Colors of My Heart

Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese celebration that marks important milestones in a child’s growth. It is observed for boys at the age of five and for girls at the ages of three and seven, according to the traditional Japanese way of counting years. These ages have long been considered significant stages in a child’s development, and the custom expresses gratitude for their healthy growth so far and prayers for their continued well-being. The origins of Shichi-Go-San date back to the Heian period, when rituals were performed among the imperial court and samurai families before gradually spreading to the general population. In those times, infant mortality was high, so ceremonies such as Kamioki (beginning to grow out the hair at age three), Hakamagi (wearing a hakama for the first time at age five), and Obitoki (starting to wear an obi sash at age seven) were held. These practices form the basis of today’s Shichi-Go-San tradition. In modern times, it is customary for families to v...

The Metropolitan Cathedral, located in the heart of Mexico City, is a Catholic cathedral and one of the largest in the Americas. Its monumental structure measures approximately 59 meters in width, 128 meters in length, and 67 meters in height, featuring two bell towers, a central dome, sixteen chapels, and a sacristy. Construction began in 1573 and took nearly 250 years to complete. This extended building period resulted in a unique design that blends multiple architectural styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, Churrigueresque, and Neoclassical. Inside, the cathedral boasts lavish altars, the most notable being the “Altar of the Kings,” adorned with gold and so ornate that it is often called the “Golden Cave.” The cathedral was built on the site of the former Templo Mayor following Spain’s conquest of the Aztec Empire, symbolizing the power of the colonial era. In 1987, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its fusion of Aztec and Spanish colonial culture, ...

Puebla is located about 130 kilometers southeast of Mexico City and is renowned for its stunning colonial architecture and rich culinary traditions. Founded by the Spanish in 1531, its historic center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is adorned with vibrant Talavera pottery, which adds a distinctive beauty to the decoration of churches and buildings. Historically, Puebla is known for the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when Mexican forces successfully repelled the French army. This victory is commemorated annually on May 5th with the Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Today, Puebla has also grown into a major industrial city, home to one of Volkswagen’s largest manufacturing plants. In the nearby town of Cholula, the Church of San Francisco Acatepec stands out as a 16th-century Baroque masterpiece. Its exterior is richly decorated with colorful Talavera tiles, and its yellow façade gleams brilliantly under the Mexican sun, making it a striking sight even from afar. The int...

Nestled in Mexico’s central highlands, San Miguel de Allende is a city where tradition and artistry breathe life into every corner. Its residents live gently and creatively, surrounded by cobblestone streets and historic architecture.  Through crafts, music, and festivals, locals preserve the region’s cultural heritage, while the town’s plazas naturally foster intergenerational connection. At the same time, many newcomers from the United States, Canada, and Europe have been drawn to San Miguel’s temperate climate and artistic spirit, choosing to make it their home.  Through painting, ceramics, photography, and other creative pursuits, they bring fresh perspectives to the city’s cultural landscape. A vibrant, international community has flourished—rooted in mutual respect between longtime residents and those who’ve arrived from afar. Locals take pride in protecting the city’s visual character, actively working to preserve its historic charm. The town is safe and welcoming, with...

San Miguel de​ Allende It is a city in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico.  It is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery and historic colonial buildings.  The city has many hills, and the views of the city from the hills are spectacular. Guanajuato is the most culturally and historically important city in Mexico. It is well known as the setting for the movie "Coco." A view of San Miguel de Allende from the hill. I've been there many times, but I like the view from here the best. I think you can take a good photo by using a normal telephoto zoom and narrowing the exposure a little. Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f/8.0 ／ 1/1000sec ／ ISO200 ／ -1.0 Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f8.0 ／ 1/1000sec ／ ISO200 ／ -1.0 Olympus OM-D E-M1 ／ Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO ／ f11 ／ 1/80sec ／ ISO640 ／ +0.3 Mirador Pípila (Hill of Pipila) It is known as a lookout point with a panoramic view of the city. You can see this v...