Monasterio de Santa Catalina

Not too shabby, eh? I'm surprised America's Next Top Model hasn't done a photo shoot here.

The Santa Catalina monastery was a cloistered convent built in 1580. In these times, it was traditional for the second son or daughter in each family to enter religious service. This convent accepted only women from high-class Spanish families who could provide huge dowries. It was really only a convent by name, not for those set upon living a life of chastity and poverty. Each nun at Santa Catalina had between one and four servants or slaves, and the nuns invited musicians to perform in the convent, gave parties and lived a lavish lifestyle.

In 1871 the pope sent a Dominican nun to clean the place up, return the dowries, free the slaves and bring piety back to the place. In 1970, it was restored and open to the public. There are still about 20 devout nuns, living in one small section of the monastery.

Liz with el Misti (active volcano) behind her. This is taken from the mirador (lookout) of the monastery.

I'm pretending to cook with an old iron skillet. I would have been a happy servant here.

Finally!!! Liz makes it to a confessional!