Santa Fe - The name finally clicks

New Mexico

Did you know that there is a "World Capital of Chile"? Neither did I, but now we know!

Somewhere in the north of New Mexico I found out where the rain flow splits. One side flows down into the Rio Grande and on the other side of the road it goes into the Colorado River. The nerd in me is loving this little factoid!

At the town named "Coyote" they have a mural of the coyote and the road runner cartoon characters. I slowed down to check it out and from the corner of my eye I saw a real life road runner crossing the road!! My TV geek loved that too!

Travel Epiphany No. 1001 - "Santa Fe" New Mexico, means "Santa Fe"

When they named the town "Santa Fe" they really mean it. I always wanted to visit. Now that I had the opportunity to experience it, I can "feel" the presence of the "Santa Fe" all around the town. Not just in the stone structures, it is in the air. I am not talking strictly about the Catholic faith. I am talking about a feeling. It is an energy - sacred - palpable - there, before the missionaries changed it's name. A friend from California tried to explained to me, but I had to experience it for myself.

THEN I stumble into another one of my Wander List Items. The funny thing is that I had totally forgotten that the miracle stairway was in Santa Fe. It wasn't until I was at the tourist information office that they lady showed me in the map! I was so excited to go and see it! First time I heard about it was in "Unsolved Mysteries" --- Kept hearing the theme in my head as I walked around the chapel!

Then I made a new friend!!! And she told me about the Sanctuary of Chimayo where they have a chapel named in honor of "El Senor de Esquipulas" from Guatemala! So I HAD to go! I was able to attend Thanksgiving services here!

Then on Thanksgiving evening I wandered around Santa Fe and enjoyed having the downtown area to myself! :)

Today is day 59!! I am starting to wind down... on my way back East I am hoping to visit Austin Texas, New Orleans and Savanna.

I am looking forward to visiting some friends in the Mid-Atlantic area and looking forward to sharing my pictures and stories with my nieces and nephews!

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