the 50 states » Santa Fe, New Mexico

So although we've visited a few states together already, we are hoping to visit each one with fresh eyes & a sense of adventure!  And what better way to start than with an impromptu vacation to visit family… Santa Fe, you say?  The halfway point between 2 houses… sounds perfect!  Plans were made, we arrived, and a few pictures were taken.

There was a wonderful farmer's market to visit… so many yummie aromas to fill the air, including fresh roasted green chiles!  Sadly, we wandered the market prior to purchasing anything, and by the time we made it back to the entrance, the green chiles were sold out.  The hubby was really disappointed to say the least…  So buy them first thing, folks!  In addition to the local flavor, there is also an artist market at the Santa Fe Railyard.  A few other shopping highlights included the Traditional Spanish Market and the Contemporary Hispanic Market, both of which were also happening during our stay there.  Sadly, not pictured are some of the jewelry & textiles I found… but I mean, really good.

While the majority of our snacking was done from our vacation rental… we were able to rest our weary legs during a few of our shopping extravaganzas.  The Coyote Cafe was perfection.  We were able to get out of the heat by visiting their rooftop cafe, where we promptly ordered a few cocktails.  We chatted about the sights as we awaited lunch, and oh boy… we were not disappointed.  The veggie tacos were my choice, and they were mouthwatering.  I may recommend sharing your plate if you still plan to wander the city, because I was really sad not to be able to finish my order (believe me, I tried!!).  Another yummie stop is The Pantry, where I ordered the huevos rancheros, Christmas style (that means covered in both red and green chile sauce) and yumtown.  Lastly, we ventured to Draft Station for a few local brews.  And although we didn't have any, the pizza there looked amazing!!!  The upstairs patio gave us a great view of the Santa Fe Plaza, which of course made for great people-watching.

Now if shopping and stuffing your face isn't your thing… the sights are breathtaking of course.  We did some running, biking, and even brought back the 90s with a little rollerblading on the nearby local trails.  PS, running in the desert is no joke.  Overall, we had a wonderful time in the little artsy town of Santa Fe.  We witnessed gorgeous sunsets and a storm that was something straight out of Oklahoma!!  Stop 1 of our 50 states = success!  And because I couldn't decide between filmstrip size (I'm a sucker for anything miniature, you see) or a little bit larger, here's a closer peek you won't need your glasses for… haha, enjoy!

I can't wait!!

okay, seriously… this seems to be my favorite phrase lately.

here's just a few reasons I CAN'T WAIT to move back stateside…

• internet speed that is lightning fast
• my friends & family & the wonderful support they provide
• stores that are open 24/7
• Ted's Cafe Escondido (my Oklahoma peeps will appreciate this one)
• endless food & restaurant variety
• a little thing called shopping heaven
• having storage in my house & let's not forget to mention closets!!
• the sound of rolling thunder (and maybe a little storm chasing…)
• being a homeowner again
• Target (isn't this everyone's?)
• I'll be able to remember phone numbers again!!
• cable television (seriously I may never leave my house again)
• there's a store for literally everything
• having a dog door
• crushed ice
• tinted car windows 
• a REAL furniture store with items made of wood - not plastic or laminate
• pay at the pump (this one may come close to the top of the list)
• air conditioning
• money bills that are all the same size (I mean really…)
• mail & packages coming to my front door (super exciting stuff!!!)
• a venti skinny cinnamon dolce latte with lite whip, mmmm… 
• lean cuisine's sante fe rice & beans (I hope they never discontinue it!)
• those pretty twinkling Christmas lights decorating trees & houses
• good old Hobby Lobby

now that being said, I know I'll miss SO many things about Germany…

• the autobahn & the fact that the left lane is used only for passing
• Paris being two hours away
• beer being cheaper on the menu than water 
• my favorite flea market (a few tears are being shed over this one)
• the gorgeous green, & forests that reach up to the heavens
• the prettiest, most colorful window boxes I've ever seen!
• festivals & Christmas markets (ooh & yummie glühwein!)
• traveling Europe on a whim
• minivans flying past me when I'm doing 100mph (it's pretty funny)
• being able to take Grace with me pretty much everywhere
• seeing those sweet older couples stroll hand in hand
• fresh food markets & being able to walk to them
• public transportation (haha, never thought this would be one)
• seriously the best strawberries I've ever tasted from my corner vendor
• how crazy they are about their soccer here
• environmental respect & awareness
• did I mention the autobahn?
• sidewalk cafés
• floor heating & the fact that heating can be controlled room by room
• the wonderful fresh bread & bakeries located on every corner
• my kickass basement
• the way the doors & windows vent & open, not to mention rolladens
• seeing cars pull boats & horse trailers… it's crazy!
• German mustard, it's yummie delicious!!
• roundabouts

oh & seeing things like this…  Garmisch, I love you.

So what did I miss?  What would you add to these lists?

Oh & did I mention our stateside move will be taking place TOMORROW?? Where did the time go?  It has definitely snuck up on us… so goodbye Germany, for now.

Auf Wiedersehen!!