Monday, September 14, 2009

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.

6 comments:

ellastica said...

wow. thanks for sharing your journey and all of your wonderful photos and observations.

Maria Fernanda Sainz said...

I love Olvera St. you can buy some great cheap buys! Mexican food is simply the best. haha

Kaya said...

Keep at it. Your so going to enjoy these memories.

Kaya said...

*you're

Anonymous said...

YILIN!! HI!!!!!
I miss you so much...you look like you are totally enjoying yourself over there while we are dying over here...
The places you visited look really nice...and the last pic, the bracelets are so cool~ I like their silvery feeling~ Are they expensive??
And post more pics of food next time leh. I want to see all the nice food you are describing, even though I probably won't get to eat them here. The food at NUS is nice though...
And in case you still don't know(T_T), I am xw...

Bear said...

Xw! I comment right below you! Haha. Anyway, mexican food is really yummy... Ah, the places look really nice.