It has been a busy couple weeks since I’ve written. On January 4th we moved out of our Air BnB in Santa Fe, after staying there one week, and into a hotel. It ended up being a blessing in disguise for several reasons; we didn’t have our host harassing us 75 times a day, we had free access to a washer and dryer, so we didn’t have to pay to have someone else wash it for us, nor did I have to haul our laundry over a mile to the closest laundromat, we were closer to the grocery store, and we saved almost $300!
We celebrated giving ourselves what we needed by getting a couples massage after we moved out of our Air BnB. Then we just enjoyed the weekend in town with a visit to the New Mexico History Museum, the Farmer’s Market and a Mercado where there were several booths of people selling their art and wares. The following two weeks flew by with a couple day trips on the train to Albuquerque, which is a beautiful 2hr ride and only $10 round trip. My first trip I visited the Albuquerque Museum which I loved and explored around the Old Town. The second time I spent the day with a friend and we took a walk on the Bosque Trail along the Rio Grande River and had a lovely lunch of delicious pizza at Farina Downtown ABQ.
Back in Santa Fe I went to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, The Loretto Chapel and the San Miguel Church. I visited the Santa Fe Capitol building which has a very impressive collection of artwork. I also climbed the hill of the Cross of Martyrs. Dave and I visited the New Mexico Museum of Art, The Vladem Contemporary Art Museum and SITE Santa Fe. On Wednesday the 15th I walked to the Botanical Garden and visited the Indian Arts and Culture Museum as well as the International Folk Art Museum which was one of my faves! I am so glad that we bought the Culture Pass when we visited our first museum. It saved us a lot of money and encouraged us to go to places and see things we haven’t before.
On the 16th I finally got in a hike! I took the bus to St. John’s University and hiked some of the Atalaya Trail which provided amazing views. Another highlight was taking a Sunset Serenade train ride on the Sky Railway where inside we enjoyed live music and then we were able to step outside of the train to see the gorgeous landscape and beautiful sunset.
This past weekend we changed locations to Albuquerque for a few nights. We rented a car for Saturday and Sunday and it was so fun to show Dave places that he hadn’t yet had a chance to explore. Saturday we visited Chimayo, Taos and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. On Sunday we started our day with breakfast at the Range Cafe in Bernalillo. After that we drove through Los Alamos on our way to Bandelier National Monument. Then we finished our day at the Mine Shaft in Madrid which is a cute little town on the Turquoise Trail.
The time has gone so fast! We’ve been in New Mexico almost a month, and it has been wonderful to be back. It is fun to be able to spend some time in ABQ since I only had one evening here last year, and is extra special to have quality time with our friends that we know from Saint Paul who now live in Albuquerque. Together we experienced the fun of the rail car bar at Painted Lady Bed and Brew, we had a yummy dinner at Ex Novo Brewery and went over to their house on Monday to watch the Celtics game. They are fans. 🙂
I’m so grateful for the almost four weeks we spent here before we continue on to Mexico and South America. Dave leaves for a long weekend in Vegas tonight, and I am meeting my dad and sisters in Puerto Vallarta tomorrow, before we meet up in Mexico City on the 28th. Neither of us have ever been and we’re excited to experience the culture and have a taste voyage around the city. Then we’re off to Santiago, Chile for a month starting February 8th. We don’t have any friends that we’re visiting after this next leg of the tour, and so far no one has planned to visit us, so we’re trying to soak up every minute with our people.
I feel like most years January drags and this year it seems to have flown by. I’m going to use that feeling as a reminder to savor every minute. To remain grounded in gratitude for this adventure and this life that Dave and I have chosen. We say hasta luego (see you later) to New Mexico filled with anticipation and excitement for what the future has in store for us. We are manifesting continued intentionality and growth and will continue to go with the flow.
I hope 2025 is off to a good start for you too! Sending you love wherever you are!
Alison 🙂
PS Brace yourself for a plethora of pictures!
