Lanzarote, part five - the Mirador del Rio

PART FIVE

The Mirador del Rio. Here it is – heralded by Manrique’s own-design sign.

You can JUST see a wall and window, it’s THAT understated!

Monte Corona, and the road up to the Mirador.

At this point, I would probably show you what the Mirador looks like on the approach, but of course, with it being Cesar Manrique’s first big project, it is invisible until you go inside.

And inside has the WOW! factor in BUCKETS!!

Manrique was REALLY beginning to grow on me, and we hadn’t seen even HALF his stuff we were going to yet.

This place blew us away 

(but unfortunately, it served the second worst coffee I’ve EVER had).

Here I am, feeling disgusted at the coffee, but LOVING the surroundings.

Note the Manrique mobiles hanging from the ceiling.

Another of Manriques works – I am beginning to think this man never SLEPT! He just did SO much in his tragically curtailed life.

If he wasn’t painting, sculpting, or designing, he was campaigning for a better Lanzarote.

Those trade mark windows. He loved huge, panoramic windows and the light they let in. The white theme was accentuated further by this flood of light.

(I wouldn’t like the glazing bill though, and don’t even THINK about double glazing!)

This other photographer was trying to make a monkey of me.

But, of course, I can do that on my own!

Now for the best part – the balconies on the Mirador have the most stunning views.

With Isla Graciosa as a backdrop, you couldn't fail.

Inside again, the incredibly simple, but beautiful fireplace.

Another window to die for.

On the second balcony, dappled sunlight plays on the sea looking across to Famara.

Graciosa & Isla de Montana Clara (behind), and Isla Alegranza (behind, right).

Balcony and cafe windows.

Time to go up to the roof.

Sue warms her bum first on the fireplace.

Simple, incredible, awesome, perfect.

What can I say?

I’ve seen some fabulous buildings and interiors, but this one tops my list by a MILE!

Hazy pictures, but this was a one-shot trip.

On a clearer day, it must be breathtaking up here.

Yes, they are roof windows for more of his beloved light to flood in.

 A panorama from the roof.

(Click on the photo for a larger version)

(YET!) Another Manrique sculpture on a traffic island on the way back.
The way it moves in the wind is hypnotic.

Tomorrow, we intended to O.D. on Manrique, and visit the first house he lived in.

He moved to a quieter part of the island later in life, and that house in  was on our list too.

It was now run by an autonomous Manrique foundation.