San Miguel de Allende

The Ballard Band of Explorers traveled this weekend to the town of San Miguel de Allende; this little town is a popular retirement community for foreigners - particularly Americans. In the town square we heard english being spoken all around us - I spoke to a man wearing a NY Yankees hat and learned that he was from Conneticut. We had a lovely time visiting with them and they suggested an outdoor resturant, "Ten-ten-pie". While we were having a absolutely wonderful lunch at the resturant an entire group of Mexican cowboys passed by us! We had a great lunch and a 'show' as well!

After lunch we toured the main cathedral in the town, La Parroquia (Church of St. Michael, the Archangel). Pictured are the cathedral spires as it towers over the 'Plaza Principal' and also pictured are the main area of the interior of the cathedral - the children have been amazed at the ornate architecture and the decoration inside these churches and they have learned much about other religions.

We had a wonderful time exploring the history and ambience of this lovely city! You are welcome to come and tour it yourselves... you have a room at a little Mexican Villa here!

Another side of Mexico...

We have posted many pictures of beautiful cathedrals, squares, theatres and scenery that we have found in Mexico. That is only one side of Mexico - here is pictured another side of Mexico that is day to day life for many Mexicans. These pictures are taken from a barrio that we drove through and they depict the average lifestyle in Mexico. While we were driving through this area our car was literally stopped by a goat herder riding a donkey and blocking the intersection. The goats were intent on going to the market and then meandered along their way! The cow was resting in the yard of the house behind it - we saw many cows in and around the enclosed yards of the houses.

Here in Mexico we have found a juxtaposition of meager wages and a higher cost of living than we had anticipated before our visit! From what I understand, many international companies are drawn to this area due to the low wages yet they fail to realize that the people are barely able to support their own families on the income they receive. Days are spent in warehouses and after hours are spent gardening, cooking or cleaning for expatriates and more wealthy Mexican families in order to subsist. Yet, through it all the people we meet are generous with their time and all they have - they are wonderful examples of humble, kind people!

In Memoriam of a Prophet -

Upon the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley our family wants to express our gratitude for the service that President Hinckley gave to all people throughout the world. We are grateful for his optimism, engaging humor and his inspired counsel. Our family knows that President Hinckley served as a prophet of God and that as such he spoke inspired words of wisdom, counsel and guidance. We know that our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ, guide and conduct the affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through prophets on the earth today. We are grateful for the life of service that was shared by President Hinckley and we can only hope to 'keep pace' with his example.

Our hearts turn towards his family at this time; both saddened for the loss of a father and grandfather but also grateful that his reunion on the other side of the veil will be a joyous occasion surrounded by his dear wife, family and multitudes of friends. We know his daily influence will be greatly missed. We pray that we may all do as he so often requested, "Stand a little taller" and be a little better each day so that his words and wisdom will not be forgotten.

We know that this church is true. We know that it is guided by inspiration and revelation. We are convinced that the work of God will move forward; buoyed up by the life and works of this great man. We know God lives and that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the only means by which we can return to live with our eternal family. We express gratitude for President Hinckley who not only spoke of these principles and lived them but inspired everyone to live better lives.

In Memoriam

President Gordon B. Hinckley has passed from this sphere;
Our prophet, our leader, our guide for twelve blessed years.
We rejoice in having come to know this dear friend...
And pray for him as another journey begins.

There he embraces the love of his life,
She stood beside him through joys and strife.
Dearest Marjorie – his beautiful bride;
Now she’ll eternally stand by his side.

Foremost is family – Mother’s and Father’s embrace;
Tears of joy stream down each noble face.
His dear parents – gratitude is spoken for all that they taught.
He reports he has kept the course – the fight has been fought!

The prophets throughout all time gather around
Raising to heaven a joyful sound.
Their dear brother has come. Faithful, Valiant and Strong -
With the noble and great, dear Prophet, is where you belong.

Finally, the welcome most endearing and fervent;
He hears the blessed words -
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

He served, sacrificed and loved to the utmost degree;
Always heeding the Master‘s words, “Come Follow Me!”
Reminding us all to stand taller, stride forward and far –
Constantly reminding us of who we really are.

The wave of his cane will be missed as will his loving smile;
Yet, if we endure he will be missed for but a short while.
We have been offered the invitation to stand,
In the end, alongside this noble man.

So, let you and I remember today…
The covenants and promises that will guide our way.
I pray that we will again meet our dear friend…
When this mortal estate has come to its end.

- Andrea L. Ballard
January 28, 2008

Pena de Bernal

This last weekend our little band decided to climb the world's second largest monolith - Pena de Bernal! Uncle Ryan (my brother) served a mission in Australia and explored the largest monolith in the world - Ayer's Rock or Uluru! Thus, a member of the Smith family has now explored the two largest monoliths in the world!

We all enjoyed the climb up and met people from the USA, Belgium and France. We thought it was interesting that people left their mark on catcti - similar in fashion to others who carve their names into trees. The climb up was fun - our little group went as far as possible without equiptment! We do wish we had some climbing and rappelling gear here... that would make for some great fun... but, our children were quick to note the crosses atop the monolith that may be signifying others who attempted unsuccessfully to rock climb the cliffs. Our family loved seeing some hawks and possibly eagles flying around the peak of this amazing sight. It was a great time and we all enjoyed the hike!

Guanajuato!

Last weekend our little Ballard Band of Explorers visited what is termed the most traditional and romantic city in Mexico! This town is nestled between two mountain ranges and is built atop a series of tunnels and mines. The city is a mining town and we had a wonderful time there! Many of the roadways wound down under the city and we were able to drive through old mines that have since been converted into roads! The kids loved that portion of the trip.

We visited the "Callejon del Beso" (Alley of the Kiss) this is a legendary spot in Mexico. Mexican folklore tells of a young maiden from a rich family who falls in love with a simple miner. Their love is forbidden (of course) and because of secret reunions that were discovered her father ends up banishing her to her bedroom in their home. The young miner rents the room across the alley and the balconies are so close that you can kiss across the alley. So, as legend states if you come to Guanajuato you must kiss on the Callejon del Beso for good luck! So, sufficed to say there was some kissing as well at site seeing in Guanajuato! We all got kissed on the Callejon del Beso!

For some of the more scenic views we rode up one of the mountains to the statue of "El Pipila". There we looked out over the town and learned that this statue commemorates a man who carried urgent messages to the rebels fighting against the Spanish for independence - in order to keep himself from being shot he carried a large bag of rocks on his back as a shield. He is one of the revolutionary heroes.

Enjoy the pictures... the colors of this little town are beautiful.

Feliz Cumpleanos - 4 YEARS OLD!

Our little man just turned four years old and we had a 'FIESTA' for him! The yard was filled with large, bouncing balls with a huge, inflatable crocodile to play on! We had food, fun and a pinata (of course)! My cute husband climbed on the roof of the garage area to hang the pinata! Everyone had a great time and our little four year old enjoyed the cake and ice cream as much as playing with all his friends and classmates! Feliz Cumpleanos y Prospero Ano!

Corrida de Toros (The Bullfight)!

My cute husband and I traveled to a little suburb of a Mexican city to take in a much publicized and heralded bull fight. The setting was lovely, the air was crisp with small bits of rain and the company we were with were knowledgeable about bullfights - two couples were from Mexico and another couple from Canada.

I must admit that I was nervous to attend; as one who cringes at rodeos when the calves are thrown to the ground I packed an entire roll of toilet paper just to wipe my tears! Yet, in the spirit of "Viva Mexico!" We decided to experience one of the areas oldest traditions...

As we were entering the arena we picked up red carnations and white handkerchiefs that were being handed out - "To honor your favorite bullfighter", was the explanation. We passed some blindfolded horses with thick, quilted, bright yellow padding on every part of their body - "Those are the horses for the picadores", we were told. Then we joined the throng squeezing through the doors and walked into the arena. The arena we attended, 'Provincia Juriquilla', is noted to be one of the most beautiful arenas in the country and it was picturesque! The seating was cement benches that wrapped around the entire arena! The feeling in the air was jovial and contagious... we were looking forward to learning a bit more about Mexico!

We quickly learned why the people were so jovial as we passed a group of men while looking for our seats - they held up a type of skin canteen and called for me to open my mouth! "GRACIAS, PERO NO!" I said, wondering what I missed out on... later I found that each satchel was filled with either 'vino' or 'cervezas' (wine or beer)! Ergo the already jovial atmosphere!

First the bullfighters came out into the ring with pomp and circumstance - we would be seeing three fighters and six bulls that night! (My first learning experience... I thought I only had to make it through one bull!) Two were famous fighters from Mexico and the other was a famous fighter from Spain - "Jose Tomas"! Then a man enters the ring with a placard that states the name and weight of the bull! Then enters the bull... and they are huge! Each bull weighed about 500 kilos or 1,100 lbs! Yes, did I say huge? At this point novice bullfighters would enter the ring with bright colored capotes (capes) and the bull would charge them and then they would run behind large wooden shields that protected the entrances to the ring. This practice is for the matador to see the aim, speed and agility of the bull. Then the matador comes out and spars with the bull. Afterward the picadores on horses enter the ring and stab the bull in the back near the shoulder blades. I learned that if this is not done properly it can affect the fight - we saw two bulls lambaste two horses and throw them to the ground and another picadore did not succeed in stabbing the bull and was dismissed by the judges bugler horn and another picador completed that segment of the fight. (All of these occurrences can effect the outcome of the bull fight!) Then three picadores on foot run at the bull while the bull charges them and they place, by hand!, two more pics each in the bull. (Those are the long, decorated lances that pierce the bull and are often pictured when a bull fight is reported or advertised.) Finally, the matador comes out and spars with the bull for a period of time with a colorful capote. After he has sufficiently displayed his abilities to control the bull - to each act of control the crowd shouts, "OLE!"; the matador will then change swords and don the red capote and throw his hat to the floor of the ring; thus signaling that the time to spar is over and it is now onward to the death of the bull.

After a few more passes with the bull the matador stabs a long, curved sword into the shoulder blade area of the bull and then two other novices enter the ring... as the bull charges and reacts to the capotes being waved at him the sword basically dissects his muscles and renders the bull unable to move any longer. At this point the bull collapses and another person comes in and puts the bull out of his misery by stabbing a dagger through his forehead into his brain. The matador is then awarded for his performance - one ear, two ears or two ears and a tail depending on the level of the performance and the manner in which the bull died. After the awarding of these items the bull is then hitched up to a Clydesdale horse and dragged out of the arena. The matador then walks around the entire arena and spectators throw their flowers (or coats, hats, shoes, purses, etc. to the matador and he in turn throws them back - as good luck) and they wave their white handkerchiefs to salute their favorite matador!

The bullfight we attended was quite an experience - we saw two horses go down (pictured), one picadore get thrown to the wall by a bull, a matador get thrown about six feet into the air by a bull (pictured is him being carried out by numerous men... and he came back to fight again!), and we saw what the crowd described as 'the perfect hit' meaning that the bull's death would be more quick and with less pain. We learned of the rules and regulations that surround the fanfare and the tradition - but above all I was impressed with the silence of the crowd when the moment of death was imminent. There was a silence that I chose to believe was a silence of gratitude for the bull and the event taking place. After the fights we were informed that the meat from the bulls are given to charities in the area.

I did not need one square of paper to wipe my eyes (which was a shocker to me!)... but I did feel that I had experienced enough of the 'sport' or 'art' of bullfighting to form my own opinion. The conquest of man over animal was a sight to behold... yet, I can't help but wonder if that is the manner in which we are to treat animals. I can't imagine heaven looks upon us paying to watch the suffering and death of animals with favor. For me it is a once in a lifetime moment that I am grateful I experienced yet I left with a conscience troubled as I reflected on my own shouts of "Ole!" while I saw an innocent creature die for my entertainment. Although many colors and art surround this tradition in the end it is the conquest of man over animal at the heart of the event.