Nadia Z.
Yelp
One of the beauty of traveling for me is ability to connect.
Be it connecting with people you never met before, but who will stay in your life forever. Places you only seen of paper that affect you deeply when you finally see them.
Or, in this case, connecting something of a childhood memory.
I leaned his poetry in school - but I never thought life will bring me here, to La Chascona in Santiago, Chile, of all places.
...I am talking about Pablo Neruda, of course...
This house, his and Matilde, is an inspiration in every sense.
His poetry at first, that brought me here for the visit. The museum, dedicated to his life - life that is so multifaceted that it spins around you like kaleidoscope glass, amazing at every angle. And finally, the architecture of house - it is fascinating.
And there is a story behind this house... Beautiful & romantic....
La Chascona was build for Matilde, his love, at the base of San Cristobal in 1953.
House layout spread around the hill, with several levels, courtyards, stairs and secret passages. Low ceilings in some areas, beautiful wood detailing, seating, steps, tables and most amazing artwork on the walls by several well-known artists.
Catalan architect, German Rodriguez Arias, was hired to design the house, but plans changed so many times, he admitted this design is more of the Neruda's than his.
This is pure poetry in building form. Truly genius in every detail.
*Milestone Review #500, dedicated to beauty of poetry, love and architecture*