Santa Fe, New Mexico and Puye Cliff Dwellings

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a great place to visit because there is a mix of American Indian, Hispanic, and Anglo history. I didn't realize that the Manhattan Project office was in Santa Fe, I thought it would have been in Los Alamos, so that was something new and interesting to see. 

 

 

 

Then I got to see a monument in the main plaza that has been altered, which is unusual. The marble memorial was honoring those who fought and died fighting in war against the Indians. But, originally, the monument said "To the Heroes who have fallen in the various battles with savage Indians in the territory of New Mexico." But, the word "savage" has been removed from the monument, which I think is totally appropriate.

 

 

Then I made it over to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and got to see some amazing pieces of her art from her flowers, to landscapes, to nature inspired paintings. The last time I was in Santa Fe I missed out on seeing her work, so I am glad I made an effort this time.

 

 

 

 

We also were able to make a quick visit to the Loretto Chapel where the Miraculous Stairs are located. When the Loretto Chapel was completed in 1878, there was no way to access the choir loft twenty-two feet above. Traditional stairs couldn't be used because the chapel was too small.

Legend says that to find a solution to the seating problem, the Sisters of the Chapel made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. Months later, the elegant circular staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks.

 

The staircase has two 360 degree turns and no visible means of support. Also, it is said that the staircase was built without nails—only wooden pegs.

 

I thought it was interesting to see the "Miracle" and to hear people discuss how they thought it was done, forgetting that in 1878, the modern technology we have today didn't exist.

 

 

Finally we made our way to Puye Cliff Dwellings, which were incredible. Puye means "Place Where the Rabbits Gather." The cliff dwellings are on Indian Reservations, so you can't tour them on their own, so we had a two hour private tour. The guide was from the Pueblo Indian tribe and was very knowledgeable. It was a great tour and totally worth going.