England 2018 (Part 5)

Back in England, and specifically in London, there were other things that needed attention before returning home. For example, going to the Victoria & Albert Museum.

There we saw David, as always, naked.

We also saw our friend Frida, who was having her own exhibition. An entire floor dedicated to her.

And then there was time meet up with colleagues who were also in London at the time. First, Carol, my colleague from my teaching days at Bellarmine University and at King's College London. That's right, we both taught classes at King's College London. 

We are so happy to see each other!

Then it was time to have tea at the Oscar Wilde Lounge with my theatre collaborator and friend, Jimmy.

And a visit to one of the most amazing and most magical castles we didn't know about.

Hardly anyone visits this castle because it is not easy to get to it. It takes two trains. But, once there, the trip is worth it because it is the only castle where you are allowed to go INSIDE and visit every single room, garden, and corner of the place. 

FRIDA'S PAINTINGS/DIEGO'S MURALS

ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHTED AND THEY ARE MY PROPERTY. THEY ARE NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN

There are many Frida Kahlo paintings and sketches that are not well known. Here I share some of them. 

The most intriguing murals made by Diego are at the National Palace in Downtown Mexico. Here is a collage of them in different ways.

And here's a collection of masks, just for kicks.

Some individual masks, my favorite being the white skull. It's just very intriguing. 

LA CASA AZUL

ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHTED AND THEY ARE MY PROPERTY. THEY ARE NOT PUBLIC DOMAIN

As expected, visiting LA CASA AZUL (The Frida Kahlo Museum) was a very good experience. I was able to take more than a hundred pictures, as well as talked to some very knowledgeable people. The best part is that I was able to see many of Frida's paintings as well as learned new things about her that I had not read in any of the books. 

One of my many favorite things in La Casa Azul was the kitchen.

And here is the other, Frida's bed.

 The patio, colorful and very inviting. 

The famous "Judas" or La Muerte.

And what an incredible garden.

This is the famous pyramid, Diego had in the garden. It got so big that a new place (very expensive project) was started, it is now known as Anahucalli (The Diego Rivera Museum). I'll be there tomorrow.

This is one of the Tehuana dresses Frida used to wear. I saw a similar dress at the market. Cost $350.

Frida's prosthetic leg.

Frida's wheelchair.

Frida's painting materials.  

Finally, some of the many corsets Frida wore after the accident and throughout here life.

Here is an image of one of the markets. Colorful. 

Frutas, candy, pinatas, and food, food, and more food. 

And this is what I ate. Quesadillas, gorditas, and tlacoyos... all made as I ordered them. 

Of course, I have to have one of this.

And one of this.

And I couldn't pass out my favorite: "Nieve de Cajeta" (Caramel Ice Cream)

A popular celebration going on.

Graffitti artists using their talent to tell the tales of our people.

Finally, I leave you with "The Tree of Life." This particular sculpture is about 20 feet tall.