La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
When I stepped into the neighborhood of Lagunillas in Málaga yesterday, I was immediately met by a guy and his friend. They were rough around the edges and the one said “I work here.” The start of the neighborhood looked like a construction (demolition) zone. So, I simply wondered why he was telling me. He then told me he was from Cuba. Again I wondered why he was telling me. Then, he asked for a euro. I said “Sorry. No,” and began my exploration. I have no problem sharing my limited funds but I don’t like being accosted like that. Besides, I had already dropped euros in a couple of hats before I got there and I knew I’d leave some more.
It creeped me out a bit because I was at the start of a seedy looking alley (the first photo in the gallery below) when they stopped me. But it turned out to be a pleasant walk through a poor, tired, and transitioning neighborhood. Vacant lots and construction at every turn. Soon, it will be gentrified like the surrounding neighborhoods and none of the current residents will be able to afford to live there. Today I’ve focused primarily on the wildlife. I learned about the art in the neighborhood from the artful blog Travels with Toby, and I’m very grateful.
After Lagunilla, I wandered a bit, went for a tapas lunch, walked some more, and then decided to go to the Center for Contemporary Art. More on all that in the coming days.
I haven’t yet decided what to do with today. I know we’re having left-over pulled pork for lunch. We had it for dinner last night followed by San Geraldo’s chocolate chip banana bread with Mandarin oranges. After I gave the cats their first wet food of the day today (I made them wait until 9:45, although they nearly drove us both crazy with their bellowing), Dudo then meowed at me until I got back in bed. He curled up next to me and went to sleep. I didn’t want to be in bed, but I do what I’m told. After 15 minutes, I tried to sneak out but I coughed and Dudo shot out of the room.
.
Cuando entré ayer en el barrio de Lagunillas en Málaga, inmediatamente me encontré con un chico y su amigo. Eran ásperos en los bordes y el que decía “Yo trabajo aquí”. El comienzo del barrio parecía una zona de construcción (demolición). Entonces, simplemente me preguntaba por qué me lo estaba contando. Luego me dijo que era de Cuba. De nuevo me pregunté por qué me lo estaba contando. Luego, pidió un euro. Dije “Lo siento. No”, y comenzó mi exploración. No tengo ningún problema en compartir mis fondos limitados, pero no me gusta que me aborden así. Además, ya había echado euros en un par de sombreros antes de llegar y sabía que dejaría algunos más.
Me asustó un poco porque estaba al comienzo de un callejón de aspecto sórdido (la primera foto en la galería a continuación) cuando me detuvieron. Pero resultó ser un agradable paseo por un barrio pobre, cansado y en transición. Lotes baldíos y construcciones a cada paso. Pronto, será aburguesado como los vecindarios circundantes y ninguno de los residentes actuales podrá permitirse vivir allí. Hoy me he centrado principalmente en la vida salvaje. Aprendí sobre el arte en el barrio del ingenioso blog Travels with Toby, y estoy muy agradecido.
Después de Lagunilla, deambulé un poco, fui a comer unas tapas, caminé un poco más y luego decidí ir al Centro de Arte Contemporáneo. Más sobre todo eso en los próximos días.
Todavía no he decidido qué hacer con el día de hoy. Sé que nos sobrará cerdo desmenuzado para el almuerzo. Lo cenamos anoche seguido de pan de plátano con chispas de chocolate de San Geraldo con mandarinas. Después de que les di a los gatos su primera comida húmeda del día de hoy (los hice esperar hasta las 9:45, aunque casi nos vuelven locos a los dos con sus bramidos), Dudo me maulló hasta que volví a la cama. Se acurrucó a mi lado y se fue a dormir. No quería estar en la cama, pero hago lo que me dicen. Después de 15 minutos, traté de escabullirme pero tosí y Dudo salió disparado de la habitación.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Haz clic en las miniaturas para ampliar.
Murals, make any neighborhood poor or rich, look pretty and can really reflect the art in the area. These are so nice. Thanks heavens you were safe too. I remember in Philly, when a very poor area got regentrified, many of the murals also went down with the buildings, and in the gayborhood just recently, a whole city block went down taking a very well-known one that reflected Queer activist Gloria Casarez. As we know, the big developer wins out. A shame it could not somehow be incorporated into the new building. These architects are brilliant, tell me they couldn’t have saved into the new design. It was a huge stink in Philly with the LGBT and the Latina communities Philly is one city that is a last stand of sorts for urban murals. These is even a whole mural tour.
Mistress Borghese:
I think most of this art will be gone, too, when the neighborhood is fully redeveloped. Some of the best art is on temporary walls or on buildings to be renovated. Such a shame. I love when cities sponsor public art projects.
Great photos, good to hear it was a nice walk despite the weird start.
David:
What was creepier was that the guy called out to me from half a block away. He had an aggressive approach. But I’m glad that feeling passed.
I hope the street art is saved when and if any renovations come to the neighborhood. Love seeing that.
Bob:
Sadly I think most of the art will be gone. It would be great, though, if the city were to sponsor a new public art project and have the neighborhood always be known for its art.
My fave is the siamese cat, mouse and pigeon mural! And speaking of cats, Dudo sure has you pussy-whipped (so to speak), doesn’t he!
Debra:
I showed these to The Kid Brother last night. That was his favorite, too. And, yes, I am pussy whipped… and proud of it.
Me, too, glad the walk turned out to be pleasant, but how awkward that had to have been.
The cats are a joy to hear about, every time 🙂
Judy C:
Yes, unpleasant start, but all was well after that. For some reason the cats aren’t demanding morning treats right now. They must be up to something.
Somebody has a lot of creative time on their hands. Well worth the effort!
Deedles:
Some of the art is so good. I don’t know how the artists can do it and just walk away without caring about it’s lack of permanence.
Lots of great street art! I’m glad to see that’s how the orangutans fit in to the post. Apes and monkeys frighten me a little in real life!
Kelly:
I have great respect for real apes and monkeys… and keep my distance.
Chatty ..
..I love a chatty blog
Going gently:
I’m glad. Thanks for that!
When I read about your cats bellowing at you and SG for not giving up the “good” food right away, it makes me happy to know that we’re not the only crazy people who put up with bossy, demanding pets…………who ALREADY LIVE IN THE DAMN LAP OF LUXURY! lol
Jennifer:
I know exactly what you mean. I used to think “Am I crazy?” I’ve learned we all are.
The gentrifiers were smart, they would hire the street artists.
Kirk:
I think it was probably a city project. And it was smart.
Am I the only one who thought, “Oh my,” after reading the title?
Walt the Fourth:
Oh, I hope not. I almost included it in the title.
Aha! I knew I missed a post when I read today’s when you said “returning to Lagunilla” so I came looking. And I do see at least one that I recognize. I meant to warn you about the neighborhood, sorry about that. While I’m glad it’s transitioning, it’s sad that the people living there won’t be able to afford it. Sounds familiar for so many places including where I live. I’m glad you got to see the wonderful art!
tobyo:
The only negative experience I had in Lagunilla was the welcome. Unfortunate. The rest of the experience was very pleasant with lots of activity. A few years back, nearby Calle Victoria was very tired. It’s now gentrified and you can see it in the background in some of my photos. Beautiful now, but I wonder what happened to the people who used to live there.
It’s ridiculous how much we allow pets to control our lives, isn’t it? Believe me, I’m in the same boat.
Do you have a complete shot of the broken bottle with the cockroach in the first picture? I’d like to see the whole thing. Especially since it appears to be signed by “Penis Malone.” (I might be reading that wrong.)
Steve:
I didn’t get a complete shot of the cockroach and bottle. I have to go back! We have always been pushovers for our pets, but these two truly rule.
I am OK with ‘graffiti’ is it is well done like this sort of artwork.
Urspo:
I’m with you. There are graffiti artists and there are taggers.