It
happens all the time. The unenlightened think New Mexico
is not in the United States. Out-of-state clerks try to
charge for international shipping. Checks are returned because
a company does not accept "foreign" funds. People
in other states comment on how well you speak English...
Perhaps
part of the confusion is caused because people secretly
want to hold on to the romantic visions Old West - the new
territory populated by the Native people, the Spanish explorers,
the Mexican settlers and rough-and-tumble cowboys. New Mexico,
with it's rugged landscape and colorful mix of inhabitants,
makes it easy for people to see those visions. And where
in New Mexico is it easier to slip into the past than in
Santa Fe?
The
Mexicans and Spanish entered Santa Fe from the South on
El Camino Real, or the Royal Road. Anglo-Saxon miners and
trappers trekked to Santa Fe from the North via the Santa
Fe Trail. The Native American were already here.
Elements from each of the cultures influence everyday life
in Santa Fe, from the obvious such as food, celebrations
and traditions to the more subtle such as the overall feel
of the city. 
For those who wish to take a closer look at the Native American
culture, there are several Native American Pueblos scattered
around the Santa Fe area, all of which make for a beautiful
and educational day trip
Native
Americans sell their wares
on the Santa Fe Plaza.
.
The pueblos include Santa Clara Pueblo, which is the site
of the ancient Puye Cliff Dwellings, and 1,000-year-old
Taos Pueblo. About 45 miles west of Santa Fe, at Bandelier
National Monument, you can tour ancient Anasazi Cliff Dwellings.
Two of the most popular events during the summer in Santa
Fe are Indian
Market and Spanish
Market.
Indian
Market is the world's largest show of Native American art.
More than one thousand artists exhibit all aspects of Native
American art, including paintings, pottery, jewelry and
more.
Spanish
Market features some of the area's finest craftspeople exhibiting
and selling traditional Spanish Colonial arts and modern
Spanish-influenced art.
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Up Close: Spanish Colonial Art
For
a taste of traditional Spanish Colonial art, visit
Tim Valdez on the web.
Tim
is an award-winning straw applique artist. Straw applique,
a traditional Spanish Colonial art, began in New Mexico
in the 1700s when the territory was settled by Spanish
colonists.
Traditional
Spanish straw art
by Timothy Valdez
Tim's
site features the history and significance of
this art form.
For
more on Spanish Colonial Art, also visit the Spanish
Colonial Art Society at http://www.spanishcolonial.org.
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