Santa Fe by Train

Gabi, Milo, and I set out about 10.20 to drive to the closest train stop. The train arrived right on time at 10.47. The cars are divided into three levels. For the trip up we sat on the lowest level. Interesting to see the backs of all the houses etc.

Arrived in Santa Fe about an hour later (it's about 85 miles) and hopped on the shuttle that takes you right to The Plaza downtown. It's nice that the city has managed to keep its architectural style fairly consistent. The 400th anniversary of its founding is this year.

We were all hungry by the time we arrived, so we wound up at the Oak Restaurant, upstairs on the balcony. Gabi had the chile relleno (it had a fancy name I can't remember), Milo got cheese quesadillas, and I had the Plato Santa Fe, which was carne asada, rice (green), and beans (not refried). All very good.

Some window shopping and resting in the park. Gabi and Milo went off to the see the main church, a couple of blocks off the plaza, while I sat and rested the knees (twinging from the weather change) and listened to a guy playing guitar and singing. Ice cream seemed the proper thing to do after all that, and there's a Haagen Daz right on the Plaza.

I strolled the line of Indian artisans showing their wares under the colonnade but successfully resisted buying anything. There was a fabulous solid silver cuff with just one groove as its decoration -- very elegant ($300).

About 4pm the shuttle arrived to take us back to the train. Milo was beginning to show the strain of the long day with a few incipient howls, clenched fists, and screwed-up faces, but overall he was very good. He loved the balloon-man's sword and holder as well as a radio helmet. He kept busting the swords (once during lunch which really startled a lady sitting nearby), but the last one lasted until we got home. He also scored a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt.

Arrived home about 5.45 pm. A long day but nice. Glad we went.