2006-08-07
castle in the city
Vizcaya is a castle floating on the bay. On the last Sunday of the month, the doors open for free.
In the sculpted gardens, I found secret paintings of light and shadow.
The sun stitched lace from the chairs.
The coral encrusted in the steps reminded me of sequins or sea froth.
From here, you could see the docks where party-goers used to park their ships. Imagine sailing to the ballroom on a breeze!
Mermaids eavesdropping on me.
Lollipop trees.
The statues seem so peaceful.
A beard of barnacles.
If you look closely, you will see an airplant tucked under the chin like a goatee.
Looking up, I spotted murals in the alcoves.
Birds built their nests in the corners. Can you blame them for wanting to live here?
Green fountains sparkling.
Toads spitting water.
Sphinx guarding the maze.
The sun burned so bright, I had the entire gardens to myself.
Lions dancing on the empty fountain.
The wind is measured by a sea horse.
Some of the garden maze was torn apart by hurricane Wilma last year. It will grow again.
The orchids hanging here were longer than my arms. As I took this picture, I could hear car horns blaring in the background...a reminder of the outside world I had almost forgotten.
Orchids have a sinister beauty, almost as if they're plotting something.
Teapots in the gift shop.
No photos allowed inside the mansion...but I snuck this photo of the staircase. It twists like a snail.
My last glimpse of color as I walked away: a flower crumpled on the path like an offering.
Vizcaya is located at 3251 South Miami Avenue in Coconut Grove. Open every day except for Christmas from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
f-i-n at 10:06 a.m.