A few weeks ago I shared my experiences from attending the Santa Fe Photography Workshop with you. The city of Santa Fe (which means, “holy faith” in Spanish), was founded by Spanish colonists in 1610, making it the oldest state capital.
We first visited Santa Fe in 1990, during our children’s winter break. The time-share we stayed in is called Otra Vez, and is in the heart of the old city. It was during the holiday season, and there were bags filled with sand and a lit candle inside everywhere, which created a beautiful picture at night. On Christmas Eve, owners of the galleries lined up along Canyon Road were serving hot punch. In the local Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which was built in 1837, there was a midnight mass that was attended by thousands of people. (Almost thirty years later, I still see the picture in my mind).
Since then, we returned here again and again, throughout different times of the year — just to relax, shop and dine. We drove around, visiting Taos and other local destinations. Once we came here in October with a special purpose to visit the Abiquiu home and Studio, where the famous painter Georgia O’Keeffe lived her last years (her museum is in Santa Fe), about an hour drive from Santa Fe. When I woke up in the morning, I was surprised to see what looked like San Francisco’s fog through the window. It was snow slowly falling down and covering the grounds and our car, which we had to dig out to get there on time. This trip, like many others, left a lot of pleasant memories. And then, about seven years ago, I discovered the Santa Fe Photographic Workshop. Since then, our trips here are connected with my improving photography skills.
To get there, we usually fly to Albuquerque, though there is a small local airport in Santa Fe. It takes about an hour and a half to climb up to 7000 ft. Because of the elevation, we need to drink a lot of water while here. There is so much to experience. There is a very good, small art museum. On Sundays, local Indian tribe members sell their exquisite jewelry in the main square. We have dined at a variety of fine restaurants. This town is known for many art galleries and the great “Photo-Eye Books & Prints” store. During this trip, I bought eight books, which cannot be found in other stores. The store does not carry my “42 Encounters” books yet; though I plan to send them for the future. But you do not have to wait. Just go to Amazon.com and check out “42 Encounters”.
P.S. I hope that this short story will entice you to visit this magical place. Meanwhile, enjoy these four images.
Enjoy and Share with a Friend.
