Friday, April 02, 2010

Gran Plaza

A couple of blocks up from the main Cathedral in Merida, sits this pretty little park. Merida is full of parks, each with its' own special character. This one Is Called Grand Plaza, named after-the famous Grand Hotel That Occupied space on one side of it.

In the center stands proud this statue of Iforgethisname, staunchly Facing the Small church across the street.




I think the staircase in Merida, Both indoors and out, are Simply stupendous. Architecture in Their Own right.




You Can Also find an abundance of These in most parks.




They are Called Courting benches. Given Our Puritan heritage and Mexico's Catholic one, You Can Probably Understand why.

A different view of Lord Iforgethisname. Brilliantly siloutteted Against the sky.





Also abound in the city churches. They are Everywhere you turn. Each one a classic.





Just in case you missed the pigeon taking a break in the photo above!




And here she is proud in all of her glory: The Grand Hotel. Way Beyond my budget.
Just look at the detail and the paint job. She is a magnificent piece of Meridian archetecture.

If you ever get a chance to visit Merida, I hope you take a stroll around. Or better yet, hop onto one of the city tour buses. There are Some magnificent parks and buildings to see There.
** There will be a special post on the blog tomorrow.

6 comments:

KfromMichigan said...

I love Merida! Especially on the weekend when the streets are blocked off. Great place to visit.

norm said...

Merida won me over when I was in my 20's, I hope to spend a little of my retirement years there if the creek don't rise too high.

Tom said...

your statue of Lord Iforgethisname

is actually General Manuel Cepeda Peraza.

just FYI!
Debi

Theresa in Mèrida said...

I think the plaza you are talking about is called el parque del hidalgo..but I wouldn't bet on it. I do know, however that the plaza grande is the real name for what we foreigners sometimes call el zocalo, Gran Plaza is also the name of a mall on Prolongación de Montejo.
regards,
Theresa

Islagringo said...

tom&debi: thanks for the info. Now, what is he so famous for?

theresa: you are right. The correct name is Hidalgo Park. Wonder why there is not a statute of Hidalgo there?

Theresa in Mèrida said...

Wayne, I may have been right about it being the parque del hidalgo but Husband corrected me on the "zocalo" the main square is called La Plaza de La Independencia and the only zocalo is in Mexico City.
I bet the name translates to "The Park of the nobleman" not "Hidalgo's park" an hidalgo is a nobleman and Hidalgo is a last name...

regards,
Theresa