Carmel Mission

On the 2nd day of our little spring break trip, we checked out of our hotel and drove a few miles down to Carmel. Dallin is studying the California missions this year in school, and he had to choose one for his big mission project. He looked at a bunch online and decided that the one in Carmel was his favorite because it looked really old and unique. So we worked a visit into our travel plans. This was the day it rained, and we were very grateful it stopped raining for a little bit while we walked around to take pictures.  

 This is the 2nd oldest mission, and it was founded in 1770.

 This was my favorite little corner of the mission. I love the old walls, stairs, flowers and cool doors. 

 There were lots of colorful flowers everywhere.

Here's the front of the chapel. The architecture of this mission is more ornate than the others.

 Inside the chapel.

I'm guessing this is Father Serra, the founder of the mission. I forgot to look at the plaque because it was starting to rain again.

 The cemetery was pretty - they put abalone shells on all the grave markers. 

 Moving into the buildings - here is the music room. Of course Tyler was drawn to the old violins.

 Kitchen

 Dining area

 The room where they received guests

 Padre's bedroom

The walls were covered with beautiful artwork.

"California's first library."

 Another pretty little corner.

When I was deciding which college to attend, I visited two schools: St. Francis College, in Pennsylvania, and Alderson-Broauddus, in West Virginia. They both had excellent physician assistant programs, and they were both small, private, rural, religious schools. There was a huge difference between them, however. AB was very stark, plain, and utilitarian-feeling. St. Francis, on the other hand, had a beautiful campus with flowers, fountains and more interesting/attractive architecture. There was such a good, peaceful spirit there. I love beautiful places, and walking around the Carmel Mission reminded me of that first visit to St. Francis. Thank you, Dallin, for choosing this mission.