Walking across the 110 freeway (on a bridge) felt great! It meant that I wasn't stuck with the 4pm traffic down below. ;O) Trust me, you don't wanna get caught in a bumper to bumper situation here.
Further down my journey, I passed by the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and popped in. Every archdiocese or diocese has to have a Cathedra (Latin for Chair) or Mother Church. The formal dedication and blessing took place on Sept 2, 2002, and it's to replace the former cathedral, St Vibiana's, that was ravaged during the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
I was really impressed with the tapestries that flanked the two sides of the main church. It features 135 life-size saints from all over the world. I was rendered speechless by its beauty and the work that goes on behind it. (I know because I'm into this form of art too.) It's how art speaks to me. It reminds me of how we are all part of this one big family, whether we're from the past, present or future; whether we're beige, purple, brown, green, blue, orange, magenta... . there are so many people in the world who are striving to live holy and meaningful lives! And that's an inspiration to me!
Here's a close-up of the details of the work by John Nava. (Oh btw, you can click on the images to see a larger view of it.)
Elizabeth Ann's feast day falls on my birthday. Nicknamed the "Daughter of New York", this first canonised American Saint's dedication to the young is an encouragement for me. She's also patron saint of those who share the faith.Down in the lower levels rests the Crypt Mausoleum. Here lies 6000 columbarium niches of different sizes for burials. For those who are familiar with William Wyler's Roman Holiday and the 1962 version of To Kill a Mocking Bird, the name Gregory Peck will definitely ring a bell!
Within the same walls of the mausoleum is the chapel of St. Vibiana. She is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
The body of St. Vibiana is entombed in the crypt of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
Surfacing from the depths of the Cathedral and back on Grand Ave, I headed south where ship look-alike awaits. Here at 111, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is the fourth hall of the L.A. Music Centre. I've heard so much about the Frank Gehry's Decontructivism architectural piece, that I had to see it with my own eyes!
And keeping his eye on things is R2-D2. (Many have spotted this droid all over the country! Is he sending a message or retrieving one?) This is part of US Postal Service's celebration of Star Wars' 30th anniversary!Above me, a spaceship drifts over the skyscrapers of L.A. Is this something from a new summer blockbuster? This is, after all, L.A. - entertainment capital of the world!
Nah... It's just a heap of ... er... I mean work of art exhibited at the Modern Museum of Art (MOMA).
My field trip ends after passing by Civic Centre. Probably the most recognisable building in the L.A. business district area.
I had a good time exploring the downtown area. There is much more to cover! I hope you enjoyed the pictures! Do leave me comments or your thoughts on the tag board about what you think! Till the next input...Adios Amigos!
