On the Road Again...

...or maybe I should entitle this post Driving Queen---as a little dedication to both my grandma (who drove us all 8 plus hours there and back) and ABBA. Their greatest hits CD was on perma repeat through New Mexican desert, towering trees of Flagstaff, sweeping panoramics of northern Arizona. 




I have returned from my second "girls only" road trip with my grandma. Last year, this unlikely Thelma and Louise duo trekked to Pasadena from Phoenix en route to the best wedding ever. This year, Thelma and Louise part two trekked from Phoenix to Santa Fe for the best fiesta ever. 




Although I have traveled to the Southwest many a time to visit my grandma (and grandpa before he passed away), I had never made it to Santa Fe. To those who have never been, go! 

The FOOD---hatch green chiles on a burger! Lotaburger that is. Paella (only if my great Aunt Janice is available to make it for you). And this is cheating a bit---but my Uncle Mike's cornmeal pizza (fresh from Zelo in Arcadia, CA). 






The ARTS---books on every possible shelf, table, chair, coffee shop, store! Heaven! Galleries---Canyon Road was an eclectic gathering of sculptures, paintings, chili pepper wreaths, and crazy coffee guys! We also were there for the Spanish Market that featured music, dance, book signings by local writers, and randomly, shave ice (yes, shave ice is an art form). I even caught a few fangirl Breaking Bad moments too...









There is beauty all around in Santa Fe---from the electric sky, the Sandia mountains, the Adobe style everything! It was impossible to see it all on a limited time frame, but I'm hopeful I can return soon.




There is a certain magic to exploring new places, taking new adventures, being on the road. Expieriencing Santa Fe with my grandma and family who call New Mexico home was a treat. 




You may not find yourself in Santa Fe anytime soon, so in the meantime, I've provided a glimpse with my pictures and you can enjoy more stories from this magical and spiritual place from a true storyteller---Nasario Garcia (writer, folklorist, and to me---comedian/the Paella makers husband). 

www.nasariogarciaphd.com

Can't wait to get on the road again...


Comments

Unknown said…
Beautiful pictures! It was so awesome to finally meet you in person!
August 16, 2015 at 9:15 PM

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mililani Exploration: Kipapa Stream Trail

Image
Learn something new everyday. Today, I learned there is a lovely neighborhood park in walking distance from my house...and a fabulous hiking trail just behind that!  Today we were finally able to go on a hike---without driving (well, sort of...more on that later). We simply geared up, walked out of our house and to a trail we'd never explored before. Adventure Saturday! Today's hike was 2.2 miles (one way) on a partially old paved road, winding around the back woods of Mililani, down to Kipapa Stream, back up to...Costco in Waipio. Say what? We truly had not planned on arriving on the oustskirts of a farm that is directly across from our local Costco. Hiking truly lands you in the most unexpected places.   Along our route we encountered dirt bikers, a small band of pre-teen scooter riders, a couple of farm hands in a truck, a very intimidating junkyard dog, zero other hikers, and a friendly Starbucks Barista.  That's right, after our Saturday surprise hiking adventure, we f
Read more

Turtle Bay "LOST" Trail

Image
Lost in Paradise is how I would describe yesterday's beach/forest trail that led us past crabs climbing on rocks, mongoose dashing across the trail, horses around the stables, a lone Pillbox, and finally to an iconic Banyan Tree famous for recurring roles in the television series "Lost" and an appearance in "Pirates of the Caribbean". My mother-in-law was on island visiting for a week, so Marina, Sarah, and I took her on a hiking adventure...followed up by a thirst quenching Bacon Basil Bloody Mary.  I have previously explored trails with my mother-in-law.  We have trekked through mud and mosquitos at Manoa Falls, walked up a windy Makapu'u, huffed up Hau'ula Loop, strolled the North Shore's Waimea Falls and Kahuku Point.  So, this visit was no different.  We found ourselves hiking pals again for two separate trails this trip, the Turtle Bay "LOST" Trail being the best of the two. This trail begins in the far corner of the Turt
Read more

Shameless Plug...

Image
I'm in love with this new outfit of Zach's. Okay, outfit might be stretching it...onesie. I have to share. As usual, the picture is sub standard, but if you click here , you can go to the website where other cuteness can be found. Better pictures there. I guess that's why I don't get paid the big bucks, I can spread the word, but my advertising photo skills are lacking. No matter. Still a cute onesie. And still a cute baby. Thanks to my mommy friend Summer for sharing this rocking onesie with us. We love it. Consider this the thank you note?
Read more