A Santa Fe Sunday

Today's (Sunday) blog will provide me with an opportunity to promote the state that I will always consider home and that I love dearly: New Mexico.

Each year, Santa Fe plays host to the International Folk Art Market, a gathering of artists from around the world who display and sell their works. Will and I lucked out in that our arrival and stay just so happened to coincide with this unique event. 

The market offers an astounding assortment of artists, from basket-weavers and pot-makers to ceramic tile designers and mask-makers. While the majority of the works were pricey and clearly targeting tourists or locals with deep-pockets, there were some astonishingly beautiful pieces that captured our eyes. Will and I purchased paintings from a Mongolian artist, my father's wife's daughter, Lucy, found some dolls from India, and my father was tempted to snap up a rug from Uzbekistan but for its $3000 price tag. We also caught a performance by Tibetan throat singers, which while not particularly appealing to the ear, is certainly a rare spectacle (yes, I have video). 

After the market, it was home for a nap, then back on the museum trail. First, we checked out the New Mexico History Museum and found a new exhibit on the role of women in the west, which was fairly interesting. We followed this with a quick trip across the street to see the New Mexico Museum of Art, which is always a must-visit when in Santa Fe. 

As one might imagine, all the walking around and museum-viewing had worked up a thirst in Will, my father and I, so we were forced to make a stop for some brewskies. Marble Brewery, a nice second floor bar overlooking the plaza, was just the oasis we needed. Our waiter allowed us to sample all the local brews before ordering, and we found winners in the form of the Indian Pale Ale, the pilsner and the wheat ale. 

Will and I would have been content to call it a day, but my father and his wife--ever the diligent hosts, had lined up a home-cooked feast for us. We finished the night with ribeye steaks, corn, asparagus and salad. After so many nights on the road, eating at joint after joint, it was nice to sit down family-style and enjoy a meal among good company.

Tibetan Throat Singers 

Will and Lucy at the market entrance

A piece from Mexico

Daddy Abbey, Lucy and Will

The entrance to our luxurious house. 

Wolfhounds we saw on the plaza. They were more than half the height of a man. 

Marble Brewery free sampler. 

Will with the rainbow. 

Dad hooking up some mean steaks. 

Our homemade feast, courtesy of David and his wife, Lori.