LOS ALAMOS & SANTA FE (Day 3 - part 6)
As a final treat, the chapel offered some beautiful stations of the cross. Originally, such stations were outdoors so one could physically follow along the path with Jesus as he carried the cross to his crucifixion in the final hours (known as the Passion) before his death. They are now more commonly found inside on the walls of a church. Earlier sets only had seven, but the standard number nowadays is 14.
These come from Italy. They are not carved marble but rather are molded from crushed marble that has been fired and hand-painted.
Station number 1 - Jesus is condemned to death
Station number 7 - Jesus falls the second time
Station number 9: Jesus falls the third time.
Station number 13: Jesus is taken down from the cross
We returned to the cathedral then wandered down the street to the central plaza where we grabbed an early dinner.
A nice view of the Saint Francis Cathedral
Sigh, kids these days. You just can't tear them away from their devices.
The central plaza
The Santa Fe Plaza (city square) is actually on the National Register of Historic Places. It's built in style of the old Spanish-American colonial cities with a large center green surrounded on all four sides by prominent buildings. The plaza has been the commercial, social and political center of the town since it was founded in 1610. The original plaza, however, was more of a fort surrounded by a large defensive wall.
Park musicians
The plaza was also the end of the Santa Fe Trail. Originally pioneered by French explorers in 1792, the trade route was officially established in 1821 by William Becknell. It was mostly meant to take advantage of new trade opportunities with Mexico, which had just won its independence from Spain. It flourished until the introduction of the railroad in 1880.
The trail connected Missouri to New Mexico... 788 miles.
Some of the plaza buildings
Very clever how the police car design incorporates the state's symbol...
... The Zia symbol has been on the state flag since 1925. It comes from the Zia Indians, who regard the Sun as sacred.
We ended up at the Plaza Cafe.
I decided not to risk it!
We did decide to try the prickly pear cactus lemonade. Unfortunately I wasn't able to taste much cactus over the incredible amount of sugar.
On the way to the restrooms was a patch left open in the wall that showed the original adobe brickwork!
We then hit some of the side streets shopping... well, just looking actually.
Still alongside the plaza
Santa Fe is renowned for its art, and there was a lot of it to be seen and had.
Kinetic art
So many colors and patterns!
Traditional southwest images
Interesting statement
Joanne enjoys the numerous jewelry stores.
Turquoise was a popular item here.
Modern adobe style buildings
Lots of beige, black and bright blue...
... every chance they got...
... Even Bill matches the color theme perfectly!
Tired from a long day, we headed back to our hotel.
Numerous red lights warn us to stop as the Rail Runner train zips past.
An old end of a train marks the end of our day.
return • continue
