Days 8 & 9: Santa Fe, Family, & Tent Rocks

So Monday morning we woke up bright and early in our even more luxurious hotel room and realized one major problem: my sister had accidentally given me her wrong phone number. Oops! After a bit of frantic running about, we finally managed to connect and meet up in Santa Fe, and Didi and her 15 year old daughter Nat met us and agreed to be our tour guides through the tourist trap that is the center of Santa Fe. It was lovely to see them again--I haven't seen them since my Dad's funeral--and they both look much more relaxed and happy (especially Nat, who has really blossomed into a lovely and confident young woman; I unwittingly scored points with her by wearing a pair of cool sunglasses that I'd picked up in Tucson because I'd foolishly let Tori play with--and break--my other pair; apparently the ones I'd grabbed at some hipster shop there were THE ones to have).

The plaza is much as I remembered it; overpriced chic shops preying on folks from New York and LA. But I have to say the Native Americans selling stuff on the street have also wised up too--they are NOT the downtrodden Indians of my youth. They are wily artisans making good money and charging above average rates for their wares now. I paid more than I expected for some gifts. Tori loved walking around and petting dogs and chasing pigeons, and of course, swinging with Daddy.

We had a nice lunch, and got coffee, where I got some nice shots of Didi and Nat, and Nat took a nice shot of me. Gee, you see any family resemblance? First, Didi, then Nat, then me.

Nope, we don't look alike at ALL.

We also visited the miracle staircase at the Loretto Chapel (built without a central support and from one piece of wood). Photos don't do it justice; it's really quite beautiful. The wood is stunning, and I can't believe anyone can walk on it without bringing it down.

Then we took a very cranky baby for a pointless drive so she could nap and eventually back to Didi's for some green chili enchiladas that were amazingly yummy. Eventually, it was back to the hotel for a great nights sleep, made even better by the fact that while Tori woke up at 6am this morning, she got in bed with me and stayed asleep until 8:30am. Let me repeat that; EIGHTY FUCKING THIRTY AM.

Heaven.

Eventually, we got out of the hotel and into the car and set out vaguely north in the hopes of visiting the Jemez mountains, but decided instead to visit the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. It offered a nice, short loop hike that the baby could do with us (and my still crappy lungs could handle). It was a bit overcast today, which was actually nice (didn't need to worry too much about sunscreen) since it was quite bright at the Tent Rocks (the sand is all white around there). These rocks are all from volcanic deposits, and the formations are caused by boulders protecting areas and causing cones to form looking like tee-pees. Very cool. Tori thought that the steep and sandy trails were slides and spent much of the time on her butt sliding down them saying "Whee!"

Tonight my brother brought his family into the city to have dinner with us and Didi and her daughter and boyfriend and we had a nice family reunion (again, first time since the funeral!). It really was lovely; I can't believe how big the kids have gotten. It's the biggest group of people that Tori's ever been around that she's related to since she's been born. It was really, really cool. This photo, sadly, came out kind of badly. But I'll share it anyway. Then I'm off to bed. Tomorrow, we're riding the tram--something I never did as a kid since my mom was terrified of heights. Heh. Also, I think we might add a night to our stay here. I'm feeling reluctant to leave...

Comments

[Elizabeth]

Oh, I'm so jealous - I am a product of Catholic school and the magic staircase is the stuff of legend from my childhood - I have always always wanted to see it. Someday.

[Jo-Ann]

Dude you and Didi look a ton alike. You have the same nose!

[Melissa in TN]

You so look like your sister. I'm glad you were able to reconnect.

I love the one of Tori sliding down the hill on her bottom. Is she a tomboy or what?

You look really pretty in the last photo.

Keep having fun!

[beagle]

I do . . . the eyes and the genuine smiles!

[Chickenpig]

The genetic resemblance between you and your relatives is striking, and not just you and your sister and niece. The staircase is beautiful! It sounds like you are having a wonderful time (in spite of your illness) and getting some sleep too! I'm jealous, usually when I go on vacation I don't sleep well, and that is without a toddler.

[Sheri]

Beautiful pictures. That staircase is amazing!

The resemblance is very striking between you and your sister and neice. I'm so glad that you are having such a wonderful time!

[Sarah]

I'm so glad you guys are having such a good time! The photos are great...that staircase is so cool!

I'm a bit terrified that you are going to come back to tell me you are moving out there.

[liz]

I thought, WHOA, did Cec. dye her hair blonde? But no, it's your sister!

[Whitney]

Wow, family resemblance much? LOL!! And that staircase is BEAUTIFUL. Thanks for sharing pictures :)

[michaela]

Longtime lurker, coming out of the woodwork because I am so effing jealous of your trip! I lived in Santa Fe for a couple years back in the mid-90s (holy crap, that sounds like a long time ago. how did I get so old??) I met my husband there... working at a now-defunct boarding school on the edge of town next to the veterans' cemetery. I miss it there so much... especially the green chile. Can't wait to take our girl - just a month older than Tori - out there someday...

[Erica]

I love your shirt and new hair, you look awesome!

[electriclady]

Cecily, you look beautiful in these photos--so happy, and the hair continues to be awesome. :)

[Camille]

Reading about your visit has made me homesick! I lived in Albuquerque and the surrounding area from 1973 until 1990. I have not been back to visit for almost 8 years and it so nice to see and hear about familiar places. I too have a picture of the staircase in Santa Fe and had my picture taken with my mom and my young daughter in front of the bell in the plaza. Enjoy the rest of your trip and while you are on the tram, blow Albuquerque a kiss for me!

[Essie]

Your sister is just a blonde version of you! Wow, what a resemblance. I guess it's a good thing you don't live in the same town; people might think you keep dyeing your hair :)
I'm sure it was so nice to have your family all together.

[laura]

I am really enjoying reading your "travelogue" ... what a wonderful place to visit. Your photos are fab, too. I can see the one of the three peaks printed on canvas and stretched to hang as art. Beautiful.

[Susie]

Wow, you and your sister look SO much alike! Beautiful, both of you!

[Sarah]

Geeze! You and Didi look like identical twins who color their hair different colors! That is so cool.

[maggie]

1. Your hair looks great.
2. I love Tori's poncho.
3. I have been to Santa Fe and I have to agree that is really pretty but to be honest, I found there was nothing to do there.
4. Hope you are having fun!

[Michele]

Great pics! At least you know you would look good as a blonde if you ever wanted to be one. Crazy! I'll be in Albuquerque next month to see my new nephew, and I can't wait to go. While I'm sad we won't be moving there now, I love the fact that I can pretty much go whenever I want! Have a blast on the Tram (or as they say, "Enjoy your flight!"). It really is an amazing view.

[Madame X]

I actually saw the pic of Didi and thought you'd dyed your hair blonde! Yes, indeed. You do look like sisters. =)

[elayne]

The family resemblance is really strong. Do y'all resemble one parent in particular?

The Loretto staircase is exquisite, but it's not built from one piece of wood. I think what you might have meant is that it was apparently built without nails or dowels. Snopes has a great article on the probable identity of the mystery carpenter, and there is lots of information about how it (and other staircases like that) supports itself. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to walk on it - I'd be like the first nuns who tried it out, go up on my hands and knees.