On The Road Again: Part 2

June 1, 2016, after a good night's rest in suites with two king-size beds, large front room with a table, a desk, chairs, and a large room with a sink and closet The shower and bathroom had their own special space in a separate area. The décor was southwestern with huge pillows on the beds. When we gathered for breakfast I was told how everyone had enjoyed their rooms. I kept thinking that I could have put four in a room!

Breakfast was plentiful with yogurt, fruit, eggs, sausage, pancakes, potatoes and toast. Large glass jugs had juice, water and tea. After eating we got on the 2016 bus with the capability to charge our cell phones and ipads.  It also had individual controls for the air conditioning. The floor of the bus looked like wood and for the first time I saw seat belts for everyone. We were traveling in style!

Our route took us to Las Trampas where both priests would be celebrating mass. One priest was celebrating his fourteenth year of his ordination to the priesthood. See my blog of June 4, 2016 titled Las Trampas for information on this day.  http://spongefullofthoughts.blogspot.com

We traveled to Chimayo over what is called the High Road and the sloping hills, not quite mountains, were green. We passed small villages with adobe houses. It seemed like an easy, laid back sort of life. When we arrived at Chimayo everyone got off the bus and went different ways. Sort of reminded me of ants scurrying to find food!

It was surprising to see how much Chimayo has changed. There are remembrance walls, a grotto with St. James, a three statue monument with a Spaniard, an Indian and a cowboy and each is praying in his own manner.

Going from the Santuario, to the Santo Nino de Atocha Chapel, seeing Our Lady of Guadalupe grotto, in the dirt room, we would encounter familiar faces of the people from Holy Trinity. A short conversation of what they had seen and where they were going, and off the people went to enjoy the many things to see at Chimayo until it was time to go to lunch.

Having lunch at Ranchos de Chimayo was wonderful because the atmosphere, the efficiency of staff, and the delicious food can not be beat! Sopaipillas (fried, puffy dough) and Natillas (a pudding like custard ) were also a big hit! After eating we wandered the terraced area and saw old farm machinery, beautiful flowers, and an old wooden wagon. Two Italian ladies on the trip told me that "it is just like Italy!"

We boarded the bus and arrived in Santa Fe to see the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. A volunteer docent gave us a tour and explained the when, who and how of the large Cathedral. She was an excellent speaker keeping us entertained with her sense of humor and knowledge. There had been a conflict and we were not able to see the Conquistadora's outfits but the Madrina (takes care of dressing the statue) came by to greet us.

Everyone went their different ways to enjoy the sights of Santa Fe, to shop or to eat. Some returned to the hotel and ordered a pizza and sat around and talked about the travels. Some, after eating in Santa Fe, played dominoes while others went to their rooms to rest.

"Making memories with friends

is not a waste of time.

It's a lifetime moment

that we will surely

treasure when we are older."

Author unknown