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Published: July 28th 2015
Fu King Smoke Shop
Gallup, NM. I could never make this up...Fu King Smoke Shop. I can't make this stuff up - that was the name of the smoke/hookah shop on Route 66 next to the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, NM. Probably not as vintage route 66 as other establishments, but still - great photo op and jokes a plenty! (For my brother, Jef and my son, Will - in the same vein as the Damn Dam)
First, our start of the day selfie. We want it with one of the many elk heads posted around the lobby of the El Rancho Hotel, but they all were too high and Kathi and I are notoriously horrible selfie takers. We tried the stairs but still couldn't fit in the elk. Kathi kept telling me to jump on 3 and we'll take the picture then. Or, I have the better idea and ask the front desk clerk. Technically not a selfie, but it gets us on our way. Gas is now under $3 and that makes me pretty happy since gas in CA is inching toward $5. Santa Fe is our destination for the night and although it's not too far, we want to spend a little extra time to soak in
the cool vibe and do something "authentic Santa Fe".
Ever distracted, the sign for the Continental Divide caught our attention and after a brief geography lesson for Kathi (repeated later for daughter Brooke), we stopped at the Continental Divide Post Office. We actually had something to mail! The ancient post office behind the newer (25 years old) one also caught our eye and we picked through knee high weeds and a few broken beer bottles to get a closer look. Not much to see except broken glass, old office furniture, and what appeared to be an ancient record player that was stamped with "property of Monte Vista" - Alyssa's school. Back to the car and a few hours later, we logged our 1000th mile! A little while later, Santa Fe, NM. We head for the gallery district on Canyon Street and were pleasantly surprised by what we find. Close to 100 art galleries and not all Southwestern, either. We stumbled into the Cruz Gallery and chatted with Daniel Palmer, a local artist and film maker. He was very interested in the World Peace Games and we loved the art in his studio. Lots of almost childish drawings but with
With the Elk heads at El Rancho Hotel
Lucille Ball, Ronald Reagan, Kelli, Kathi, and assorted elk heads. clever and fairly inappropriate comments scribbled in. If I could afford it, I would have taken one (or 2) home. We also thought it would be oh so funny every darn time to "pick" the noses of every head we could find, hence the 1/2 dozen or so pictured below. The gardens outside of the galleries were beautiful and the weather was very pleasant - no sweater necessary. We spent an hour drinking cappuccinos and finding a hotel for the night and finally settled on the St Francis right on the main plaza. The St. Francis is Santa Fe's oldest hotel but it's newly renovated, quite charming, and I couldn't wait to have a glass of wine on the front veranda and watch Santa Fe go by. Earlier, Kathi and I had a conversation about finding a sweat lodge for our NM experience, but found that they are only available during solstice and equinox. My good friend, Laura, had recommended the Bishops Lodge for such an experience, but the spa was closed for renovation and not an option any more. On the way back to the hotel from dinner, we stumbled upon the Santa Fe Oxygen and Healing Bar and
Gallup NM gas
nearly $2 cheaper than CA! decided to give it a try in the morning. Why not?
After a very French breakfast at the La Fonda Creperie (highly recommend!!!) we headed to the oxygen bar not really knowing what to expect. Truth be told, we were pretty skeptical, but we kept an open mind and headed up the stairs. Wow! We were immediately welcomed by the owner, Kadimah, and instantly struck by how warm and authentic she was, especially in the presence of 2 very giggly sisters. She showed us the menu and we decided on the 60 minute total package. This is not a foot massage/juice bar kind of place - it is beautiful, thoughtful, and very calming. Kathi and I were afraid we would not be able to NOT laugh at each other, but from our first sip of our pre- treatment energy flower non alcoholic cocktail - we were hooked. I settled on the combination of "New Pathways" and "Honored Warrior" healing package. It promised to help me let go of old traumas and help acknowledge loss AND connect to my purpose so I can be of service to the earth, relieve heavy burdens, and quiet my mind so I can listen
Continental Divide outside Gallup, NM
Had to explain to Kathi. Later, had to explain to her kids... to what my heart is saying, open myself up to possibilities, and unleash blocked energies. Exactly what I need. We were led past the sukkah/yurt oxygen area to the darkened back treatment room where we each lay down, fully clothed, on massage type tables. We were given oxygen with aromatherapy and closed our eyes for the experience to take over. My healer, Eli, placed crystals and flower petals all over me, anointed my temples with fragrant essential oil, and proceeded to, I think, hypnotize my cares away. I don't remember much, except 40 minutes later - I was so relaxed and rejuvenated, I never wanted to get up. Better than a massage! Maybe it was the pure oxygen speaking to my brain (at over 7000 ft altitude) and I know it sounds crazy, but I felt open to possibilities and connected somehow to a purpose. Kathi had an equally unexpected and similar experience. So much for skepticism. We would do it all over again, and if we could - we'd find Kadimah's twin in both Dallas and San Francisco.
Auras revealed, chakras sealed, oxygen healed and now, sadly, time to leave Santa Fe and head to Texas. We gas
up (still cheaper than CA!), forage for gas station snacks, and head for...Vegas? Did I miss a turn? The sign said Las Vegas 40 miles and a small moment of panic sneaks in until I remember what Healer Kadimah said " Breathe in purple, breathe out yellow". Yep, Vegas, baby! Consider yourself enlightened, remember your geography from 5th grade and head to Las Vegas, NM. Next stop, Amarillo!
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Lee
non-member comment
Fun!
It looks like you've had a fabulous road trip! I am jealous. :)