Our first visit to Leon, MX

[asirimarco]

From guanajuato one day we drove into Leon - it is the 5th biggest city in Mexico and of the ones we've been in the last four years it is the most modern looking. Driving the main street into the city was like driving any main street in a southwestern US town. Costco, Home Depot, Office Depot, McDonalds, Holiday Inn, etc. etc. - Wide divided streets - new buildings.

Then we passed this church - didn't stop to look in it. It is a fairly new church built in the 1900s.

We got to the old center district - some nice old buildings there



The old church in the downtown area is beyond words - a small protion of the front

A statue in the front courtyard

Just a few pictures of the inside - very elegant - lots of columns with gold leaf, lots of hand painted walls, lots of stained glass and gold chandaliers And the choir was singing! The main altar



A cleansing ceremony taking place in the plaza - people were lined up for it - They were dressed in Huichol clothing - but looked more like "new age hippies" to me - never seen a Huichol with a gray beard or a woman with curly hair



Then we went to the Leather District - 35 square blocks of leather goods. Never in my life have I seen so many sizes, types and colors of purses. Then whole blocks of leather clothing - coats, belts, hats. Blocks and blocks of shoes - 60% of shoes sold in Mexico are made in Leon

Altogether an interesting day. There is more about it on my blog and web page. More pictures too.

[Cedar518]

I absolutely love Mexico! You really capture the pulse of the country and the people! Gee, do you think I could find a leather bag I liked? With that many to choose from I would think it would be easy! I'd probably end up with two or three!

[bluepinecones]

Another wonderful tour and education on Mexico. Following your travels over the past year or so has totally changed my perception of Mexico. Thank you again for sharing.

[AlmostThere]

I think of all the cities you've visited, I like this one best. It almost felt European. Yep, I'd definately buy several of those leather purses!

[Liz]

You get such interesting "people" photos. Thanks for another great tour.

[BirdbyBird]

Beautiful travels.....thanks.....again.