Santa Fe is the country’s oldest capital city (founded in 1610 by Spanish colonists), yet its verve and vigor belie its age. The city’s architectural marvels – many of which are hundreds of years old, like St. Francis Cathedral, Palace of the Governors, and the San Miguel Mission – house modern restaurants, galleries, shops and breweries (and what seems like an almost endless supply of turquoise jewelry repositories). This city is truly an artist’s paradise, and a photographer’s wonderland – when the New Mexico sun sits low on the horizon, the landscape comes to life, and shadows become a medium all their own. Go Ahead arranged for an exciting and informative tour of the city and the surrounding countryside, led by a local historian named Whitney. The tour delved into ancient pueblo history, tales of conquistadors and conquerors, modern New Mexican art and culture, and more. Whitney even found time to crack a few antiquated jokes. “What do you get when you have six pinion on one hand, and five pinion on the other? A difference of a pinion.” Glorious stuff.
Flash Parker traveled on Go Ahead’s U.S. National Parks tour as part of AFAR’s partnership with the United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA), whose members provide travelers with unparalleled access, insider knowledge, and peace-of-mind to destinations across the globe. For more on Flash’s journey, visit the USTOA Blog.
