View allAll Photos Tagged ImmersionProgram
"Welcome!" "Fair of the Pear - Ucareo, Michoacan. Ranch of the Palm [trees]."
Here (and all throughout the fair) are sold canned fruits of many types, rompope (eggnog with a bit of alcohol) and various candies that Michoacan is well-known for.
El Nomad offers you a way to experience the enchantments of Ecuador through fully personalized cultural immersion programs, ensuring your experience will satisfy your motivation for journeying abroad. Our accommodation options consist of home stays, for those who desire to experience family life abroad, or independent, fully furnished apartments for those seeking a bit more privacy. Through our work with local businesses and organizations, El Nomad offers internships and volunteer positions to aid in your workplace specific Spanish vocabulary, as well as developing professional skills in your area of specialization. Private and group Spanish classes are available and are customized to your distinct learning needs and schedule. We also offer tailor-made travel packages including group tours and individualized cultural immersion travel programs. All of our packages also include local cultural activities including cooking classes, market shopping trips, soccer (football) games with locals, trips to museums, and much more.
At El Nomad we are here to help you make that leap and become a citizen of the world. Bring yourself to latitude 0°0’0”, experience Ecuadorian life.
This tree is in the outer courtyard of the Carmelite temple & cloister. Its an ash tree, whose breed is enormously common around the area and wonderful to look at.
When I first saw the tree, I have to confess that my instinct was to grab some lumber and build some sort of fort up there. I mean really, its just perfect for climbing! And can you imagine some decalced nun (barefoot, that is), in full habit, climbing up there and then doing some contemplative reading?
Sigh.....
Maybe not quite as exciting as you think, but I was pretty excited to visit this cavern. Behind me (so, facing the other direction) is the cavern. Unfortunately, it is not lit at all AND is filled with water (well, two feet of water) - effectively killing any chance for a meaningful picture.
However, the history is really quite awesome. During the revolution here in Mexico - and later, when the Church underwent a fierce perscution by the government - this cavern was a place to hide. Revolutionaries, priests, monks and nuns no doubt occupied this cavern.
Although nowadays, you'd want a wetsuit and steady supply of food (and clean water!) before setting foot into this cavern hideaway!
The altar (and the wall behind it!) of this temple is simply amazing. Like that of the Temple of San Diego (which has its own photo set), this is wonderfully grandiose. The pictures are painted and the carvings in the wood (painted gold) are quite intricate.
Above, on the ceiling, are paintings - covering the entire ceiling. Unfortunately, I didn't get a clear picture of the ceiling. Yet another reason to visit Mexico. Mark out 'Tupataro' in your datebook (and July 25th, for the feast of Saint James).
This Sunday we went out to Cuitzeo and visited the 'ex-convent' of the Augustinian friars (in Spanish, I suppose, convent refers to nuns & friars).
This is a chapel alongside the main chapel, attached to it. At the end you can Saint Anthony of Padua (my patron saint!). To the right there is a crucifix with a Franciscan friar on it, symbolizing the Franciscan desire to continue Christ's work and sacrifice in this world (though not a desire exclusive to the Franciscans)
This the chapel that is just outside of the Feria de la pera - the Fair of the Pear (no, I'm NOT making that up). Folks are having a good time outside, so as you can imagine, the chapel isn't filled to capacity...
This chapel of Saint Augustine, onetime home to (you guessed it!) Augustinian nuns. It is located in Ucareo and is most definitely worth the visit, even if you don't get to explore the convent (although this is open to the public!).
Something I really love is the display of older-styled confessionals here in Mexico. Although this is obviously new (or at least recently refurbished), this is one of those. The priest sits in the chair (note the padding!) and the confessee on the left.
The confessional, by the way, is not in the back of the church, but right near the front (left of the altar). A nice touch, I think - before and after confession confessees may find it easier to reflect and offer thankgiving to the Lord.
This is a shot of Morelia from a hill overlooking the city. The cathedral practically jumps out at you. Pictures can't convey just how prominent it is in the city.
A cool fact that I found out when I took this. All the churches of Morelia are at the end of some road. Think of the theology of this - that all roads lead to the Church, that the Church is the center of our lives, et cetera. Theology in both the architecture of a building as well as the very placement of it!
This is the chapel of the convent. The chapel is actually the chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene, whom you can see in the alcove above the tabernacle (the highest statue in the chapel)
This is the forest of Cuauhtémoc. A very beautiful place during the day, it is the favorite getaway of many couples (I chanced upon one here....). I pass by here each day on the way home from school; usually by kids playing futbol (soccer) and people just enjoying the shade.
Notice the shadows in the street - I took this picture from underneath the aquaduct.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus, across from the statue of Saint Joseph and Jesus. I wonder if perhaps they were meant to be related to eachother - to say that Jesus took all of humanity into His heart because of the way He was raised.....
If you look at the pictures of the left & right sides of the cathedral, you may notice that each is lined with these confessionals. I suspect that those who have been in the Church for several decades will recognize these more quickly than those of us who knew Pope John Paul II as our first pope.
These confessionals are most definitely used (I have gone to confession here, although in English, which was a relief to me!). Oftentimes confessiones go on throughout the day, especially during the weekend, while Masses are being celebrated. It is not uncommon to see multiple lines for confession, as well as multiple priests in these confessionals.
After spending an hour on the cathedral motion shot, I decided to mosey around town and see what other sights there were. Of course, having just visited the Carmelite temple and plaza during the day, I figured I would check it out at night.
However, when I tried to take a shot, there simply wasn't enough light. I ended up getting an obscure picture that was bright in the plaza (where there is plenty of light) and dark at the temple.
So, using my new-found knowledge of motion shots and light absorption, I decided to have the shutter stay open for a couple seconds.
It worked, but there was an unexpected (but beautiful) side-effect. I hadn't counted on the fountain catching so much light and the general 'cool' factor of the blurring together of the motion of the water.
Thus a generally neat shot became a really interesting one.
The same day that we visited Ucareo, we also went a little further and visited Jerahváro. A beautiful little town, but even more amazing was the chapel of Saint Joaquin and Saint Anna - the parents of the Virgin Mary.
Just a few days ago (July 26th) was their feast day, and so the chapel was filled with flowers (as you can see). Although the flowers were already four days old, the smell was wonderful and the sight was awesome to behold. As I've said about other places, this to is worthy of a visit. Mark Jerahváro in your (every growing!) datebook.
This is the courtyard just in front of the church of Saint Augustine in Ucareo. Really quite nice and as nice in person as it appears here.
This is the inside of the church of Guadalupe. Unfortunately, I managed to arrive just in time to see the beginning of a marriage or quinciñera (the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday). The inside of this church is worth revisiting; look for pictures to be added further on.
This is a chapel just in front of the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. There are pews facing the altar (there is a wall with an inset door of glass) where adorers may stay without taking up space during Mass or other celebrations.
This shot is actually taken from the belltower. The view is amazing, although I imagine that you - as someone who hasn't visited Ucareo - would be as interested in the whole panamora of shots that could be taken from the tower. Still, it is quite breathtaking.
Also below, behind those trees, is the Feria de la pera (yes, that really does mean 'Fair of the Pear'). Its quite lively down there!
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip
A perhaps more artistic shot of the interior of the Temple of San Diego. Every time I come to this chapel, I find that I like it that much more. Notice the inset sculptures above the arch surrounding the altar. I believe there are four of them, one for each of the Gospel authors.
This is the belltower of the temple of Saint Augustine. There is actually a honking GIANT bell just above us all, but I'm afraid it didn't make it into the picture. During the time that we were up there, it occurred to us that perhaps the ropes leading off the tower would be pulled by the fiesta-goers below.
Fortunately not the case!
The two beautiful gals to my left are Dora (in the black) and Adriana (in the blue). Alexandro is the guy who appears to consist of only a head and two arms covered in orange. (Rest assured that he in fact is a whole person and was not cut short by some cruel twist of nature)
Oh yeah; the guy in brown with the cool hat is me.
Up in the choir loft, there are choir stalls (ooh, profound!). Although called a choir, this is actually where the friars came every day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours together.
Interestingly enough, the friary was built to house about 36 friars. But as you may notice from the other pictures, this place is HUGE. It staggers the mind that such a large place was for such a small group.
On the opposite side and a ways down the street of Francisco I. Madero (the street in front of the Cathedral, leading to the fountain of Las Tarascas) is the Governor's palace. Initially it was a seminary. However, when it was found to house anti-Spanish sentiments (during the time of the revolution), it was shut down. It later re-opened and housed about 200 seminarians, teaching about 700! It was (again) closed down because it was too conservative for the government and siezed by the same.
All around the stairway are paintings of the revolution. There are probably six or seven stories on these four walls, but you'll have to come to Morelia yourself to see them all.....
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip
La Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel – a road that leads from La Fuente Las Tarascas (next picture) to the church of San Diego (to be pictured later).
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip
Here is the baptism of the indigenous peoples. The man being baptized first is the leader of the indigenous people, which can be told from the plumage that he has set aside.
I said in the first shot of this statue that this was Mary and Jesus.
Ooops.
In fact, this is St. Joseph and Jesus - a rarity in most churches & chapels, where St. Joseph gets the short straw. But he was indeed Jesus' earthly father, and although we don't talk about him much, that means a great deal.
The interior of the cathedral is huge and, like much of Morelia, I simply can't take enough pictures. This is the view from the center of the cathedral looking forward. There are Masses every day, many times a day. And even when there isn't Mass, I have never seen less than about forty people in the cathedral.
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip
La Fuente Las Tarascas is symbolic of Mexico as a whole. Behind it the fountain is a small portion of the aquaduct (once the only source of water) & the church of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The organ: Vatican II says that the organ is the preferred instrument of the Mass. Being the son of an organist (my mother - hi mom!), I have a certain appreciation for both the work going into and sound coming out of an organ. This organ is huge, although not played very often, I suspect. Off to the side (out of the picture) there looked to be some work being done to maintain or restore this organ.
These are the stairs that lead up to the bell tower. The gang thought it was hilarious that I pretty much had to sit down to go up or down to the ladder leading to the belltower. Too many carrots when I was a kid?
(I didn't actually take this picture, by the way - this is a photo from Adriana's camera.)
Its a bit hard to tell, but that is Saint Michael the Archangel. I really like the idea that angels are always present, adoring the Lord in parishes around the world. And of course, when Mass is said, we are brought into communion not only with the Lord and each other, but with every Mass ever offered, the communion of saints and all of the angels as well.
Ponder that next time you're at Mass!
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip
This is the temple of San Francisco. It is really a wonderful temple, although I suspect that it perhaps isn't as frequented as other temples. Then again, I might just think that because I don't frequent it....
An interesting tradition - quite visible in this temple (on the wall to the right - where you can't see, unfortunately). Folks often make pilgrimmages to a temple of a patron saint or to make a petition to the Lord through Mary. Underneath the statues of the saints they leave little notes or pins that state or signify their promises should their request be granted.
At the opposite end of la calzada de Fray Antonio de San Miguel is the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This church is run by the Franciscans, who can be credited with evangelizing much of Mexico.
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip
Okay, so I'm really just goofing around here. The idea of having one object in focus and another out of focus is kind of cool, but perhaps a bit distracting. Especially when performed by the untrained photographer.
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip
Satarah Wellness Boracay Adventure Flight for Immersion Program
October 20, 2014 - A great Monday morning scheduled flight for Satarah Wellness on their Boracay Adventure for their Immersion Program that will be held at Shangrila Hotel Boracay from October 20 to 25.
Satarah Wellness Team received their truckload of program kit that they will be use in their adventure prepared by MCI and Arrows team and collaborated by Department of Tourism (DOT).
Glancing their faces with happiness and excitement thru their incoming flight which was extended by the smile of MCI models.
#SatarahWellness
#BoracayAdventure
#ImmersionProgram
#HappyTrip