Where to go to find a sanctuary in a foreign place? In Guayabitos the Catholic Church is open to the public on extended hours, no admission fees, beautiful and comfortable. I go there to sketch and remember my loved ones with a lighted candle. It not the simple act of lighting a candle and giving a donation. You need to cross the street and buy your candle at one of the local depanneurs or 7-11 stores. There is a good selection of votive candles; hot pink, red or lime green or religious icons for about 30 pesos. The offering box is near the main alter. You give what you want. The church is named, The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The icon of Mary and Child associated with this church harks back to the Byzantine era of the 15th century.
Linda Denis, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, watercolour, Venezia Sketchbook, 2015
There are other places of tranquility but not of the same quality. Beyond the maleçon in La Peñita the fishermen beach their boats when not out in the bay.
Linda Denis, Parked until the next Sea Journey, watercolour, Venezia Sketchbook, 2015
Linda Denis, Beached Fishing Boat, La Peñita, watercolour, Venezia Sketchbook, 2015
I return to the building site on the maleçon for my final look at progress.
Linda Denis, Progress on the Construction Site, La Peñita, watercolour, Venezia Sketchbook, 2015
Then, I take out my sketchbook to do a watercolour of suburbia Guyabitos. Here quiet persists except for the barking guard dogs and a few pedestrians out for a leisurely walk or a quick walk to the swing bridge to look at the crocodiles.
Linda Denis, Storm maybe Today, watercolour, Venezia Sketchbook, 2015
That’s it we need to go back and find some sanctuary. Have you lighted a candle here?
When I passed St.Anne-de-Beaupré on my way to Les Éboulement, I thought of stopping and asking for favours but it was closed until mid April. Do not remember it having the pretty coloured candles of Guayabitos church. Must say, I loved the Mexican bright coloured candles