On my way to the Vatican I took this photo. You can see at the far back Saint Peter’s cathedral in Rome.
Last week I had a visit from abroad that did not know Mexico City, so the task was to show him around. First stop was Mexico Downtown which has lots of old and nice building that show architectural influence from around the world: Spain, Italy, France, Arab even English and some Art Deco. Why this? Well, the city was founded in 1521 and many people has contributed to what we are today.
We landed on a very nice place where there are shops and a hotel boutique, you know, the kind of hotel that has about 12 nice rooms and exceed any service expectations and, of course, also the price.
Have a look here
I did not take that many photos, but the one thing I liked was how the top of the trees downstairs showed a bush-form garden at the lobby upstairs.
Inside the building there are several restaurants, one of then called Punta Arenas (on a previous post) and an artisan factory of chocolates called Qué Bo (Here the link for you to look around)
Did I mention that the chocolate is from Mexican origin? Hang on there, that will be a soon-to-be post.
This is the view of the garden from the Lobby, which happen to be the top of the trees from the second photograph below.
nice…
On the way to the restaurant below or going up to the lobby, a mural on the staircase.
Some of the shops in the place….
I don’t remember the name of the Hotel…so
Some of the many buildings in Downtown Mexico City:
This is the Palace of Fine Arts where many concerts and expositions take place. This building has sunk more than 3 feet to date since the city was built on a lake bed.
Hemicycle to Benito Juárez, Mexican president monument
One of the views of the Zócalo, the second largest Plaza in the world, just after Rusia’s
The Zocalo and the Monumental flag
National Palace, government building on the Zócalo.
Another view of National Palace.
The Cathedral. The oldest and the first one in Latin America. The first stone was set on 1571.
You would see a regular bike like this one with the only exception that this bike is set up on the wall above tables in a restaurant.
This restaurant is in Downtown Mexico City, it is call Punta Arenas and is inside a little mall where there is a hotel and some boutiques.
If you think this is unusual, I remember there was a tennis court on another wall downtown. It may be that they don’t know what to do with those huge plain building walls.
In case you are, let’s say, interested…
http://www.guardiasvizzera.va/content/guardiasvizzera/en/diventare-guardia/condizioni.html
CONDITIONS
CATHOLIC FAITH Swiss Guards are practising Catholics. They operate daily in the heart of the Roman Curia, continuously meet people on their pilgrimage to the Tomb of the Prince of the Apostles and participate in the liturgical celebrations inside the Vatican. It is obvious that by their religious faith and practice, the Swiss Guards are the Holy Father’s “visiting card”.
SWISS NATIONALITY
Swiss nationality is a prerequisite for joining the Corps. The candidates need to be able to integrate with the Corps as we latter wish to preserve our typical Swiss character. Therefore, it is expected of the candidates that they have a particular attachment to Switzerland.
GOOD HEALTH
All applicants to the Swiss Guards must already have had a medical examination in Switzerland and accept to have another thorough medical exam including a psychological test. Only healthy candidates are accepted in the Swiss Guards.
IRREPROACHABLE REPUTATION
Those in charge of the Pope’s security must have irreproachable reputations.
COMPLETION OF THE SWISS ARMY TRAINING
The compulsory two-year service in the Swiss Guards is too short to aquire an exhaustive basic training. This is why Guards must already be in possession of the military skills which they can acquire in the Swiss Army. Tough not affiliated, we use the same military language as the Swiss Army and we share its concept of discipline.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
We are looking for able, keen and proficient candidates. Acquiring professional skills is a good indicator of these qualities. Therefore, we require applicants having passed a study curriculum of at least three years or, in rare exceptions, two years of good professional training.
MALE ONLY
The Guards are housed in double or triple rooms. At the beginning they are in dormitories.The camaraderie between young unmarried men should not be undervalued. A mixed Corps is not appropriate in our service and community life.
CELIBACY
For reasons of service we are bound to live in the Vatican and places for socialising are very limited. There are very few apartments available. To be allowed to marry Guards must be at least 25, have served for at least three years, commit themselves to serving for another three years and have at least the rank of Corporal.
UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE
Anyone who wants to become a Swiss Guard had better decide early. Our Corps is a young one. Often, older recruits find it more difficult to integrate. We do not accept candidates who are over 30 years of age. However, under certain conditions, former Guards can return to the Corps
Fun was also part of the trip, and no, it is not me getting looks from locals. This is the Scalinata dell’Ara Coeli that leads to the Basilica de Santa Maria of the Altar in Heaven, in Rome, Italy.
I don’t know if this disrespects the place, but I can say that one has to live a more relaxed life and from once in a while do funny stuff.
Just as a fact, I landed at least in four weddings. Now, if you are willing to go up 126 steps, you might as well get married if you are already up there. haha…
I am certain you have seen or heard about the Trevi Fountain. It is a must landmark visit when in Rome.
Designed by Nicola Silva and finished by Pietro Bracci in 1762, it just took 30 years from start to end.
The picture was not easy to take, it was very sunny though it was taken in the middle of October making it a little bit out of focus and not as clear as I would have wished; it was very crowded and it was hard to find a good spot to shoot the picture. I visit this place several times during my stay and have more pictures of it. I will update this post with some more when I get to them from my huge photo file.