Sightseeing in Downtown L.A.

On Saturday I went on a cultural tour of some well-known spots in the Downtown area. First up: the historic Bradbury building. The intricately constructed, somewhat gothic interior space is astonishing, and its antiquated appearance belies the fact that the upper floors actually have office tenants.

Arched doorways, stairs with ornate black railings (they look like iron to me), equally ornate mouldings, and ancient elevator with black gates (third picture) which doesn't seem to be working anymore...

Then it's the Walt Disney Concert Hall with its shiny, undulating curved facade, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry:

Very clean and modern, in total contrast to the Bradbury building. In Downtown one finds a juxtaposition of the old and the new; tradition with modernity.

We also visited the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. I don't know much about the Catholic tradition, but I'm told that it's a new-age cathedral. The interior feels like a crypt, and there are all kinds of religious touches- wall scone-like lamps, oil paintings, murals, stained-glass arches etc. I was slightly overwhelmed by the atmosphere.

We also went to the African-American National Museum (no pictures of that though). I like how the figure is stylized in African art and their ritualistic masks.

Last stop: Olvera Street, with its Hispanic flavour. I tried a tamale (like a corn pastry) for the first time, and really liked it. I'm really getting into Mexican food- tacos, tortillas, rice and beans etc.

The street is lined with stalls selling Mexican wares like ruched tops with colourful embroidery, straw hats and sweets.

My buys! A studded black pleather cuff, and two beautiful silver bracelets and a ring which I plan on wearing together. I think the silver jewellery would go great with my long-sleeved gray top with the sleeves rolled up.

It felt good to get away from school for a bit and explore the place, which I frankly haven't done much of. Looking forward to doing more shopping when I find the time.