I was putting a travel list together for a friend when I chanced upon my old writings to Mike on Mexico City.
Oct 15th, 2012
I took the chance to hop down in the hood called Tlalpan, hoping to be allowed entry to the Luis Barragans chapel. Whilst outside, a homeless woman signalled for me to wait with her. 5 minutes later, a nun opened the door to pass her a bag of food, and she signalled for me to enter. Unfortunately , they only allow visits before 11am (this was understood after alot of sign langauge between the nun and I) and so I’ve made a reservation to see the chapel on Friday morning. Still, in the 2 minutes that I entered to leave my name on her book, my heart skipped a beat. The stunning architecture. Fuck.
Oct 16th, 2012
So.. the language of love.
The great thing about travelling alone is that strangers (locals) are more receptive and approachable. People have been very nice to me thus far.
Apart from the helpful homeless and the friendly nun, the guy serving me lunch at the market today gave me an extra drink (Ive already ordered a drink) because it was meant to compliment my food. The bus guide kept coming to me asking if I need anything else and where else I would like to go Yesterday , as I was staring at a mural on the wall, a man came up to me and said ¨This... Importantance...significance...me...life...¨
The language of love = no common language
There exists so much tolerance between strangers when we dont speak the same language. we have no choice but to base our thoughts on sign language. expressions, and gestures.
And travelling...doesn’t it make us so curious about everything we see? I got curious about the mural and its importance to ones life. its called Omniscience (1925) by José Clemente Orozcos.
Oct 17th, 2012
I visited Frida Khalo’s house yesterday, and today, I went to the Gilardi house and Luis Barragan’s house. There were so much emotions stirred within me. People’s houses always remind me how important the home is,how personal it gets,and how its richness is shaped by items which inspire us.
Oct 18th, 2012
On happiness and respect...
The guide (Chek) for Casa Luis Barragan yesterday comes from a Mexican tribe. He was telling us how different they think compared to a modern Mexican - that happiness is the core of life in terms of how one feels and not what one has. In the family, the parents should let you choose your path rather than choose it for you. He spoke about how women have always been the leader of the tribes because women have the ability to change men but not men to women. But with the change in societal dynamics, men now think they are above, causing an imbalance in our world. Chek mentioned they believe that women have mystical powers and are connected to the moon and hence they are the wise ones leading the tribe. I like this spiritual thinking, not because it makes us leaders but because it allows for respect towards women. I think it's beautiful.
Oct 19th, 2012
I spent an hour in Luis Barragan’s church this morning.
The morning light was streaming through the tinted glass and square perforations.
Each space was differently illuminated by natural light.
The walls were washed into various shades of pink from the sun.
The light shone on the cross casting a shadow on the wall
You can hear the water flowing from the stone sculpture
It was all very serene and beautiful. The adrenaline that was injected into me made me happy to be an architect So inspired and so touched.
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