For our second day in San Miguel we wanted to walk from the city center out north to one of the suburbs to visit the "Fabrica La Aurora," a former textile mill converted into a center for the visual arts or fine arts. The factory was originally built in 1902 and became a thriving textile factory for nearly nine decades.  It was repurposed by a group of artists and reopened in 2004 where it now houses the galleries and workshops of over 50 artists. Many artists are working on site and there are workshops in progress for the public and emerging artists.  Paula and I met Lucas Rise, one of the working artists and saw not only his work (see photo) but that of his wife, Giuliana Vastarella.

    After soaking in the amazing beauty of the place, we stopped at "Petit Four," a French cafe on the way back to our apt. where we enjoyed a latte and decadent pastry ("patisserie").  Afternoon naps have become mandatory, especially as we both are fighting toe-to-toe with a horrible cold-bronchial virus. 

    Continuing our exploration of the city after our break, we walked through the "Mercado de Artesanias," which is basically a three or four blocks long series of outdoor stalls with merchandise as well as dozens of small shops packed from floor to ceiling with a mind-boggling array of trinkets, and clothing, and gadgets and everything you thought you would never need. It's essentially a huge, sprawling shopping emporium. 

    On our way to dinner, we met a local woman standing beside a van with the paintings of dogs on the hood and sides and the words "Servicios de Crematorio" on the side.  With my broken Spanish and her broken English we managed to learn that she provides disposal services at a sliding scale for the city: 2,200 pesos for small breeds up to 2,800 pesos for large breeds. She even provides a nicely decorated container!  We asked about whether there was an SPCA type agency in SMA and she said, yes, and that there is a problem with stray dogs in this city that increases in direct proportion to the economic status of the "Zona," or suburb: more poverty, more strays. A word of caution to would-be travelers to Mexico: If you are susceptible to the pathetic, pleading eyes of these stray dogs on the street that shout "Take me home," you'd best stay home.

Wood carving along walkway at Fabrica La Aurora

Entrance to Fabrica La Aurora

A Lucas Rise mural in downtown SMA (We also saw one of his murals in "The Restaurant")

Embroidery by Giuliana (Lucas Rise's wife)

Lucas Rise's work in gallery 

There are serious cobbles in SMA. Good shoes are highly recommended.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
      We visited the University of Guanajuato steps this morning to see how students had decorated them for Los Muertos.  In the lower portion of the steps you can see sand "tapetes," or mosiacs, which represent the tradition of "La Ofrenda," or altar in Mexican culture. In addition to decorating the tombs in the cemeteries, these "ofrendas" are the most important and sacred commemoration during this event which Catholics call  "All Saints Day." Combining Catholic beliefs and pre-Hispanic indigenous beliefs, the Mexican families believe the souls of their departed return at this time each year to celebrate their lives on earth with the living.     There are seven levels to the "ofrenda": On the first level, there is the image of a patron saint; the second level has a tribute to all "disfuntos" or dead souls; the third level has a symbol of purification, such as salt; the fourth level has some form of bread, the staff of life; ...
Read more
Image
      Felt well enough to venture out this morning.  We decided it was going to be a sort of "rinse and repeat" day since I still wasn't up for anything more adventurous.  We wanted to continue looking for souvenirs, and in order to get to the Mercado, one way was to walk through the underground tunnels which at this hour would be relatively quiet and uncongested. Essentially all the booths and stalls that normally sell a variety of food, favorite regional drinks like "micheladas" (beer, lime juice assorted chilis and spices),  and trinkets related to Los Muertos, were closed.  But we were able to see the displays and decorations.     After purchasing a few things at the souvenir emporium, we headed to the Mega Soriana, a sort of Fred Myers, to try to return a cough preparation I had bought, but after reading the small print, realized had not been approved by the COFEPRIS or Mexico's FDA equivalent. Of course, the woman in the Farmacia said s...
Read more
Image
      We accumulated enough dirty clothes to try the washer and dryer in the terrace laundry room.  All went well except the dryer took several attempts to get things actually dry.  While we waited for the laundry we had our standard breakfast: still enjoying La Vie pastries, fruit, yogurt, etc.  Unfortunately, I've succumbed to one of the traveling risks: I've developed a pretty nasty cold probably from having sat next to a coughing Japanese lady on the plane. So our first stop out the door was to a local Farmacia where I found some Vicks 44 and cough drops.       We returned to the Mercado Hidalgo to continue looking for momentos we can easily pack home in a nice bolsa (bag) that Paula found at one of the many stalls.  Stopped by one of the dozens of small cafes that are spread throughout the city for coffee and more pastries!  Have to replenish those calories we're burning from all the steps.      After a refr...
Read more