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While having breakfast outside – again of course – the weather is great! We watch Martin and Remedio do garden work, The place we are at is gorgeous. We decide to take a “little walk.” Note the last photo of the GPS – over 5 miles this day. Most days 5 to 7 miles. Carol even had one day when I left to try and get internet connection – added a few more. That day total for her – 11 miles.
First level up, “only” 75 very steep steps. We are at the Cultural Institute school and Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) church. The church rings bells most of the day – with a pause from 11 pm to 6 am, unless special need, about 3 night a week. Bells every 15 minutes with special rings to indicate the hour. Since we are only 500 feet away get to enjoy this treat!
As we get to the next level, find a few people “running” both up and down steps. Great cardio workout – or close nearby to celebrate your premature death due to exhaustion. Did I mention we are above 6400 feet?
Finally at the top, a spectacular view of the town below. WOW! The circus is in town so hear the truck with blaring message – I don’t understand – but know for 20 pesos, about 2 bucks, we can look at animals and many special things.
Another fine day comes to an end as we catch the full moon rising above some trees.
View all photos:
Today's photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day7Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
The next significant day for my Semana Santa events – Our Lady of Sorrows. Many families and business places erect altars for this one night – starting around 7 pm, you make the rounds to view the altars that show the grieving mother of Jesus. Most altars use the colors purple, white and green, plus various fragrant herbs and flowers.
To show thanks for their good fortune and your visit, they will offer you a special fruit drink and maybe some ice cream. Although many have little as compared to us, they are thankful for what God has shared with them. They in turn share with us.
The next Semana Santa event is Sunday, March 28, Palm Sunday.
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Today's photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day8Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
We are up early – yes 7:30 am is early for us :-)
After breakfast, off to meet with Cesar, who was our guide during visit in 2008. Much history, art and food and fun. Added many new friends. Finished the day with a stop along the road for tequila to ease our sore legs.
Check out the website for more info on the area. Make note of the aqueducts covering a span of just under a 1,000 feet. Maybe you might even finds the story of how the engineer fell in love with the beautiful nun in the cloister convent – very interesting.
http://www.visitmexico.com/wb/Visitmexico/Visi_Queretaro_est
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Today's photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day9Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
For many Christians, this is the start of Holy Week. In SMA, there are 2 processions about an hour apart. Both represent Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem atop a donkey. First from the chapel of El Calvario down to Templo San Francisco. People are dressed as apostles and others representing what may have happened, 2,000 years ago.
The second procession leaves Parque Jaurez And is much larger because of more groups being involved other than what might be thought of during the era it originally happened. This time there are indigenous groups involved with their music, dress and other cultural items. Both were impressive.
Many of the special weave palm items are made by the indigenous people of the Michoacan area. We saw some similar items during visit to Queretaro the day before.
Since both churches had overflow crowds to gain entry, Carol & I decided to go to later mass. Since we were near the Biblioteca, went there to partake in the weekly fundraiser – visit local artists homes. We were allowed to tour 3 homes that were absolutely fabulous in art and architecture.
Again, met with old friends, Marty who we met during visit in 2008. Then added many more during home tour, to include a 3 generation group of ladies from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. We go 1,800 miles to meet our neighbors – how convenient.
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Today's photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day10Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
Today was a chance to visit out side our normal walk pattern. Go to visit the Mega store, just outside the colonial area. On the way there, spotted about a dozen trucks with signs indicating they were from Mexico TV Azteca. From what I could make of it, they were doing a shoot for soap opera episode.
We left the stars behind and walked to the Mega. Yes it was big and great variety of things. Very similar to our local Meijers market – maybe smaller than a Wal-Mart. Goodies everywhere. As always, decided to look for pan dulce – sweet bread. We both got what we wanted and munched and people watched for awhile.
On the way back, stopped to look at the outside of the local Ford Motor dealer. Saw several vehicles I know are not available in the US and maybe Canada. My boys remind me at times during our 28 days; 11,000 mile drive between Michigan and Alaska, that I seemed to want to visit too many Ford dealers. Also, that old habit disappeared after my transition to formerly employed :-)
Back in town, taping for the soap opera still going on but a different location. Was nice to see the interest in SMA for a shoot.
Back in our room paused to view photos of two other stars; Lauren Bacall, who probably did not stay at CasaLiza; and, Antonio Banderas, who did during a movie a few years back.
I opened a drawer to find a scorpion – decide I didn’t need to put anything there...
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Today's photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day11Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
Today, a 2 1/2 hour, outdoor tour of the botanical garden just north of town. El Charco del Ingenio.
Our tour group started small; Carol & I and 2 young ladies; one from Italy, the other from France. We were joined about 15 minutes into the tour by a family group of 6. They stayed for part of the tour and left for cooler endeavors.
http://www.elcharco.org.mx/
My photos don’t do justice for the rocky canyon below the dam. Previously used to power the Fabrica Aurora cloth mill further downstream. We could see the high water marks from recent unexpected heavy rains. The water peaked about 15 feet above the top of the dam. Below the canyon, it quickly enlarges to more than 500 feet deep.
At one point, we get to see the special spring-fed pool revered by the indigenous people. The depth is still to be determined. At some point a weight with 3,000 feet of cable was used to see just how deep? More than 3,000 feet I guess.
The trip back included a stop at Café Santa Ana in the library. As always, met many friends. Enjoy the variety of special menu items. This day it was carrot soup and stir fry for me. Carol had a club sandwich. Included dessert was cream covered hot brownie. Now you know why we walk so much to use up the extra calories :-)
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Today's photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day12Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
Started the day with a church visit up the hill to Templo Santa Cruz. Was good to see the inside. Took me awhile to determine what the schedule was. After checking on the variety of bell ringing, determined it was at 9 am most days.
Took some photos from there of the bell tower we hear through the day. Then went next door to the Cultural Center. Since it is Holy Week, no school in session. Although there is a separation of church and state, it is hard to tell just where the separation starts or ends. As recent as the late 1920’s, church attendance was forbidden. Services were held in secret at homes or small hotels. How things have changed.
Again, I will say how impressed I am by the reverence to the faith the people have.
Later in the day, was “downtown” to see the stations of the cross. Fifteen stops along the way of Jesus’ passion walk of the crucifixion. Seeing so many children taking active parts was nice that the traditions will carry on.
After the procession passed, the sweepers and cleaners were there to pick up what had fallen; flowers, chamomile and other items used.
A long walk today – over 11 miles. Well worth the effort thinking back a week ago to the pilgrims walking from the remote church through the night.
View all photos:
Today's photos @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day13Of32SMA#
Days 1 to 22 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta2010#
Days 23 to 33 @ http://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/SMASemanaSanta20102#
Adios – don Mariano
