Having fallen for seven recommendations, all briefly presampled over the resident sound system, it was time to reconnoiter with Ivette at the register and find out what kind of damage we had inflicted on our weekly food budget this time.
			Karen Wright had checked with the other Karen on my behalf at the very beginning about whether I could take some photos to write this little feature. Prepared to feel my wallet crumble like dust in my pocket while staring at the mound of goodies piled up at the register, I was greeted by a smiling statement that since we were now officially in business together, with 6moons promoting the store on-line, we deserved a merchant's discount. Yousa. That left money for a modest lunch at the Banana Cafe next door. Gracias, Karen. Of course, once this report goes live, we'll have used up our welcome. Coyote trickster in my other pant pocket will just have to hatch another wily plan...
Properly thai'd to terra firma again, our next cultural stop apres-the-banana would be world-famous Canyon Street with a high percentage of the city's 200+ art galleries all lined up one after the next in a rather posh quarter. A cuppa hot Chai and a snoop through the current audio magazines at the hip joint on neighboring Garcia Street would conclude this week's visit to The City Different.
To become a bona fide Santa Fean requires a good tan and, preferably though not mandatory, a pony tail. Boots are de rigeur as is some form of bracelet, bolo tie or Indian jewelry. Of course, Canyon Street is not where you shop on a budget for this stuff. For that, the Tesuque Flea Market is one possible stop. Going directly to the Native American artisans in the pueblos is best, naturally. The arches of the Governor's Palace during Indian market are another alternative which, no surprise, is influenced by the merchants' direct access to loaded tourists who gladly pay far more than they have to.
It only took me five years to figure out why people kept insisting I wasn't from the area despite my hard-won excuse of a tan and well-worn boots: I wasn't properly accessorized. That is about to change. I'm letting my hair grow out again and now wear the proper bracelet on my right wrist, with the ubiquitous turquoise ring on the left pinkie and a unique bolo around the neck. Made by Stephen Goss from elk antler, Eucalyptus seed, crushed turquoise and coral, the latter set me back all of $40. As I said, a little Canyon-pretend kewlness can go a long way. Of course, unless I drop that Germanic accent, none of this will really do me any good to finally be considered a real native.