Santa Fe - 9th and 10th of March

After a stop-over in Albuquerque we jumped on the 'Rail Runner' train (complete with Roadrunner 'meep meep' doors) and headed into Santa Fe. Great, comfortable, on time transport for a change, who'd have thought it...

Weather in Santa Fe was great and we found that the whole town had been planned in the 'Adobe' style. Basically all very low and a bit 'Star Wars' - a very, very cool place.

Stayed at the Silver Saddle Motel about 10 minutes on the bus from downtown and the place was wicked. Had themed Wild West rooms and we stayed in the Wyatt Earp room complete with framed picture, cowboy boots and history. Loads of other nice touches in and around the motel site as well giving it some real character. The staff were amazing friendly as well - even forcing breakfast on us for our early start when we left.

Wandered round town the first day and checked out some cowboy boot shops for Sarah. The highlight I think was 'Kowboyz' which had what looked like a few hundred pairs. Dawning realisation that couldn't fit any in Sarah's rucksack meant none were purchased, though did get myself a decent belt finally.

Enrolled for the Santa Fe Cooking School 'Rellenos' (stuffed) course the next morning and had a great time. Class was of about 14 people and the really knowledgeable head chef told us all about the loads of different kinds of chilli, before splitting us into groups and helping us make lunch. Our group made stuffed chilli tempura which were surprisingly good and we also got stuck into 3 other dishes with one of them being absolutely outstanding. Stuffed big chillies with cooked mince mix and cheese - incredible.

Went to Canyon Road round the corner from the centre in the afternoon and checked out the famed art galleries. Some seriously good stuff and very friendly curators even though we clearly weren't going to buy anything.

Would definitely recommend Santa Fe to anyone - though do watch out on the public buses as once again they're full of drunks, mentalists and deadlegs.