An architect’s favorite places

On the way to visit the cathedral and cultural museum, we learned a wedding was taking place and could see celebration preparations in the plaza in front of the cathedral. So we waited in hopes of catching a glance, not realizing they would lead a procession to through town. Dave got better photos after playing football with vendors’ son while we waited. Later we joined an architect for a tour of his favorite places around town.

The processional music once they reached the street was an Italian anti-fascist tune. Not sure I captured that in this clip—Anita’s Italian and recognized it.

Dave had perfect timing and captured the fireworks in this video. One poor fellow near us got hit in the face with burning debris…but it was spectacular!

Our tour guide Fernando with the lucha t-shirt and red hat in a beautiful courtyard, part of an art center created by one of the city’s most reknowned artists, Francisco Toledo.

Part of a beautiful gate made by Francisco Toledo of a kind of scorpions found here that is smaller than scorpions in Texas, for example.

Fernando encouraged us to go inside buildings whose doors are open, as that signals an invitation. Often the exterior would give not clue to the beautiful interiors, usually with plant filled courtyards.

An art nouveau style theatre (teatro) being renovated.

Another Francisco Toledo gate and wish I’d crossed the street to zoom in on a gate inside the building across the street with a beautiful cricket design. Notice the path is a porous design with grass growing between the bricks. This is the entry to a lovely cultural arts center.

The site was the former convent that had been used as a parking lot until Toledo and his friend Alfredo Harp Helu renovated it with a beautiful mix of old structures with modern additions.

Fernando loves the play of light and shadow depending on the time of day.

The reflection of metal on the edge of the roof spells the hotel’s name only at a certain time of day.

An ancient metate (for grinding corn) repurposed for flowers.

Sculpture made by a famous blind artist called el señor de las sirenas (mermaids).

Fernando loves latticework that allows air and light (and in one later provides a place for birds to rest at night).

Another chance for Dave to dance! Lots of families come out to parks at night. Besides dancers, there were roller skaters, and kids in electric cars. I remember in Cambodia parks at night filled with various exercise classes. So nice to have such beautiful tree-covered spaces where people come out to stroll, eat, play, and enjoy good company.