to browse.

I had read that it was worth checking out the street vendors around the plaza.  While they had some really nice things, they were expensive.  When I did find a $10 item and asked if the gal had change for a $20 I got a "no" and she started glancing towards all of her other wares.   Nope, not falling for that deal - only saw one thing I wanted so I gave it back and walked away.

St. Francis Cathedral Basilica - I have no idea the story of this figure but I loved her!

Okay, not on a church but rather painted on the adobe wall of one of the cafes.  For all my friends that are chicken lovers.