Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Just Plain Strange


We got away for a couple of days. John took this picture of me at the San Buenaventura Mission in Ventura, CA. The Mission is a lovely place with a strange and sad history. Then again, much of history is strange and sad. But I enjoyed visiting.


 John was overwhelmed.

25 comments:

Dina said...

Is John doing this prostration for his monastic vow-taking?

Book Dragon said...

I feel like that often but don't usually show it.

Petrea Burchard said...

He hasn't mentioned it, Dina.

Well, BD, we were the only ones there. Anything goes. Or went.

William Kendall said...

That's a very appealing sanctuary. It looks quite peaceful.

Petrea Burchard said...

William, the California missions are all quite beautiful. They were built by Native Americans who were ruled, sometimes brutally, by the Spanish monks and their armies.

Bellis said...

John may not know what genuflection means? It's not prostration, John, that's what the Romans did. The mission looks similar in layout to the San Gabriel one, but simpler. What strikes me is that the area around the mission is full of charity shops for poor people. There must still be a lot of poverty in the area - probably the farm laborers. Sad.

Petrea Burchard said...

Many thrift and charity shops, Bellis, yet a nice neighborhood anyway.

Anonymous said...

Nice you were able to get home in time for our triple digits.

I love visiting the missions. I think I've only missed a couple up north. Perhaps my favorite is the one near Buelton with all the animals.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

It's great to get away. I hope i can soon. Where did you go (stay) besides the mission?

nice to see our resident heathen has had a change of faith

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't think I've been to that one, Hiker. I like San Juan Bautista, near Hollister.

PA, a highlight was Ventura City Hall. Classical architecture, and a really good art exhibit going on in the halls.

TheChieftess said...

So nice that you and John were able to get away!

Nathalie H.D. said...

Your final photo and line made my day!
Glad you were able to get away together. Keep well.

Petrea Burchard said...

It's much cooler near the ocean, Chieftess!

Merci, Nathalie!

TheChieftess said...

And in the mountains!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Now you're talkin'.

Katie said...

Fun that you went on a little trip! I don't know much about the history of Missions in CA (must work on that), but San Buenaventura looks definitely worth a visit. Hilarious photo of John!

Petrea Burchard said...

The history of these places is worth studying, Katie. The Spanish monks built them using natives, often enslaving them, for labor. There's some dispute about that and you won't read it in the mission brochures, but the information isn't hard to find.

Margaret said...

Welcome home.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you. We were only gone Sunday and Monday, but I was glad to get back.

irinapictures said...

History here is not only strange and sad, but also very changeable..
Thank you so much for your attention and warmth! Hugs, beautiful lady!

Ms M said...

Beautiful to see. And glad you got away for a trip.
So, is John overwhelmed with sadness or the strangeness of it all?

Petrea Burchard said...

Irina, you are indeed living in a changeable place and time. I think of you often!

Ms M, you know how spiritual he is.

Unknown said...

Wonderful perspective on top and funny shot of John! :-)

Regarding your comment on the "Octopus Catcher", I'm with you. I was glad he didn't catch any while I was watching him.

Petrea Burchard said...

John's a very good photographer, and I like the shot he took. We have some fine churches and cathedrals in the States, but your most recent one is a knockout, José.

Ann Erdman said...

I've always wanted to visit but have been on my way to or from Santa Barbara and haven't had time to stop. One of these days...