Something Unexpected

Happened on my way back to Koreatown from the gym this morning. The Purple Line train to Wilshire/Western ended up taking me to Union Station on the other side of the city. Realizing my “space cadet” moment I immediately saw this as an opportunity to revisit and get inspired by the colorful Mexican marketplace on Olvera Street.

The Marketplace

The morning was crisp, the sun was shining, and the street vendors were already setting up their vibrant booths, colorful souvenirs, and bright handmade Mexican folk art and crafts to indulge local and traveling visitors. I was already impressed and happy to be there.

Walking through the narrow, tree-shaded, brick-lined market I felt my surroundings shift away from the downtown traffic noise into simpler times, when most of our “stuff” was handmade and when walking was a pleasurable activity best shared with friends or one’s own thoughts.

Because it was still early, many of the vendors were either closed or setting up, nonetheless the few that were open offered countless eye candy moments for this introvert to muse on.

I was especially taken by the bright combinations of red, blue, orange and pink throughout the market and how they were layered with one another—a process that not only softened the intense energy created by placing contrasting colors together, but also harmonized the combinations into a design that is both happy and playful.

About Olvera Street

Did you know that Olvera Street used to be called Vine Street? In 1877 the name of the street was changed to Olvera to honor Agustin Olvera, the county’s first judge.

Established on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1930, Olvera Street is a historical site located on the corner of Cesar E Chavez Avenue and Alameda Street, Olvera Street houses the city’s first church, firehouse and theater, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles attracting over 2 million tourists per year.

The morning sun brought out the lively personality of the bold color combinations. It made me think of younger days, playing with my colorful Care Bears under the sunny window of my bedroom in São Paulo, Brazil.

Indeed this was a very colorful and inspiring little excursion totally out of my usual routine and I’m so happy to have done it.

Thanks for stopping by. Cheers!