Land of Enchantment

As soon as we crossed the border into New Mexico we were greeted with a watercolor landscape of mesas and unique rock formations.  The Santa Fe plaza is beautiful in the night and day.  By the Palace of the Governors I bought a handmade copper guitar pick and experienced my first Frito pie (delicious!).  After Santa Fe we headed to Espanola where Horacio had organized an Obama event.  Next stop was Santuario de Chimayo where people come for "holy dirt" which is supposed to provide healing powers.  I also thought it was interesting that there was a huge Vietnamese Lady of Lavang statue in the courtyard.  Then we took the scenic drive to Taos pueblo which is the only UNESCO site in the US.  Unfortunately the pueblo was closed when we got there but the drive was one of the prettiest we have ever experienced. Finally we spent the night in Gallup, the "Indian Capital of the World".  When we woke up we had an authentic New Mexican/Native American breakfast at Earl's where the locals come by your table to sell you souvenirs.  Horacio bought a statue from a cute little old guy.  Also in Gallup is the El Rancho Hotel on Route 66 claimed to be the hotel for Hollywood stars.  Inside there are autographed photos of stars like Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, etc. all over the walls in the lobby area.  You can also sleep in one of the rooms named after one of the celebs (too bad they didn't allow dogs).  Last stop in New Mexico was Four Corners which we had to go through Arizona to get to.