Trip to Santa Fe Plaza

A trip to Santa Fe is a step into cultural history and a busy arts center.  On the day we went, they were having a arts and crafts festival. Oh what joy for me!!

The Plaza is evidently a busy place even without this special event.  

In front of the Governors Palace the Native Americans sells there hand crafted jewelry.

Not my pic, but here is another view. 

After "shopping" a little while, we decided to take a tour of the city.  The tour guide was very informative.  I tried to capture a few pics of the city. 

Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

I thought the top of this building was unique.  This building is The Lensic, Santa Fe's Performing Arts Center. This is a pseudo-Mooris, Spanish Renaissance built by Nathan Salmon and E. John Greer. It's name is derived from the initials of Greer's six grandchildren. It opened in 1931. 

Shades of blue doors and windows are almost everywhere you look. The blue paint (color of the sky) is thought to ward off evil spirits.   Today, the blue door is simply a sign of welcome.  Evidently, there are many reason as to why the doors and windows are painted blue. I like the sign of welcome theory. 

In a previous post, I mentioned all the wood fences, well, there is a reason as to why they have wood stick fences around the property....

...They are used to keep the coyotes away.  Evidently, the coyotes do not like the smell of the wood. I can't remember what kind of tree the tour guide mentioned. I have tried to research it, but can't find any info. Maybe someone can tell me?

About 60 miles southeast of town, the Santa Fe Trail begins to gently slope up toward the mountains.  This sculpture represents JOURNEY'S END. 

  

Wagons of this type were loaded with clothing, bulk cloth and sundries. Crowds lined the dusty 

streets, excited that supplies had arrived. 

    Santa Fe Trail map.