Back to Basics in St. Bess

I spent the past weekend re-discovering the parish of St. Elizabeth on Jamaica’s south-west coast. It has been nearly ten years since I have explored this very scenic and laid-back part of Jamaica and that weekend we took a much-needed family vacation. Our base was Jake’s Hotel and I was able to introduce the family to Y.S. Falls, Black River, Great Bay and Lover’s Leap. However, for me the most important time spent photographically was sunrise at Calabash Bay on the Sunday morning. It was important because it helped me to re-focus my photography and recapture my passion.

Sunrise over the raised coral reefs at Calabash Bay, St. Elizabeth

Over the past few years, I have not been doing much personal photography. This was due to not having enough time to dedicate on myself and my original passion – outdoor photography. This has had a negative affect on me, so much so that earlier this year my nutritionist told me that I must shoot at least once a week to reduce my stress levels!

Sunrise at Treasure Beach, en route to Calabash Bay.

Decades ago, I used to combine my photography with my love for geography and the conservation of Jamaica’s unique natural heritage. Hiking and exploration was the norm, but due to the demands of teaching and researching, I haven’t done much recently.

Chilling on a sand dune

However, while staring out at the Caribbean Sea (I’ve always loved the sea) as I was warmed by the morning sun, I received a revelation. For the past year I’ve been trying to figure out how to use my research to educate Jamaicans of our natural and cultural heritage. That Sunday morning, it hit me. For my research, I’ll focus on educating Jamaicans about our cultural heritage while for my personal shooting I’ll get back out and explore and hike in Jamaica’s wild places. This will re-ignite my photography, reduce my stress and help to restore my balance. I’ll be sharing the stories on my blog, so watch this space….

Beach house on Calabash Bay, St. Elizabeth.

The Streets of San Miguel

A few weeks ago I was fortunate to spend a week in Mexico, participating in a study tour of 5 universities courtesy of the USAID funded Advance Program. As you can imagine, it was a very intense week, travelling between Mexico City, our base in Queretaro, Aguascalientes and San Miguel de Allende. 

La Parroquia, Church of St. Michael the Archangel.

La Parroquia, Church of St. Michael the Archangel.

It was at the latter location – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – that we were provided with a half-day breather, which I spent exploring with camera in hand.

A vendor pauses from selling her wares in San Miguel de Allende.

A vendor pauses from selling her wares in San Miguel de Allende.

 

 A vendor pauses from selling her wares in San Miguel de Allende.

A vendor pauses from selling her wares in San Miguel de Allende.

San Miguel de Allende was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2008 for two reasons. The first was that it “acted as a melting pot where Spaniards, Creoles and Amerindians exchanged cultural influences”. 

 I think I was able to capture this with photos of two vendors, one selling out in the streets and the other within the shelter of one of the many historical buildings which were converted to souvenir shops. To emphasize this dichotomy, one vendor accepted Visa, while the other accepted only cash. 

Secondly, San Miguel de Allende integrated “different architectural trends and styles on the basis of a 16th century urban layout”. The most famous landmark is the pink, neo-Gothic parish church of San Miguel de Allende (above). The current structure dates to the 18th century, although its origins trace to the 16th century. 

The entrance to Igelsia San Pablo, (St. Paul’s Anglican Church)

The entrance to Igelsia San Pablo, (St. Paul’s Anglican Church)

Outside one of many shops on the streets of in San Miguel de Allende

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The challenge was – with just a few hours on a wet afternoon – to capture images that reflect this rich and varied heritage. Whether I was successful or not, one thing is sure – another trip to Mexico is definitely on the cards. 

Twilight on the streets of San Miguel de Allende.

Twilight on the streets of San Miguel de Allende.