El San Bernardino Convent in Valladolid, Yucatan

After my first visit to Chichen Itza, my tour made a second stop in Valladolid before returning back to the Riviera Maya. After  lunch we walked our way down Calzada de los Frailes street and arrived at the main square. We arrived at the San Bernardino Convent.

Upon arrival, each of us in the tour group added another required wristband to our growing collection and entered the ex convent of San Bernardino. The tour took led us through the multiple floors, both inside and outside while our guide provided a detailed description of all the structures, the history, and described its importance to Valladolid and the Yucatan.

the approach to the Convent

As I walked the grounds, I focused on the aesthetics. I decided to appreciate the moment instead of wonder about the validity of the original mission for the buildings. I adored the art and arches, cherished the crisp colors and the rain cooled corridors and found peace outside in the courtyard and the cloister. I transformed. Something was different.

Quickly, I received my message or perhaps some encouragement from above. (I was in a church after all). And a compliment I”ll never forget arrived.  A fellow traveler after watching me take photographs, said “you know, you have a great eye for photography”

Holy…. I smiled, and gracefully responded with “Gracias.” His words, so simple, yet so impactful. Well, I hope you feel the same when you view these images. Enjoy.

The Crosses of San Bernardino

the crucifix at the entrance

a cross over the well, a cenote

a cross in the courtyard

walking to the second floor

Chapel and Cloister of San Bernardino

the light shines in...

the view to the courtyard

every place has its street vendors

After our tour, we boarded the bus and headed to our final stop, Cenote Zaci. Another impressive attraction, but the images and the compliment of Convent El San Bernardino will always be my highlight of Valladolid.

stay adventurous, Craig

A special thanks to Xichen for providing passage through my work with Riviera Maya. This is the last post of the 2012 Mexican March Madness.