...going "downtown" is like going to another country.

OK, maybe it's not exactly another country, but it is a sanctuary for many walks of life who often celebrate the existence of other countries and cultures. Here's a short montage of the highlights of Downtown Tucson:

Courtesy of You Tube user Guerilladigital

On Sept. 15 at Presidio San Agustin del Tucson in Downtown Tucson, the Tucson Guatemalan community gathered together for a cultural celebration.

Some attendees dressed in traditional garments and danced. Guatemalan traditions stem mainly from Spanish, Mayan, and even some African influences.


















In addition to dancing, food, music and drinks, the event, sponsored by the Consulado General De Guatemala of Phoenix, offered governmental services including assistance with passport extensions and civil registration of birth certificates, marriage certificates and more.



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Last weekend, I traveled downtown to explore Downtown Tucson's Barrio Viejo. My friend thought the streets and architecture were reminiscent of a foreign country (thus this post's title). I'm not sure about another country--but there were two strange bird/turkey-like creatures walking around as if they owned the place...




I asked a women who was walking through the neighborhood if she knew whose/what they were. She replied in Spanish, saying that they were always around the neighborhood and that they lived by eating food off the ground in the neighborhood. Anyone know what they are?

But what makes this neighborhood unique--besides the wildlife--can be seen in more than just the shapes and vivid colors of the homes. The Mexican influence of the neighborhood couldn't be denied, seen in the brightly pained religious murals, front porch cacti, Catholic icons and the Spanish language that rang through the streets in both audio and print.

It was almost like taking a step back into the past, where children played in the streets, homes had as much personality as their owners, and front porches not only still existed, but were a common gathering place.

To see more of this neighborhood, visit the Photomondiale Web site of Jerry Peek. Or, watch the neat You Tube video below. Courtesy of You Tube user bumruntry While the neighborhood was alive with people and culture, evidence of its slow decay was also very real, much like Downtown Tucson in general. For years the City of Tucson has been working to restore downtown to the bustling hub of commerce and entertainment that it once was. Spearheading these efforts is the Rio Nuevo Project. Visit their Web site to learn what they have accomplished, what they are working on, and how they are doing it. Or better yet, visit Downtown Tucson and see the heart of Tucson for yourself.