Monday, January 2, 2012

Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

Urban areas are rarely a part of my world but they are part of Our World.  A recent tour of wildlife refuges found us spending the night in San Jose, California.
It is not so much the urban landscape that I don't care for but the masses of people and traffic we often encounter.  I appreciate the man made landscape.  I love the mirror like reflective quality of many new buildings.


















I am not particularly enamored with the building on the right.  It reminds me of the uninspired architecture of my youth.
The building on the left is what draws my attention.  It is the old Bank of America Building.  Built in 1925-1926 it is said to be the first earthquake resistant skyscraper.




























I like the detail in this Mediterranean Revival-Beaux-Arts Archeticture.  No central air-conditioning here, an eclectic mix of window air conditioners poke through the windows.





The restored Hotel De Anza, built in the 1930s, still sports its Art Deco detail.










The 25 foot high diving lady was first painted on the building in 1951 to advertise the hotel's heated pool.





On narrow city streets, sometimes the best shot of a building is its reflection as with this Beaux-Arts San Jose Building and Loan Association building.
The oldest building in San Jose is the Peralta Adobe built in 1797.  The Adobe is behind the San Pedro Square Market and I didn't see any signs indicating when it might be open for tours.

If one tires of the urban scene the nearby Guadalupe River Park and Gardens is a lovely place to relax.  The Heritage Rose Garden still had a few blooms in early December.

To see more views of our world, go to Our World, Tuesday, hosted for us by Arija, Gattina, Lady Fi, Sylvia and Sandy.

21 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What terrific captures, Martha, as always! I love the old Bank of America and for the same reasons you do. Most architecture today is just so "flat and rather dull" -- in most cases! Gorgeous rose! Have a great week!

Sylvia

Gaelyn said...

Not much for urban sprawl either but do appreciate interesting architecture. Haven't been to San Jose in many years. Great reflections.

Unknown said...

Really different for you, but most enjoyable. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Penelope Notes said...

Ah, I know the song very well, Martha. This is an interesting contrast of architecture. The older style buildings have much more personality in my view than the modern more simplistic buildings … although I, too, love the reflections, especially when they capture the sky. It gives a much-needed illusion of openness in the city. Thanks as always for sharing your world. :)

eileeninmd said...

Now, I am singing the song too. Thansk for sharing your trip. The reflections on the mirror buildings is awesome. I had to laugh at all the window air condition units. Great captures!

SandyCarlson said...

The constructed landscape is a marvel, to be sure. The images you share here are delightful. So that's beautiful blossom!

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for this colourful journey.

Please have a good Tuesday you all.


daily athens photo

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

We have similar tastes's in buildings maybe. I love the older art deco and other buildings that have a little style and I like the newer buildings that are so creative with their reflections but the plain jane beige high rises of the 60's to 80's don't do a thing for me.

Arija said...

Thank you for the tour of San Jose, through your eyes it is a most charming city. The fifties skyscraper architecture of the fifties is not my favourite stile either, bland , angular and mostly altogether ugly. The glass boxed certainly enhance the reflected old buildings and that David Austin 'Heritage' rose is a dear delight.

Happy days!

Rajesh said...

Wonderful shots from the city. The architecture is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see a city i may never see through your eyes, Martha. The buildings are beautiful! So also is the rose!

Carver said...

I like the variety of architecture styles you showed us in the tour and what a gorgeous rose to end with.

KB said...

Beautiful pics. My OWT is up too.


Happy New Year from New Zealand.

Kay L. Davies said...

I sure enjoyed your photo tour of San Jose, Martha. You have a real eye for a great shot even in a city setting.
K

Diane AZ said...

I don't think I've ever been to San Jose, but I do remember the song. Lovely tour, those Art Deco designs on the Hotel De Anza are gorgeous!

Unknown said...

i like the older buildings, too. the diving lady is quite interesting.:P
thanks for showing us around.

Jeannette StG said...

Beautiful architecture, Martha! Maybe I should visit San Jose - we pass it on our way to our daughters.

Judy said...

You have done a good job with all those buildings! I love the reflections, and the diving lady, especially!!!

Anonymous said...

That's a pretty City -- we have never "found our way" to San Jose (driven past .. used to have an Auntie in Santa Cruz). Maybe next California trip. So many places.....

Katney said...

One thing I enjoy about cities is the interesting reflections that show up--sometimes even in the dull boring architecture--but more often in the old classics and the newer buildings.

I never enjoy the traffic.

Carole said...

Thank you for this excellent architectural tour. As much as I love nature, I am also a fan of interesting architecture.