Today the weather is expected to turn snowy and cold (maximum of about 4 degrees) so we head south on the train, known as the New Mexico RailRunner Express for a day trip to Albuquerque. Total cost $9 each that covers the return journey - very cheap for a total of 3 hour scenic train journey.
The train is not due until 10.45am and as usual we are early - so we have a few hours to explore the local flea, artisan and farmer markets. Lots of fun.
We started with "the Flea", I.e. the Santa Fe flea market.
You enter via one of two tiny doors like the one below.
We saw and liked this dog focused stall as soon as we entered and were tempted to buy a lot for friends back home - but we've still got another 11 months on the road... Sorry.
And this metal sign reminded us of Bill (Di's brother). It is a plaque for the "Busted Knuckle Garage" - Bill runs a mechanic business of course. Sorry, no purchase.
Santa Feans have a relaxed life and a very good sense of humour. We've chatted with lots of charming and funny people. The Flea was full of examples - some photos below:
Below is an ordinary, but now decorated doorway between two parts of the old railway shed where the flea markets are held.
One lady was selling specality soap - one which was called "Billy the Kid". Hans thought that there was some humour behind that as "The Kid" of course was an outlaw and keeping himself well bathed was likely to be of lesser priority.
We also picked up a "trader's memo" explaining the rules of having a table at the markets. We loved the informality - especially this line "this is a flea market, not a show - we do NOT provide porters so plan to schlep it yourself and if you can't, don't bring it!"
Schlep...?
The farmers market, Santa Fe Artisan Market, had some beautiful produce, bread (sourdough - Yippee), pastries, cheese, relishes and some green chilli for Hans.
Guess what's for dinner? Sandwiches on sourdough and some nibbling on green chilli with corn chips.
The temperature has not yet reached 1 degree Celsius so we find a warm place inside a shopping mall and then the station building to wait for the train.
Di can't help herself and goes back to chat and joke with Joe Guthrie, the visitor info guide, while we wait. What a hoot he is.
As soon as the train arrives we jump on.
We had more fellow passengers than this ... But not many. Maybe a dozen in total in our carriage.
The RailRunner is a new service, only running since 2006 between Santa Fe and Belen, passing through Downtown Albuquerque and some Indian reservations with casinos. The trains are 2 stories and very comfortable and quiet.
The trip was interesting and scenic. More than we would see blasting down the interstate.
On the way south the wind picked up and started some dust storms. It happened fast and sometimes we could barely see any features outside.
The train platforms are very basic and between Santa Fe and ABQ are often shorter than the train itself. They are still working on this.
The RailRunner logo seems very appropriate.
As usual we were disappointed with lunch. We went to a Brazilian grill (to escape the cold) and had all you can eat but these things are always quantity over quality and we will avoid them in future.
We realise again that we are blessed with great food in Sydney and we've had better food in most Sydney food courts than we've had for lunch while travelling. Mexican food is the exception but you can't eat rice, chilli and pinto beans for every meal. Or can you...?
We always intended only to spend about 90 minutes in ABQ before heading back again. We are in ABQ tomorrow night with time to explore on Monday.
As predicted the weather changed on our way home - snow! We arrived in Santa Fe to minus 1 degree Celsius and it was still snowing. The houses below are in Santa Fe.
Hans has not so fond memories of Swedish winters... they suck...
Di as an Aussie initially appreciated the novelty, until she was given the job of clearing snow from all the windows. Frozen fingers!
When we got home we had a very nice hot jacuzzi all to ourselves combined with a swim in the motel's lovely pool heated to about 26 degrees - all indoors - was a very nice way to warm up.
Now a quiet night with wine and good bread - tres French! Who goes out willingly in this cold? Minus 6 degrees is forecast overnight and into tomorrow morning. One more glass of red, please...
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