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Seein' Santa Fe - May 21, 2010
After a pleasant lunch at the Blue Corn Cafe we were rejuvenated and ready to stroll about the Plaza. We passed many cute shops, exquisite galleries, and dreamy jewelry stores on the way to see the St. Francis Cathedral on the east end of the Plaza.
It was an absolutely beautiful day to be walking around outside. It wasn't too hot and the deep blue New Mexico sky didn't disappoint in providing stunning pictures!
After taking copious pictures of the St. Francis Cathedral, we decided to go to the Loretto Chapel to see the physics-defying spiral staircase. The story behind the staircase is as follows (taken from this website):
A design flaw existed in the chapel, as there was no way to get to the choir loft from the main floor. Many carpenters were consulted for a solution, but all of them felt that a traditional stairway would take up too much room. Most suggested that a ladder be used or the balcony be reconstructed.
The Sisters sought divine guidance, and on the ninth and final day of their Novena, a mysterious carpenter appeared who designed and constructed a circular stairway to the loft. His “miraculous stairway” contains 33 steps in two full 360-degree turns, with no center support, nor is it held from the sides. Upon completing the stairway, the carpenter disappeared without receiving payment for his work.
Well, after all the shops and churches, the boys were getting a little weary of walking about. So we found a nice bench in the Plaza Square and let them play for awhile. As fortune would have it, a young man was making balloon swords, hats, etc. and giving them to the children in the park in hopes of a tip from the parents.
I think I ended up giving him two bucks. It was well worth it as it helped pass the time while we waited to return to the train station. Dex had to take a break for a minute and rest with Grandma Carolyn before returning to the fight!
After our rest in the park, we headed back to the train station and home to Albuquerque. Tomorrow will be another first for the boys!