Santa Fe Cultural Treasures

About the Proprietor, Your Guide
The following is an excerpt from an interview with me by Devon Jackson.  Devon is the former editor of the Santa Fean magazine and free lance writer extraordinaire.  I am indebted to him for his insightfulness and for capturing what I do feel is my true essence.  I value him as a friend and am touched by his words.  I hope you will be as well.  

Robbie O’Neill is the kind of person with whom you want to hang out. She’s good company. Actually, she’s better than just good company: she’s fun company. Which is great because, as owner and founder and lead tour guide for Cultural Treasures, she delights in spending half a day, a full day, a weekend with new people. And she loves to share—knowledge, stories, jokes.

That’s because mostly, she loves to laugh. In fact, she often cracks herself up. Not because she’s nervous and trying to fill up those awkward silences (she’s as far from neurotic as you could ask for) but because she has such great, funny stories. Which doesn’t mean she’s one of those fakey good-time Charlies either (or in her case, a good-time Charlene). No, Robbie’s the kind of woman who likes a good time, a good laugh. Even if it’s at her expense—and even then, you’re laughing with her, not at her. She’s also a bit of a throwback—a broad, a dame. Sometimes Carol Burnett, sometimes Celeste Holm. Bawdy now and then, but classy. Sophisticated but down to earth. Who better, then, to lead you on an adventure through the high-desert homes and studios of some of Northern New Mexico’s warmest, friendliest, most talented Native artists?

Commonalities

I thought if you were reading my web site you may want to know more about who I am and perhaps things we may have in common. I hope that some of them will resonate with you, bring back memories of a favorite concert, a fabulous musical, or an amazing gut-wrenching football game.  

Do you have a pet: Yes, Zulu.  A Shih Tzu mix whom I adore.  

Where was I born and raised:  BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA ... GEAUX TIGERS

What are my passions:  READING, TRAVELING & ART

Who is my favorite musician:  RAY CHARLES

What is my favorite entertainment genre:  BROADWAY MUSICALS

Where was my last holiday:  CENTRAL NEW YORK, NIAGARA FALLS & TORONTO, CANADA

Who are my favorite authors:  ISABELLE ALLENDE,  LEE CHILD, GREG ILES, BARBARA KINGSOLVER, PRESTON & CHILDS, ABRAHAM VERGHESE

Who are my favorite professional football teams:  NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, GREEN BAY PACKERS (I own a share of stock in the Packers)

What instrument do I play:  PIANO

What is my favorite food:  CAJUN

What is my favorite aroma:  COFFEE

What is my most recent challenge:  LEARNING MAH JONGG

What is my favorite museum:  THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ART

What do I love about being a tour guide for you in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico: EVERYTHING!!!!