Monday, January 16, 2006

Sometimes, the clouds look like newly fallen snow. This was the scene on the way to Mexico City early in January 2006. Posted by Picasa
Your's truly doing the tourist thing in downtown Puebla, Mexico. By the way, it gets cold at night 8,000 feet above sea level. Posted by Picasa
Mexico City Airport at dawn with two volcanoes in the background. Popo (Popocatepetl) is on the right. Posted by Picasa
Public square in downtown Puebla, Mexico Posted by Picasa
Courtyard at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The Virgin appeared to Juan Diego and revealed her will to have a temple dedicated to her at that site. The shrine's official website has lots of additional information: http://www.sancta.orgPosted by Picasa
Newest cathedral at the shrine. This building was constructed in the 1970s. Posted by Picasa
Inside the main cathedral. Posted by Picasa
Interior of the older cathedral showing some of the supports that help compensate for its weak foundation. Posted by Picasa
Interior of one of the older catherdals. The wires are part of an effort to strengthen the structure that has been settling. Mexico City is build on an old lake bed which did not make for the best foundations. Posted by Picasa
Exterior of one of the cathedrals on the site dating to the 18th century. The statue of Juan Pablo II (John Paul II) is on the left. The next picture is a close-up of the plaque on the cathedral's left outside column. Posted by Picasa
Quote from the Virgin from one of her manifestations to Juan Diego.

Here is a translation: "The words of Saint Mary of Guadalupe to Juan Diego. I am the forever virgin Mary, Mother of true God, author of life, creator of all and Lord of heaven and earth, which is in all places. I ardently desire that you raise for me here a temple where, as the loving mother of you and your fellow humans I can show the mercy and compassion that I have for natural beings and for all who love me and search for me. "Posted by Picasa
Statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe and worshipers at the shrine in Mexico City. Posted by Picasa

 Today it rained on my sunflower. Two treatments. One in color and one without. Soon there won't be anything left of my sunflower. Just ...