Cindy Bradford Shopping in Santa Fe

I just returned from three days in Santa Fe, and although I have been many times, I always enjoy seeing the sights, especially during the Christmas holidays. I love the arts and architecture that this capital city provides and when it is decorated for the season, there is no place quite like it. The historic plaza was awash with twinkling lights both nights that I ventured out in the cold temperature to enjoy the farolitos, or luminaries, the term being used interchangeably depending on where one is from in New Mexico.

Farolitos, the Spanish word for “little lanterns,” is used primarily by Santa Feans, but whatever you call them, these small bags filled with sand and candles, add to the magic of this high-desert town, situated at the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. They are everywhere; on roof tops, lining walkways, alongside hotel walls. Under a canopy of stars, this combination of natural and artificial radiances creates a festival of sparkling, glittering lights.

Of course, the spicy Northern New Mexican food, best identified by the green chiles that make it famous, is not to be missed. And this time I tried Maria’s, because it has won the best margarita award for the past 14 years. And there is a reason for that—they serve more than 100 tequilas and 160 different margaritas with names like “That Awesome Fella” and “The Silver Sammy,” not to mention “I Was the Boss” for $17.25 and “The Best of Show” for $42.00. Now, that’s a lot of headaches!!! And they use no mix, sugar or additives; only real tequila, real triple-sec and real fresh squeezed lemon juice and ice made from filtered water. I now know where they get the saying, “One Tequila, Two Tequilas, Three Tequilas, Floor,” but I was a good girl because I know José Cuervo is not a friend of mine!

The second night I had to have a steak at The Bull Ring, which has become a tradition for me on every visit to Santa Fe. I realize in a city so rich in food heritage, it is probably crazy to eat plain ole tenderloin, but this place has some of the best ever. Admittedly there are so many great places to eat, it is difficult to choose, so I stop a lot during my shopping for little snacks.

Speaking of shopping, I never miss going to the Palace of the Governors where each day local Indians line up to sell beautiful handmade jewelry and other items. Since they are allotted spots through a lottery system, no two days are the same which always makes it interesting.

It is the confluence of Spanish and Native American cultures that lends to the mysticism of Santa Fe, and I never tire of visiting. Of course, the kiva fireplaces, art galleries, adobe structures and stark beauty of the oldest capital in the United States also keep me returning again and again.

Seldom did you see a break in that professional armor. As principal she was tough, as an educational generalist, keenly knowledgeable about instructional strategies and curriculum, and as an individual, warm, compassionate and self-disciplined. The mother of a Baptist minister, she has always been just such a role model.

But I suppose there comes a time in the lives of everyone when one has to “live a little.” to branch out, and try the forbidden fruit which in this case is the blue agave! And try she did, and loved it. And because her first taste came in Mexico she is convinced that it is the one and only best stuff ever bottled. Granted, it is about half the price there, so that’s a good thing. Thus, came our reason recently to visit Progresso again—for what we say here in the “valley”—a quick liquor run. I might have guessed I would be an accomplice for this type of adventure for anyone in the whole wide world, EXCEPT my friend Carlene. Let’s hope her son doesn’t read this. How the tables turn. And so it goes……….with a little salt and lime. Salute! Or is it, Ay,Caramba???

The street vendors are still there along with some of the early wares from days gone by, but now there are curio shops everywhere, along with at least 100 farmacias and as many dental offices. I will not get my teeth worked on there either, although that is the main draw for the Q-tips—that and cheap medicine. In a few weeks, the cobblestones will be overrun with the winter visitors, especially those who stay in the motor home villages close to the border.  Cheap margaritas will flow and guacamole will be in large demand. I thought now was a good time to miss the crowds although it is fun to see the “winter gringos” wearing their sporty windbreakers, embroidered with the names of their trailer parks. Some wear big nametags, adorned with pens denoting the number of years staying at that park and other similar affiliations. This name tag custom I have never quite figured out.  Are they afraid they will forget their name or forget where they are staying?

Actually, I do somewhat understand, and maybe this is a very good idea because the margaritas in this tiny town are not like those here in the States. None of that pre-mixed, watered down stuff for these hearty bartenders. These drinks are where the lyrics from the country western song by Lorrie Morgan and Sammy Kershaw must have originated: “He drinks tequila and she talks dirty in Spanish.” These are potent concoctions, just the way these visiting folks like them. After all, they haven’t lived this long for nothing, which is another reason my friends and I were there for the day.

Now, as you know I really like wine, and my good friend Judy likes her whisky. But my other good buddy, Carlene, has been a bit of a teetotaler until recently when she read a novel where the protagonist was drinking tequila shots. She decided that she had been good too long, and as she is approaching another birthday, she wanted to do a few things she has never done and drinking a shot of tequila appeared to be one of those “things.” As I said about the street tacos, I am neither brave nor stupid enough to go there—again—in my life.  But for some strange reason, the lime and the salt and the tequila were just the right mixture for my friend…and your friend, for many of you reading this. So, to pique your interest this is “to be continued”.