Belle of the Southwest

When the historic Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, was built in 1882, it was known as "The Belle of the Southwest."  After some hard times, it was restored and now sits proudly across from the Old Town Plaza.  As we approach Santa Fe which is about an hour away, we always stop to visit it and the shops in this part of the small city that is situated on  Hwy 25.

To learn more about this hotel, click here. But first, I want to wish you a

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  CHEERS FOR 2012!!

Greeters

We have arrived. What fun to be greeted by these merry little figures!

Canyon Road

I snapped this photo in March of 2010 while walking down Canyon Road.  I wish one of those mailboxes was mine!  We probably have arrived by now and are settling in; I'll start posting current photos shortly. I promise.

Sanctuario de Guadalupe

Images of this Lady appears everywhere in Santa Fe.  This particular statue stands in front of Santuario de Guadalupe and has frequent visitors, as you can see.  Constructed in Mexico, it has an interesting history. (I scheduled a few photos from my archive, and we're still driving, but will get to Santa Fe soon!)


Credit: THE JOURNEY

Catholics from Northern New Mexico made a journey from Mexico City with a 12 foot-tall, 4,000 pound statue of the Patron Saint of the Americas. The statue was placed in front of the Santuario de Guadalupe, the oldest church in the United States honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. The journey to New Mexico followed the Camino Real, the historic route taken from Mexico City to the northern territory of New Mexico by early Spanish settlers.

The statue and the spiritual and physical journey were born out of controversial use of one of the most revered and important images in Hispanic culture. But that is not why the faithful pursued this project. Their pursuit was one of dedication, faith and discovery.

The statue is the work of reknown Mexican artist Georgina "Gogy" Farias who herself has a strong devotion to Guadalupe.

This website [listed above under "Journey"] will share photographs by photojournalist Joshua Trujillo and some of the stories from the group's journey north. You can click on a photo to see a larger version or to make a print for personal use. For publication contact the photographer.

It's About Time!

DH, Maggi our dog, and I left our Minnesota home and are driving to Santa Fe as you view this.  Our son and grand-dog, Lexie is staying in our house while we are gone for our 2-month stay in one of the cities I love best. I took this photo a few years ago near the Plaza. Come back for more photos during the next couple months.  I have a new camera and lens and am anxious to begin using it in Santa Fe.