Guadalajara!

Hello friends! I recently returned from a trip to Guadalajara, Mexico. I visited this city (mexico's 2nd city with a population in excess of 6 million!) for business, but luckily there was time for a bit of leisure as well. Our kind business associates took us to the city center we we visited the "Hospicio Cabanas," home to some amazing murals painted by Jose Clemente Orozco between 1936-1939. Along with Siqueiros and Diego Rivera, Orozco was one of 'the big three' of the Mexican Mural Renaissance. Orozco had communist tendencies and the influence of the Russian revolution can be seen in his murals here. They are massive, foreboding, and savage.

Here I am in business mode in front of the Hospicio building. It was originally built as an orphanage. Thats an impressive looking orphanage no? The fountain in the foreground gave a dancing water display nearly as impressive as the one in front of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg...nearly.

Now, observing frescoed rotundas can be a recipe for a neckache. However, the Mexicans were thoughtful enough to place a highly polished copper plate beneath the main rotunda. In this manner you can look down at your feet to see the detail painted 100 feet above. Ingenious! I've never seen the like in any other country!

Enjoy the following photos of Orozco's magnificent work! If you have the opportunity I would highly recommend visiting them yourself. Though intimidatingly large, I found the city of Guadalajara hospitable and its inhabitants, 'los tapatios' extremely open and friendly. Make the trip!

And with that, I wish you all a happy holiday season. Enjoy your rest, and most of all enjoy your time with loved ones and friends.