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14th Mar 2020: Time to say good-by to Mexico

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In March 2020, when it was decided that we would return to Japan from Mexico, we took a family trip to Cancún as a way to conclude our time in Mexico. We had visited Cancún the previous year as well, so this was our second trip there.  We stayed at an all-inclusive hotel, enjoyed plenty of delicious food, and spent relaxing days on the beach. Simply gazing at the emerald-green sea and the pristine white sand was enough to soothe our hearts. Taken with iPhone7 / Olympus E-M1 / 40-150 F2.8 Participating in the ranking If you think the content is good, please click and follow. 気に入っていただけましたら応援よろしくお願い致します。 にほんブログ村 にほんブログ村

12th Dec 2019: Holiday in Las Vegas

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The only concern I had while living in Mexico was safety.  At that time, incidents such as kidnappings, robberies, and even murders were frequent.  For peace of mind, I often traveled to the United States  during vacations .  These photos were taken during a Christmas holiday trip from Mexico to Las Vegas. My family stayed at the Bellagio, enjoyed the fountain show, and rode the Ferris wheel.  For a while, we were able to forget the security risks back in Mexico and truly relax. Olympus OM-D E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO / f2.8 / 1/60sec / ISO3200 / -0.7 Olympus OM-D E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO / f2.8 / 1/60sec / ISO1000 / -1.7 Olympus OM-D E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO / f2.8 / 1/60sec / ISO1000 / -1.7 Olympus OM-D E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO / f2.8 / 1/60sec / ISO2500 / 0.0 Olympus OM-D E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO / f2.8 / 1/60sec / ISO1250 / +0.3 Olympus OM-D E-M1 / Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO...

15th Nov 2019: Shichi-Go-San at Hie Shrine

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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...

17th July 2019: The Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City

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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, ...

15th July 2019: The Church of San Francisco Acatepec in Puebla, Mexico

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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...