In the Intermountain West, where I'm from originally, if there is any manmade structure that is pretty or old (100 years old is old) it's treated like diamonds. The city puts plaques and little gardens around it. They get it certified as a historical whatever. The local watercolor society paints pictures of it in every season and from every angle. It is adored.
Something I've noticed here is that pretty and old are the rule, not the exception. There are fantastic sculptures and stunning architecture everywhere. And it's no big whoop. They don't put up plaques telling you every detail about its creation. As a matter of fact, most people don't really seem to notice it at all.
This couple in the photo is flanking the window of a dentist's office. Not a palace or a museum. A dentist's office. I ride by them on the bus all the time, and I love them. But I don't think I've ever seen anyone else look up at them. In fact, the wall just below them (I purposely cut it out of the photo) is splattered with graffiti.
I haven't decided yet if the nonchalance is refreshing or disconcerting, but I definitely enjoy soaking it all in, no matter what the locals think (or don't think) of it. I'll post more pictures of the public art for your enjoyment as I take them.
JEM
