Well, the summer holidays are over. They were wonderful, but with routine and structure returning to our days I now have time to catch up on some of the fun things we did over the summer that I haven’t managed to blog about yet :) So, here is another (photo heavy!) post from our trip to New Mexico!
One of our must do’s when we visit New Mexico is a trip into Santa Fe.
With it’s history, lovely shops, fabulous food and traditional adobe architecture it’s a wonderful town to wander around, soaking up the atmosphere.
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This time I was there with my mum and the kids, so sadly no opportunity for a lazy margarita on a balcony overlooking the town square! But, we had a lovely walk downtown, spending time in the main square, doing a little window shopping and visiting the cathedral.
The cathedral is beautiful, there is something wonderfully peaceful about visiting churches. Irrespective of beliefs, I find them calming and serene, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis is a beautiful church.
After a few minutes of quiet contemplation, followed by a few minutes of shushing small children, we headed back outside and spent some time in the small gardens that surround the church. The boys were very taken with the labyrinth and were pleased to find their way to the centre.
According to the very useful plaque beside the labyrinth, they have been used since at least 2000 B.C. and they were built into the floors of medieval churches, where they were walked by pilgrims of that time. The one here is in the style of the one at the cathedral in Chartres, France.
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There are some interesting statues, alongside the traditional ones of St. Francis. This one, of St. Francis dancing on water, is my favourite. I also love the one of Kateri Tekakwitha (above).
We only had time for a quick visit on this trip, so no time for any shopping (although that is never as much fun with a toddler in tow!) or a long lunch in one of the amazing Mexican restaurants.
All in all, another wonderful day: It was beautiful and sunny; our walk was lovely (even if the harsh sunlight wasn’t great for photos…); the kids had fun; we managed to get back to Los Alamos before another thunderstorm started!
And, I managed to drive us there and back with only one, easy to correct, wrong turn :)
I’ve linked this post up to #PoCoLo from Verily, Victoria Vocalises.
It looks like you’ve all had an amazing summer! But welcome back routine! Vx
We really have – it’s been a lot of fun. But, yes, back to reality now :)
It looks beautiful – so American!
It’s really lovely – and very American :)
That looks stunning, especially the cathedral :) popping over from #pocolo
Thanks! It’s a fab town, really love it :)
What a lovely place. I miss old stuff, that’s one major downfall of living in a country where anything 50 years old is seen as an antique! That church is just stunning and YAY! to not getting lost, well done you! x
Ha, thank you – normally hubby does all the driving, but he wasn’t there, so I had to do it – quite proud of myself really :)
I think that’s one of the reasons I love New Mexico, there is so much history there.
We loved Santa Fe! I’ve not been there with the kids yet though. It was so pretty and had great food. I’m visiting from #pocolo
It’s wonderful isn’t – and the food is fabulous :) Thanks for reading x
What a fabulous set of photographs, Sara. I agree that churches and cathedrals are lovely places to just ‘be’ irrespective of beliefs. I adore that picture of the wee girl on the labyrinth! Why is it I have heard of Los Alamos – is it to do with the Manhattan Project? Lovely post xx
Thank you! And you are correct – the Manhattan Project was based in Los Alamos :)
I have always wanted to go to Santa Fe – this made me want to go more! Thank you so much for sharing this with PoCoLo and hope to see you tomorrow x
It’s a beautiful town, and part of the world :) Well worth a visit! Thanks for hosting – and I’ve jut linked up this week xx