Day 2, Santa Fe.
Complimentary Breakfast was served in the Hospitality Room on the top floor of the Hacienda ~
assorted rolls and crescents, fresh fruit, oatmeal, different fruit juices, coffee, tee, etc.
Because the TM chose today to kick me in the buns, and because we have been here many times
before, we opted for a low key day in Santa Fe. We thought we would see if I could handle a trip
to the Plaza, and considered taking one of the hotel's Purple People Pickers which would take us
to the Plaza and pick us up when we called them to return to the hotel. These babies are
SERIOUSLY purple ~ lol!
We weren't sure how long I would last, so we decided to drive and let whether or not we
could find parking determine if we would stay. Old Town Plaza is, as you might imagine,
a lovely little park in the center of town, surrounded by several blocks of shops. You can
find anything from cheap tourist trinkets to some really lovely Indian art. Buyer beware ~
that cute turquoise bracelet may have been made in China using pretty turquoise colored
plastic. 
That might be fine if you just want a fun remembrance, but if you want authentic you need to be sure of the shops you use, or go to the artists who sit in front of the Palace
of the Governors. They must all be registered in their various tribes, and their work
authenticated before they are allowed a space there. Don't assume you will be able to buy
from them cheaply, although occasionally you might.
One place we always visit in Santa Fe is Keshi. They carry quality merchandise and genuinely respect the artists they represent. Mostly Zuni, but other Nations are represented
too. We went to look for a birthday present for our niece, but a couple of fetishes followed us home.
The one Mike bought disappeared. That's usually a good sign that it might just reappear
at Christmas or on my next birthday or . . . 
I have been told to forget about it, but before the memory fades completely I will tell you it is a wonderful male cougar by a new-to-us Navajo artist
Terry Wilson. How do I know this cougar is male? Well, when he rolled over on his back, it wasn't
hard to see that he was "anatomically correct". LOL
This is the one I bought, also from a new-to-us Zuni artist. I'd never heard of the
material either. I'll have to look it up. Phosphosiderite.
Back to the hotel and a visit to the gift shop, which is owned by the Picuris. By this time my
back pain was really bad, so we promised to come back the next day. After a little rest, we
went to dinner at Mike's favorite Mexican restaurant, Maria's New Mexican Kitchen. I bought
Mike a copy of their book "The Great Margarita Book". Our waiter told us that the week before
the BBC had called the manager for information on margaritas, so I guess that means that they
not only 'wrote the book' but they are really considered experts. It's a fun book with an intro by
Robert Redford.
I digress. We did have a Margarita, and then Mike had hot tamales for an appetizer (way to hot
for me) and his favorite Carne Advado burrito for dinner. I had chicken/guacamole tostados and
we shared a flan and sopipillas for dessert.
Back at the Hacienda, Senor Murphy left his lovely chocolates on our bed to ensure
sweet dreams.
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