Jetlags gone, the dry desert heat warms body and soul..the parched desert is full of surprizes sights, sounds and smells..nature at its purest best. After the short stop in Holbrook to photograph the famous Wigwam Motel, we went on to Albuquerque for a quick overnight stop on the way to Santa Fe.
Up early and on the old Route 66 as far as it is allowed…now the new Interstate 40 is the the alternative (speed Vs. charm & visual bon-bons) not a good trade-off, but thats what “progress” does…convenience at the cost of tradition and depth….fast-food culture….quick and dirty.
We took the old “Turquiose Trail” route through Golden, Madrid and Ce3rrillos….all three worth a day each to explore the “old Southwest”. We arrived in Santa Fe in the middle of the afternoon and drove through the Old Town filled with brightly colored shops,art galleries and wonderful cafés full of delightful scents of freshly baked cakes and pasteries and pots of freshly brewed coffee…knowing will would have to return later for a real southwest calorie orgy!
We arrived at our hotel “Inn On The Alameda” in the heart of the art district right next to the green lush park area with the Santa Fe river running parallel to the hotel property. Such a wonderful mix of southwest landscaping and architecture! We were greeted by friendly professional staff and invited to spend an hour at the bar for wine & cheese tasting…mmm what a welcome!
After bringing the luggage to our room, we were more than pleasantly surprised at the spacious and tastefully styled interiors and spacious terraces, all in the best quality southwestern style integrating the adobe style architecture with the lush green natural surroundings…an oasis in good taste and laid back southwestern hospitality.
