New Mexico

September 11, 2008

Greetings from Santa Fe. It is almost 1 year since I moved from New York City, my home of 27 years. It has been an incredible journey and learning experience. It is a very different climate here. While we enjoy 4 seasons, the warmer months last longer. We are at 7,000 feet so it means drinking lots of water and cooking a bit differently. I was shocked that the first time I cooked beans it took 2-3 times longer. I am grateful that I had a chance to cook for myself before embarking on cooking for others. Unless one is limited as to use of spices, you do feel the need to add more spice to your food here. This time of year is chile roasting season. The fresh green chilies come up from a town called Hatch and are roasted in big drums on almost every corner of Santa Fe.

I have met many new friends and find people open and friendly, eager to make new acquaintances. This has helped my transition greatly. What has been a huge disappoint is the real lack of quality vegan restaurants. I had become so used to dropping in to Souen and Mana and Ozu when I didn't feel like cooking. I really empathize now will all my classmates from outside the New York City area that complained about all the cooking! Honestly, the couple of vegan restaurants are really not good. I wish you could experience what they call miso soup (or maybe you shouldn't). I had to ask one if they knew about any greens besides chard!

I do love being back out West. There is nothing like the western skies and the open feeling.

I wish you all well.