San Miguel de Allende

Mangrove Swing

Mangrove Swing
Originally uploaded by Captain DJ

Cheri shot me as I swung out over the sea. We are at home now and I am remembering our time this past Winter in Belize and Guatemala. This is a small test posting, the first one from Flickr.

Flickr

This is a test post from

, a fancy photo sharing thing.

San Miguel de Allende

We are Home safely now and I am back to work.
Started a new work blog at www.gatehardware.blogspot.com
I have been writing to so many of the friends that we made while in San Miguel de Allende it seems like we will actually stay in touch. There are many photos that I want to post from our 2000 mile journey home to Alabama. However, there is some glitch in the software right now...what the hey , manana...

It is sad to see it come to an end...

"All Good Things Must Come To An End."

Who made up that rule anyway?

We have just yet one more sunset here over San Miguel for us this trip. We hope to return one day. This city has had the magic to bring us back time after time. It will always be a magical place where milagros abound, everywhere you take the time to really look.
The greatest Blessing we have had, are the people we have met and bonded with. Another fair well at the end of another adventure and Hello to the next one.....

Does He Look Older Than Me ?

Days Like Today Remind Me I am In The Tropics. It is our last day and by 4:30 in the afternoon it's feelin kinda like Summerrr.

Neuroticos Anonimos

This "Happy to Live" Group meets Mon.- Fri. 6A to 7:30 PM

After all the last minute studying I did, I almost felt neurotic....

The Love This Grandmother is showing is Grand

If this isn't one of my absolute favorite shoots of the trip. I was right in front of her when Max asked if he could take her photo. I told him if he didn't enter this one in a contest...I would.

This wonderful Lady of Atontonilco Poses Gracefully

This amazing historical place is adorned by some of the world's richest people...........rich with Blessings

This Little Nina is Really Loving her Puppy

There is no Love quite like Puppy Love

We have Graduated and Must Say Farewell

Bittersweet time it is, we are finished at school. And it is time to get packed up for the real world back home. (but we do have 5 days for that..)

A Blind Beggar We See Most Every Day

Cheri can not walk by this man without dropping a few pesos in his cup.

A Walk around town

One day I just walked around Benito Juarez Park and kept going. There are so many different neighborhoods to explore. Some seem exclusively "gringo", others predominantly "gringo". Boy this place has really changed alot since we were here last. And the real estate prices have gone thruogh the roof....

The Mexican Police on Parade

They are serious about their Paintball !

Another Great Weekend

Last weekend th town celebrated Ignacio Allende 237th Birthday. He was one of Mexico's fore-fathers of the Revolution with Spain. Bands, Parades, Concerts in El Jardin and lots of fireworks.
We celebrated Cheri's Birthday (see link on right) and had a great time. We even went out to a Mexican Honky Tonk after the party.

A View from "The Mirador"

A scenic overlook of San Miguel de Allende

A Nightclub in SMA

Look at the look on the waiter's face...

Ahhh the Beauty of San Miguel de Allende

It had been raining for two days. After being here for nearly a month of pure sunshiney days, I was set back to see it actually rain. But now It Is Bright, the skies are Bluer than Blue.

A little nina playing with her puppy

This little girl was having a ball playing with her little puppy in the park.

School's Out... We Passed !!! ;)

Back to Blogging since school is finally over. Cheri and I both passed. So did everyone else in school. Bill & Max arrived in SMA yesterday. We picked them up in Guanajuato City yesterday. The sun has broke through and I decided it was time to update the site.
Tonight there are several get togethers with classmates. The first is a "Hecho en Mexico" the second at the Bullfight, then for drinks at "Limericks".

Claire and Annie with the Birthday Girl

We have formed many new friendships here. Claire is our SMA adopted daughter. Annie is our new sister across the pond. We hope they will both come to see us in Alabama someday, if not there, then someplace else.

An Antique Lock on an Antique Door

It is no wonder that books have been made on the mystery and magic of The Doors of San Miguel de Allende and Behind the Doors of San Miguel de Allende. By professional photographer and part-time resident of SMA. We met Mr. de Gast on our first long-term visit here. He also stopped by our house yesterday to drop off some signed editions of his books. They are available at www.pomegranate.com or www.amazon.com . We have enjoyed his books very much and I look forward to the day when he and I can go on an afternoon shoot together to someplace in the city or nearby.

The Colors Here Just POP

A Street Scene Showing the Vibrant Colors

I am not sure if it the color of the almost daily assured sunlight or the bold use of vibrant colors and contrasting textures that bring forth such a sensuous feel to this city. Perhaps it is a combination of all of the above accented in the eye of the observer with the unique-ness of its antiquity. Nowhere that I have been in the Americas are there so many fine colonial and borroque structures.

You Gotta Admit Some Guys Are Just Lucky

This Group photo was made by Cheri, the birthday girl and the love of my life. But I still have to admit that I love it when I am surrounded by a group like this...

? Christina's Novio Nuevo ?

Who is he after all these rumours? Could it be the married classmate, the southern gentleman, the ltin hombre? No it is Wild Mayan Joe !! They both practically admitted it near time to leave....

Que Hermosas, Que Vidas, Que Borrachos..

As admitted earlier, I had to post a few shots early, before making the party page. I may need to see my classmates again and get permission on some of the photos before posting them. Besides that, I may need some of them to fill in a few of the blank spots in my memory, ha ha.

Cheri's Birthday Blast...

Such a wonderful night, with such wonderful people. It wa so fun that I am going to create a seperate page just for the party photos. Look for link on your right. (Coming Tuesday)
But for tonight, I have to post a few more...

Steve Gets Introduced to El Mercado

Big Pig Feet, Cow Feet, Chicken Feet, Skin of all kinds and yes beautiful fragrant flowers, were just some of the things we showed Steve at the market. We also introduced him to Don Rafa and the delight of true organic fruits and vegetables. Many we tried for the first time together, right there at the market..but we passed on the 30 lb. bag of chicken feet. What do they do with those anyway?

Joe's Saltwater Crocadile Tease

As promised, an intro-blog for my buddy Joe who made a wild adventure to Palenque, Belize and Tikal. Look for a link soon to Joe's Maya Blog....coming soon to this page.

Shoot The Moon

I shot the Moon thru the arch of the bell tower at Iglesia San Francisco on our walk to school today.

Dog Day Afternoon/ Halfway Thru the Trip

Today marks the halfway mark in our trip. After we shopped at the Art Fair at the Institudo Allende, we ate lunch. After that we went to an open house and then had dinner with Neil & Blanche at El Correo. All day long I have needed to be studying Espanol, but as these dogs are doing, (even the cat), I am just taking in a lazy Sunday morning,... afternoon and night.

La Pena del Bernal

Saturday's activity was a road trip to the worlds third largest volcanic plug, after Gibralter and the one in Rio de Janiero.
Cheri, Claire and I drove thru Queretero to a well kept secret, (at least from gringos), La Pena del Bernal.
This place is magical, with much to offer the day-tripper from SMA or DF. Vendors sell geodes, spears, sling shots, necklaces, bracelets and gem stones. We bought some of all of the above. They are famous for thier wool products like sweaters and shawls. It was absolutely Georgeous.

A Group of Estudiantes borrachos descend upon ..

After Dave's Party, we went straight down the hill on Piedras Chinas to SMA. It was como un mob of Gringos coming down to take over the town.....

Francisco & Russ were at the Party too..

My classmates and I enjoyed the beautiful views from Dave's house. We also made lots of digital images. This is one trying to capture the view with fill flash.

Cheri with Samantha and Lindsay at Sunset

It is really easy to make nice photos, when you have nice things to focus upon.

A Party at David's House Tonight.....

Leslie, Claire, Johnny, Cheri and Lindsay pose for a terrace photo op at Dave's Party. What a Buena Vista.....

"La Gruta with Cheri, Annie and Claire'

We enjoyed the hot springs together on C.J.'s B-day at "La Gruta" (the cave). Claire is on the left and she is from the Upper portion of New York state near Canada. Annie next her is from London. The hot water from the cascada in the man-made cave felt really great on my back. Afterwards we went to an orphanage in town. I do not remember ever hugging a child before whom I sensed needed so desparately to be hugged. It really made me question what I should do with the remainder of this life. I know that if I really tried, I could probably make a difference in at least one of their lives........Just thinking of the choices remaining in this life creates so many internal dilemas.

La Gente de Este Lugar

The beautiful people of this place make me think that somehow the smiles on their faces;( whether they are sweeping the streeets at dawn, playing in the park, begging in the street, or riding on a high horse in a colorful uniform)...., they are very content and connected to who they are and where they are in the moment....... Sometimes I feel that the culture in the U.S. of A. is less connected and content.

My Angel Cheri's Cumpleano

Cheri asked me to photograph her class on her birthday. Her teacher ( maestra) to her right is Samantha. She was so nice that she brought a special cookie to class to celebrate my Cheri's birthday.

My Cup is Surely More than Half Full

The deep blue sky and the colorful colonial homes reflect deeply into me, as they do into this water.

Inside AHA- Academia Hispanola Americana

On the top left is my classroom, to the right is break time in the courtyard. This is kind of like reccess. The bottom left is Marvin from Nueva York. The lower right is our pronunciacion y diction class that starts first thing in the morning, almost everyone attends. Domi teaches this class with mucho energia. She has been here since Cheri & I first attended back in '98.

El segundo piso del "Cantina Gato Negro"

I shot these photos on the wall of the second floor level of a cantina next to La Acacademia. The whole bar is dedicated to Marilyn Monroe. It doesn't look as though it has changed much in 30 years or more. "If I could tell stories with words, I wouldn't have to lug a camera around."

Delicious Foods for Little Money

From buying fresh fruits and vegatables in the open air market to the local street vendor with tacos al pastor to the huge variety of restaraunts offering food at steep discounts from what we would pay at home, we have eaten well. Well in the sense that our diet is more varied and our chioces are more abundant. We have more choices for great food within walking distance in this city than we do in driving distance from our home city that is approximately the same size. Most shopping days are less than $10 U.S. and most meals in restaraunts average between $8-10 for two people with enough extra for really good leftovers. Everything seems so much fresher and we have so many options that it makes dining and shopping a fun and important part of our day. We get exercise too since we walk everywhere.
Living this life , even short-term really makes us question the fast food, clone restaraunt chains and mall culture of the U.S.; perhaps we could learn something from our neighbors to the south about living in the moment and enjoying the journey without so much focus on the destination.
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein

I Couldn't Help Myself, One More Blog Tonight

We started the day at the lowest temperature since we have arrived, around 45 degrees. After school we ate lunch and went for another long walk. Finally found the house we have been looking for, but nobody was home. We left a card with our info and perhaps they will contact us in time for La Fiesta. The flower Cheri pointed out to me she called a "amarillis?", I shot it.
Then the sunset challenge photo came out better that ever after we drank some fresh Chiapan Coffee that we saw them unload this morning at 7:00 AM, then grind for us at 5:00 PM, brewed and drank around 6:00 PM, it can't get any fresher than that unless you are drinking it at the coffee plantation. It was as good as any Costa Rican coffee I have ever had.

Holy Humping Frogs

Spotted this unique Church of the Leaping Frogs today on our walk to find some friends of friends from Alabama that are here in SMA. Got great news today that a couple more of my Buddies from Alabama are coming down for sure to have a fiesta with us. School is getting much more challenging, so I may need to Blog less. But hey, it is really long already.

Cheri Soaks Up El Sol

Another school week begins and we see the same Hot Air balloon over the city. We spot the same couple walking together that we see almost every day on the walk to school. After school, we shop, then eat at El Gruto.

So much happened this past weekend, I am sure I need to catch up the Blog with more stories.

Cheri gets grabbed to do the Swing with the Clowns

I am trying to photograph fifty or more dancing clowns in the Zocalo when Cheri disappears. After the song ends she tells me she was plucked out of the crowd by a dancing clown named Ramon...He said " He hoped to see her later", this scared her and she left the clown dance area and I found her again... I got some great video of this but I do not know how to Blog video yet, if it even possible. This festival was for the end of "Tres Reyes" another celebration like Christmas where children get toys. Then a Huge fireworks celebration commenced.

I Went to Church Today

We picked up three of three of our fellow classmates along the road to Delores Hidalgo. We took them to church with us, boy what a church. A preist named Louis Felipe Neri de Alfaro started this church in 1740-1748. It is called Santuario Atotonilco which is a native dialect of the Nahuatl people which means Area of Hot Water. An incredible day finished off at a nice restaraunt Correo and dancing with Clowns and Fireworks at the Zocalo. Only in SMA....

Some of the Nicest Folks You'll Ever Meet

Anna Marie, Javier and Domi still work at La Academia Hispanola Americana. We met them here back in 1998 when we studied spanish the first time.
They all said to tell Gaby " Feliz Ano". We Miss Gaby very much and just learned that She & Dik were here in SMA in December. We just missed seeing them.

A Prize winning Photo by Neil Carragher

This Photo was taken by my Scottish neighbor here in SMA, Neil Carragher. He took this photo in Mich. south of SMA near Lake Patzcuaro.
He has a great eye for photoraphy and some excellent technical skills. I think we are going on a photo shoot together at Atotonilco sometime soon.
I look forward to taking his Canon D-SLR for a test run before committing the resources for a camera upgrade. Yesterday I helped him set up a Blog for his photography. He is very talented and his wife Blanche is super nice.

Una Mapa de SMA

As this map shows, Terraplen 24 is almost center of the southern side of the redline outlining the edges of the Colonial Historic District.

Come by before Feb 2nd or call 15-2-07-49 if you are in town and would like to speak with D.J. or Cheri...

Our Saturday Morning Walk

Our Saturday Morning was Marvelous! We first walked to our favorite locals restaraunt at "Tortitlan" Juarez No. 17 Centro 15-2-33-76.
Them we went to a local Taller de Artenesias en Reloj and purchased patinaed solid bronze fixtures for our den bathroom that has a Mexican theme.
We then walked to the address of Bario de lo Aldea Gracia # 18 to find Katherine & Barr, but nobody there knew them.
If Clark or Niki wanted to share this link with them our local telephone number is 15-2-07-49 and our address is Terraplen #24....

A White Paloma en Calle Jesus

DJ spotted this beautiful dove perched outside a window, on a very small balcony. She was so graceful. It seems as though she was posing just for him. What an eye he has for noticing everything around us.

Estudiantes de la Academia a "Limerick's"

Our first Friday night out on the town with our new Amigos Lindsay, Annie, Joe, Juan, Kyle, and Marvin. Great music, cold beers and good converstation!

My Family Photo that I Made in Destin 2005

I wanted to include my family portrait somewhere in my blog. This way I can show off my beautiful, intelligent and kind hearted daughter Chynna.

It seems impossible to capture the Beauty of SMA

All of these images were taken thru the glass of the window of our bedroom. Every time I wake up or go up to the terrace I see new things to photoraph.
It is fun to try to capture the amazing beauty of this place, but I do not believe it is possible. It does make me want to buy a more professional grade camera.

La Primera Fin de Semana del Ano Nuevo

Finally, the Weekend is here !!
This collage is of the third floor Artist loft at our house, A street vendor, the buena vista out of our bedroom window and perhaps a pair of lesbianas at the clubo nocturno we visited last night called " Limericks".

Inside our (rented) Casa del Angels

We have been quite excited about spending a month in a 350 year old Spanish Colonial Casita. Every day we learn to apprecriate more and more of this lovely home.
We feel so fortunate to be the first renters of this house owned by Janet Black of SMA and Texas. We have met her son Dave Black, which is an Artist and extremely interesting and an all around nice guy. We look forward to meeting Janet and his Dad , they sound amazing.

Many Interesting Knockers

Creativity Rules here
in SMA. I believe I could
find nearly every animal
depicted on statues, downspouts and knockers... All this art on display and super friendly people too.

A Great Cheap Lunch Today

Today we found a new favorite place for lunch. Sooo Great with a very low price. All we could eat plus enough to take home for dinner for under $6.00 U.S.
They cooked it right in front of us and the lady handling money didn't handle the food. We will be eating there again real soon. The girls there got a kick outta our attempts at speaking Spanish.

After Lunch in the Park

After school we had a fabulous lunch for less than $3 each. Then sat in the park, one of many in SMA. We were there to study, but instead we people watched and bought handicrafts from solicitors. Notice the little girl bathing her little brother in the fountain. What a marvelous day.

A Hot Air Balloon Ride to School?

On our early morning walk to school we spotted some folks using an alternate form of transportation. We gotta try this sometime soon.

Prize Shopping at the locals market

Can you belive all of this beautiful food. DJ and I walked to the local market , not the tourist market, and purchased all this plus some for about $13.oo dollars(including our school supplies which was half the cost). We met two Mexicana women, very sweet and probably in their 80s who were so happy that we were speaking Spanish, or at least trying, that they kept giving us gifts. Very typical of the wonderful people here.

Stoned Carved Downspouts

These are some of the beautiful and unusual downspouts of SMA. No ugly gutters hanging around this place. Every morning on our 20 min. walk to school we have to allow time for DJ to take photographs of all the beautiful things. We could live here for years and never capture it all, but he's trying.

Many of the churches and convents are being rennovated

The 300-450 year old structures are getting a much needed face-lift.

Cheri enters La Academia Hispano Americana

After a 30 minute walk to school
we arrive for another day of espanol intensivo.

Monte de Oca 24/ Oak Mountain 24

This is the house we rented back in 1999 for the millenium celebration when Clark and Niki came with us. It is only about two or three blocks from where we are now on Terraplen 24. As usual my alarm has sounded that it is time to get ready for school. The sun is up and I am ready to try to cram more spanish reflexive verbs and infinitives into my tiny brain.

An Elderly Lady sells hand-made dolls

Yes of course we bought Two, and gave her our bottle of water; you cannot tell by the photo, but she has one leg missing and says that she has to support her starving children. Cheri guessed that her children would be at least in thier sixties.

DJ takes in La Pura Vida

As I sit here wathing the most beautiful sky in the most beautiful city with my most beautiful wife, I know I am blessed. How can life be soooo great. I hope to live in the moment forever and remember to focus on the journey, not the destination.

One of the many fountains in SMA

This is one fountain is about a block from our house.
There are probably at least two dozen around the barrio colonial.

Happy Young Twins

These twins are walking around with their proud grandmother. They are saying "Feliz Ano" to everyone they meet. The grandmother was happy for us to photograph the children. We were happy to meet them on New Year's Day.

Cheri enjoys our first sunset stop the terrace at La Casa del Angels in

San Miguel de Allende at Terreplen 24. We are past our first day of school and she is ready to take a break and take in the views.

The entrance to La Cas del Angels is a
Surprise to all who enter.
This House is as secure as a Mexican Fortress

Beautiful Historic San Miguel de Allende

Our new old house was built over 350 years ago.
It was a Colonial Spanish Casita part of a Hacienda.
Cheri studies the first day of school and I just take in the views.

New Year's Day

in SMA
Gto., MX
2006

In front of the Jardin
and Parrochia

Vendors sell colorful balloons to
excited children and everyone
celebrate un Feliz Ano

My Cheri Zeta Jones at

Paque Benito Juarez

en San Miguel de Allende

en Estado Guanajuato, MX

on January 1st 2006

San Miguel de Allende

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Mangrove Swing

Flickr

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

San Miguel de Allende

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

It is sad to see it come to an end...

Does He Look Older Than Me ?

Neuroticos Anonimos

The Love This Grandmother is showing is Grand

This wonderful Lady of Atontonilco Poses Gracefully

Sunday, January 29, 2006

This Little Nina is Really Loving her Puppy

Saturday, January 28, 2006

We have Graduated and Must Say Farewell

A Blind Beggar We See Most Every Day

A Walk around town

The Mexican Police on Parade

Another Great Weekend

A View from "The Mirador"

A Nightclub in SMA

Friday, January 27, 2006

Ahhh the Beauty of San Miguel de Allende

A little nina playing with her puppy

School's Out... We Passed !!! ;)

Monday, January 23, 2006

Claire and Annie with the Birthday Girl

An Antique Lock on an Antique Door

The Colors Here Just POP

A Street Scene Showing the Vibrant Colors

Sunday, January 22, 2006

You Gotta Admit Some Guys Are Just Lucky

? Christina's Novio Nuevo ?

Que Hermosas, Que Vidas, Que Borrachos..

Cheri's Birthday Blast...

Steve Gets Introduced to El Mercado

Joe's Saltwater Crocadile Tease

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Shoot The Moon

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Dog Day Afternoon/ Halfway Thru the Trip

La Pena del Bernal

Friday, January 13, 2006

A Group of Estudiantes borrachos descend upon ..

Francisco & Russ were at the Party too..

Cheri with Samantha and Lindsay at Sunset

A Party at David's House Tonight.....

"La Gruta with Cheri, Annie and Claire'

La Gente de Este Lugar

My Angel Cheri's Cumpleano

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

My Cup is Surely More than Half Full

Inside AHA- Academia Hispanola Americana

El segundo piso del "Cantina Gato Negro"

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Delicious Foods for Little Money

I Couldn't Help Myself, One More Blog Tonight

Holy Humping Frogs

Monday, January 09, 2006

Cheri Soaks Up El Sol

Cheri gets grabbed to do the Swing with the Clowns

Sunday, January 08, 2006

I Went to Church Today

Some of the Nicest Folks You'll Ever Meet

A Prize winning Photo by Neil Carragher

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Una Mapa de SMA

Our Saturday Morning Walk

A White Paloma en Calle Jesus

Estudiantes de la Academia a "Limerick's"

My Family Photo that I Made in Destin 2005

It seems impossible to capture the Beauty of SMA

La Primera Fin de Semana del Ano Nuevo

Friday, January 06, 2006

Inside our (rented) Casa del Angels

Many Interesting Knockers

Thursday, January 05, 2006

A Great Cheap Lunch Today

After Lunch in the Park