The Templo de la Immaculada Concepcion in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. One of the many temples, or churches, that grace that incredible town. This is the first church the Sunday Traveler stumbled upon on a first walking trip in to town from my residence in one of the many colonias a little outside of the main downtown area. I was stunned at the colonial beauty and colors, and walked past it multiple times before actually going in to the courtyard behind these ochre walls.
I ended up spending the better part of one afternoon just walking around in the small courtyard, or sitting on a bench taking in the feel of the history here, and watching the few people who were about that day just prior to Easter. The church was closed until later that evening. I knew I would probably not return again so just spent time there taking it all in; not a lot, but what drew me in and kept me there so long was the stone work, the textures, the colors. And I’ve heard often that a photographer needs to be patient. I found out why.
I called out to the nuns to ask if they would let me in to the church, and I was told it was closed until evening. I was already having this wonderful fantasy of being let in, just me, to see the church. Never hurts to ask. And I sat on the bench some more.
The padre couldn’t believe I had dared ask. Or that I was taking his photo. Mea culpa.
This was one of those rare afternoons, though in retrospect they were all rare, that I felt that I so belonged there, or maybe had been there before in another lifetime. It was hard walking out of that courtyard.
The Sunday Traveler has so many photos after spending one month in San Miguel. I plan to present them in future, with a break coming up for Sundays now until mid-July while I head out on another adventure, this time stateside. A jaunt from the San Francisco Bay Area to Denver via the Amtrak California Zephyr is about to happen. Stay tuned.
Hasta entonces.
As always, you can catch ongoing photos on my Instagram page at instragam.com/angeline.am
Wow! How inspiring to see your images! I so can’t wait to visit this place!!
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Thanks, Laz. I’m sure SMA is your kind of place. You’ll love all the art there.
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Wonderful images .. and those doors are something else. Shame you weren’t allowed in, but no harm asking! 🙂
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Thanks, Julie. Maybe my imaginary visuals of the interior of the nun’s quarters is better than the real.
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These are my favs of all your photos there – just inspired – just my cup of tea with texture and the warm colors of Mexico. I love them! Love those nuns! I cant get over how beautiful they are!
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Thanks, Jo. That place really grabbed me. And the nuns seem out of a storybook.
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Beautiful photos this week, Angeline. I look forward to seeing your photos from the ride on the Zephyr. We’ve talked about taking that ride someday in the Fall.
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Thanks, Allan. That little courtyard was filled with beauty. I am really looking forward to that train trip, and will be happy to tell you all about it when I get back. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of photos I’ll put on Instagram as I go along if you want to take a peek. I leave this coming Saturday morning.
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We used to live on the Western Slope of Colorado. Enjoy the ride through Debeque Canyon and Glenwood Springs—this is a great time of year to see the sights.
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Those doors! Magnificent! And I love your bravery in asking to go inside. 🙂
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Incredible doors for sure! And I grew up in catholic school with nuns. Ha! No fear!! That priest had me going for a minute:)
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Padre looks a tad too stern. 🙂 And the Zephyr… I love Amtrak experiences. Enjoy being aboard with all of its wondrous sights.
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I took that photo of the padre and made ready to run 🙂
I will truly enjoy the train trip! Many memories of fun trips like that with my family when a was little.
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You captured beautifully that wonderful old church. I remember it well. Such a gorgeous rich colour. I have many shots of it in the changing light. Love the pictures of the nuns!
Have a great time on your trip. You off to visit Jo Ann? Say Hi for me.
Alison
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Thanks, Alison. Yes, will be with Jo a few days then one other friend for another few. I’ll tell her you send greetings.
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Strange. My wife and I have been inside that church, and we just walked right in.
Great shots, especially the nuns.
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Thanks, Felipe. It’s possible they were preparing things for the services that night; I can’t remember for sure, but it may have been Holy Thursday.
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