Let’s Geek Out About Patterns and Textures

So I just did the obligatory post about everything I’m eating, since I know you want to know all about chicken feet. But now it’s time to let my inner art geek out, because I am tripping over the amazing patterns and textures I’m seeing everywhere. Literally, this paving is hundreds of years old, and I about killed myself several times taking pictures!

In the old town, the streets are primarily composed of large rectangular granite pieces, at least a foot and a half wide and four to six feet long or larger. The other major paving element are these tiny patterns made with pebbles or very narrow brick-cut stones. Like flat brick pavers, but slate or something. Vertically, horizontally, there are patterns that repeat, pebble mosaics, and carved textures everywhere. These paving patterns collide chaotically on the ground, but the textures in the buildings are usually pretty organized and rhythmic. The carving is just amazing.

The two crews were moving so quickly through the streets, we were just trying to keep up, winding through alleys, exploring this amazing house which I still haven’t found the name of because I was trying not to die on one of the foot-high wooden thresholds. I nearly got left behind when we got out into the garden, I was so struck by how much there was to see. The plants are interesting, don’t get me wrong, but most of the genius in the garden I saw yesterday was in the hardscape. Then, just as I thought we were headed down another alley, I’m told we’re getting in a boat. Cool! The next moment, we’re motoring smoothly down a canal, seeing the patterns and textures from the underside. The smooth, flat water is the perfect foil for all the pattern. I get seasick in a three-floor elevator, but this canal boat just glides forward like its on a rail.

Niw, my designer friends, a gallery of geeky paving and pattern photos. For the rest of you who glazed over when we started talking about *the ground* next up, I’ll introduce you to the crew!