A Place of Elegance by wysiwig
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Description
So here’s the deal, so far 2016 has not been kind to me. On January 30 I caused a traffic accident which involved four cars. Fortunately no one was hurt but I had gone 35 years without one. Then, near the end of February, my neighbor and friend Pauline passed away. She never failed to offer me a cup of tea when I came to visit. She had survived the destruction of her home town Canterbury during World War II but could not beat Alzheimer’s disease.
You can imagine that by now I was somewhat depressed but I remembered what my father had always said. “Cheer up, things could be worse.”
So I cheered up.
And sure enough….things got worse.
On April 1 (All Fools Day) I saw a doctor. By the end of the day he had operated on me. It seems I had a re-occurrence of a problem I had four years earlier. If you have a strong constitution you can read the whole sad story here:
https://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/still-standing/2354706/
On April 29 I had a second operation to complete the procedure. Fortunately things were not as serious as the first time and I am now recovered and ready to start posting again. Let’s begin.
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The area where the city of Cienfuegos lies was known as Cacicazgo de Jagua by early Spanish conquistadors. It was originally settled by Taino indigenous people. Cacicazgo translates from the Taino language as "chiefdom". Cacicazgo de Jagua was the chiefdom of Chief Jagua.
The city was founded in 1819 by French immigrants from Bordeaux and Louisiana. Because of its large protected bay it quickly became a powerful trading center and many stately buildings were constructed by the fortunes made in the sugar trade. A number of these buildings survive today and form the historic district of the town. During the Cuban Revolution the people of Cienfuegos rose up against the dictator Fulgencio Batista. He retaliated by bombing the city.
This is an image of the nineteenth century city hall where you can see the influence of French architecture. In the distance is the Ferrer Palace.
In 2005, UNESCO inscribed the Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos on the World Heritage List, citing Cienfuegos as "the best extant example of early 19th century Spanish Enlightenment implementation in urban planning."
Comments (11)
bodo_56
Glad to hear you're okay, Sir, and good to see you posting again! Very interesting shot and story, the elegant woman dressed in blue is a great touch!
Cyve
Fantastic place and fantastic capture my friend ... Glad to hear you're okay !!!
alida
nice to learn you're fine.great shot
Faemike55
I just reread your experience and I'm very glad that you are doing much better.
wonderful photo and great description.
stay healthy my friend
anahata.c
Holy cow, sir. From now on, when you're absent, I'll hold my breath. I'm very relieved you came through the latest procedure with your health. And I'm terribly sorry you had to go through it more than once. I read the earlier entry (I'd already commented in my usual way long fashion, but I re-read your text anyway); and in addition to your moving words, it was a wrenching experience---in which you journaled others' wrenching experiences as well (and gave some heavy duty commentary on our approach to medicine). I'm sorry you had to go through another procedure; and I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, and the accident. And I'm very glad to see you back and in one piece! Does that mean you've been commenting while in pain, or in bed, etc? With all that stuff hanging over you? Hats off, my friend, you still come here to bring your affirmation and love, no matter what.
Zoomed this is a big, dramatic shot: I love the blues, I love those blues! And the lady closest to us seems to have dressed just for this shot. Your perspective is dramatic, with the left-facade just zooming out to us. The Ferrer Palace is a strong punctuation mark to the long perspective you have here. And those looming clouds just make this so ominous a scene. It's fraught with its bloody history. And amazing how people can embrace places which at one time or another had oppressed them: Taking back their history. Terrific narrative and shot; and the whites, golden tans (doors) and yellow curb really stand out. Mike (above) said "stay healthy my friend". It reminds me of that Dos Equis commercial that ended "stay thirsty, my fiends". Remember that guy? "The most interesting man in the world"? Well, if they're looking for a replacement, I'll nominate you you. Only you're not acting. Stay healthy, we need you; and I hope you're doing much better now, and my condolences for the loss of Pauline...
durleybeachbum
I just reread that horrific account. So good that this time was less ghastly, and that you are ok ish! This building is most attractive, I enjoy your holidays very much as you know.
kgb224
Glad all went well and that you are feeling much better. Superb capture. God bless.
nikolais
Great the bad things are over.Great POV and perspective!
netot
I remember about your first treatment, and I.m glad that this new treatment was not so serious as the first one. I'm glad you are getting well, also and I,m sorry for the death of your friend and your accident. I hope things are better by now.
About your photo, I love the way that blue predominates on it.Is a fantastic capture.
auntietk
Glad it was less serious this time! Still ... a harrowing thing to go through.
blondeblurr
I also remember the nightmare you had to endure in 2012, never an easy thing, even just to talk about it... hopefully this will be the end of surgeries to the recurring problem, I do wish you well.
BTW - an interesting building but so cold and unapproachable, nevertheless fine craftsmanship in architecture and a great photo
(I don't really want to discuss things health wise here, but Jeff (my son) and I are also seeing Doctor's for day surgery this month) must be part of body malfunctions, as one get's older (?)... or just general wear and tear, say no more !