I love exploring; I never thought I’d enjoy it so much. It’s not something I’ve always done, as exploring used to be quite dangerous and there weren’t any interesting places to do it where I lived, but now every corner is a new adventure.
Those who know me know I love cemeteries; they don’t scare me—on the contrary, I feel a great sense of peace in those places, as I always say, unless it’s a place with a particularly tragic history of deaths. You can feel the energy if you manage to connect with what you see and hear.
But on this occasion, my intention was different, as many cemeteries hold mysteries or very strange places; in my case, those places,tombs, corners, mausoleums, inspire stories in me, but I think you already know that.
For me, this walk is like confirming a dream I had many years ago, but that’s another story I’ll tell you one day. My friend says I’m full of stories, and that I could write many books with them.
The truth is that when I walk through places like this, I feel peace and tranquillity, like someone sleeping the eternal sleep, like someone resting, but in a deep and relaxed repose.
Walks like this are what make me look at the details, even more so than usual. Every street in the cemetery has its own style, defined by the mausoleums and graves, with their designs and styles, and every corner is a gateway to a new discovery.
Avenues lined with pine trees, other trees and plants create a contrast between the blue of the sky, the white of the mausoleums and the various shades of green of the trees. The shadows are cast on the ground, creating diverse patterns. These too could inspire stories, for example, of suspense and horror.
Gravestones like this one filled me with a deep sense of sorrow. I don’t know who the person was, but as I walked past, there was a sense of sadness in the air.
A cross awaited me along the way, surrounded by greenery and sunshine—the cross where souls find rest.
A new street led to a mystery, such as finding openings in the tombs, sculptures, mausoleums, and dark recesses where what lay beneath could not be seen. But there were also ancient doors, behind which one could see the final resting place of many people. Passing through those places sometimes gave me a slight shiver.
Mausoleums where angels guarded the entrance, or watched over the exit. I think I already have stories in my mind.
But the best part of this whole walk is finding cats in a cemetery. They sense those energies; they see so many things that we humans cannot. They see spirits and are great protectors. They have always protected me, and finding cats on my path is like feeling that my path is a good one. And if they are black cats, all the better. The black cat signifies protection.
Every street in the cemetery held a mystery to be discovered, but many streets also had art to admire.
The art in this San Miguel cemetery is impressive, from the mausoleums, the domes, the decorations, sculptures, entrances, towers and columns. Every space is different from the rest, and each one deserves to be appreciated as exquisite art. It doesn’t matter that it’s a cemetery; it’s architecture and style, design and good taste.
When the sun illuminated certain parts of these places, especially the mausoleums, the beauty was even greater. Moreover, as this is the city’s historic cemetery, every structure and building is steeped in history, both in terms of its age and the family buried there.
I spent a great deal of time on this walk photographing these wonders of human creation, of excellence in art where it meets history. Many of the mausoleums even looked like small, beautiful churches.
I hope to return soon to explore and discover new hidden spots within this ancient, time-worn cemetery.
Thank you very much for joining me on this Wednesday walk; I send my warmest regards to you all. See you soon.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.
