I Can't Believe I'm Here!

The first thing on our agenda for today was to have a new set of Jumbo keys made, since Larry lost his yesterday. Thankfully, I had a spare or we would have been locked out to wander aimlessly in the Wal-Mart parking lot! We found a True-Value Hardware which was able to make all but the one for the main door, so we paid a visit to Santa Fe Lock & Key, and soon we were on the way to the downtown Plaza area.


Our first stop was the Georgia O'Keefe Museum. I have dreamed of visiting here for so many years that I had to pinch myself to realize that it's not all a dream!

 Unfortunately, part of the building was closed for renovation, so all of the exhibits weren't available, but we did get to enter for only $5! And what we were able to see was amazing.

Black Hollyhock and Blue Larkspur

I knew a bit about Georgia O'Keefe, but learned so much more today. I'm glad we stayed for the documentary about her life. I know how she felt when she came to Santa Fe and felt that she was finally at home. I could definitely stay here forever myself.

The photos taken by her husband, Alfred Stieglitz, are amazing. 

 I especially love The Hands...

After we left the museum, we drove to the Plaza. Our first stop was the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. It was built in 1869.

The outside was impressive, but once we entered through the great cast-bronze doors, what we experienced was breathtaking.

We stopped in the Chapel of La Conquistadora, part of an older church that stood on the site during the Spanish colonial times. The 18" figure of the Virgin Mary in the chapel was carried to Santa Fe by settlers coming back from 11 years in exile after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. During fiestas of each year she is carried  through the streets in a reenactment of the triumphant return.

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 Even though we're not Catholic, the experience was truly moving.

We said goodbye to St. Francis...

 

 and walked to the Plaza.  Native Americans sell their jewelry and pottery  outside along the north wall of the Palace of the Governors.

 

We wandered around a bit and were sorry we had forgotten our gloves. The wind was quite nippy! We headed back to the car, and Larry dropped me off in front of the Loretto Chapel. It was built in 1873, and was the first Gothic structure built west of the Mississippi. I took a picture while Larry drove around the block, and then picked me back up.

We realized that we were ready for lunch, and decided to look for Tomasita's, a restaurant recommended by Pepe from the laundromat the day before. We had to ask directions, but soon found it. Pepe had said that it gets very busy, and sure enough there wasn't a space in the parking lot to be found. But fortunately there were a number of parking meters right out front. And once we were inside, we only had a five minute wait for a table!  Here I am coming back from the restroom...

I ordered  Chalupas... absolutely perfect!

and Larry had a Vegetarian Tamale Plate. I lost track of how many times he said "yum!"

And for desert -sopapillas...mmmmm!

Here I am with our fantastic server, Mimi.

 

Adios, Tomasita's. We'll see you next time we're in Santa Fe!

Now we're stuffed and tired, so Larry decided to go back to Jumbo and rest, while I found a library close by where I can get online. Much better than Starbuck's - I don't feel obligated to buy a coffee!

We're not sure what the weather is going to do for the next few days between here and Gallup. If it looks bad, we may hang out here in Santa Fe for another day or two. That won't bother me at all!