MONTERREY
Monterrey is
the third largest city in Mexico and a major business and industrial
centre. The opening social function for the ICME 11
conference was a party held in the Pabellón
Sopladores which originally housed machinery used in the operation of
the blast furnace pictured below.
When the
company operating a huge steel making complex went out of business the
industrial area was turned into a huge educational and recreational
park. Much of the large scale equipment, such as the blast furnace
pictured above was retained.
Inside
the Pabellón Sopladores are some huge pieces of
machinery including this giant wheel.
Young ladies
from the host university brighten up the evening with their traditional
dress.
No Mexican
party would be complete without a mariachi band.
A central
feature of Monterrey is the Macroplaza. This is a series of linked
plazas and gardens in the heart of the city.
The
Macroplaza is surrounded by an assortment of modern and classical
styled buildings.
This
controversial sculpture, the Faro del Comercio (Beacon of Commerce)
dominates the skyline.
A statue of
Neptune is among many more traditional works in the area.
This
delightful representation of a mother and her teenage children lightens
the atmosphere of the park.
An
intriguing
sundial adds to the mixture.
The
buildings around the Macroplaza also range from the classical to the
ultramodern.
Another view
of modern structures around the park.
This picture
shows a more traditional older building.
Building of
the cathedral shown above was commenced in 1635 and the main structure
was completed in 1700. The bell tower was added later and was not
finished until 1899.
Originally
the governors palace this building is now a museum.
The Barrio
Antiguo or old city was one of many sections of the city that I did not
really explore. This picture shows one entrance to the Barrio.
Another view
of the Barrio Antiguo shows the narrow cobbled streets of the old city.
Deadly
diseases spread by mosquitoes plagued Monterrey in the early days.
A spring-fed swamp was the source of the mosquitoes so it was
decided that a canal was needed to end the problem by draining the
swamp. Today the canal, known as the Canalón has been
landscaped and is an important recreational area.
A tourist
boat passes under one of the many bridges over the Canalón.
Restaurants
serve many customers alongside the canal in the evening.
Monterrey is
not without large shopping malls.
The city is overlooked by limestone mountains sculpted by
millions of years of weathering.
The readily recognised shape of Cerro de la Silla (Horse
Saddle Mountain) has become a symbol of Monterrey.
A
consequence of the proximity of the city to the mountains
is sudden changes in weather. Minutes after taking this
picture we were scurrying for shelter.
Parque
Alemeda is a pleasant place to relax and was situated not far from our
hotel. I spent some time relaxing there and took a few
interesting photos. These two riders and their horses
certainly added to the atmosphere.
This bird
was not shy
about posing.
Wherever we
travel I usually find ducks. What was different in this park
was where I found the duck. For some reason this one felt more
comfortable in a tree than in a pond in the park.
If anyone in
the park is not feeling well, help is at hand. This doctor
makes it clear that all patients are welcome.
The three
Thai presenters at the conference say goodbye.