Santa Fe, USA
Airing Date: Jun 6th, 2005
With its strong Native American and Hispanic influences, its luminescent desert landscape and its desolate mountains, New Mexico is unique geographically and culturally. It's no wonder the state's nickname is the 'land of enchantment'.
Santa Fe is world renowned for its architecture, it's very cosmopolitan and progressive with spiritual seekers and artists travelling here from all over the world. This destination offers everything from hiking to margaritas to world class shopping.
Much of the history of Santa Fe, New Mexico and the Southwest has some association with Santa Fe's Central Plaza. The Plaza was the original site of a bullring and of fiestas and fandangos during Spanish Colonial times. Freight wagons unloaded here after their arduous journey across the Santa Fe Trail.
Many of the buildings surrounding the park stand just as they did during Colonial Spanish times. Aside from the numerous shops, hotels and restaurants, you will also see a number of famous landmarks including The Palace of the Governors, St. Francis Cathedral and Loretto Chapel. The Plaza is also where the Spanish Market and the Santa Fe Indian Market are held.
At the Indian Markets you'll find turquoise stone jewellery, handcrafted by locals. This type of jewellery is mentioned in folklore as bringing you luck when it comes to money and love. Turquoise is also associated with protection, healing and power by some Native American Indian tribes. You can spend a few dollars to a few thousand dollars on turquoise jewellery.
Many people come to Santa Fe for the art - there's more art than any other city in America except New York - and particularly they head to Canyon Road, the oldest and most famous street in Santa Fe. Most shops are housed in old adobes, some over 200 years old.
There is a great deal of traditional sculpture and painting here, but there is also a lot of eccentric sculptures as well. Much of the art is displayed outdoors and sculpture gardens fill courtyards and portals all along the road. You will also find glass, pottery, fiber art, wearable art, tribal rugs, antiques, collectables posters, cards and furniture.
Miracles aren't limited to the city of Santa Fe, just outside town is home to one of the most intriguing mysteries around. El Santuario de Chimayo is now known as the 'Lourdes of America'. A crucifix kept re-appearing in one spot, even after it was taken to a local church, so they built a church around it. Over 300,000 people visit this sight every year for the 'healing powers' of the crucifix.
urther Information:
Air New Zealand will fly you to Los Angeles from $2236 ex Melbourne, $2239 ex Brisbane, $2252 ex Sydney and $2620 ex Perth.
Includes taxes. Conditions apply.
Air New Zealand: Ph. 13 24 76.
Stay at Hotel St. Francis:
Standard Double from $168, Superior Queen from $212, Deluxe King from $284.
hotelstfrancis.com.
Prices correct at 06/06/05.
