1/31/2016

Iconography

As some of you may know, I am in love with the Mexico City subway, in part because of the use that has been made of symbols to represent each station.

For example, you may want to go to Chapultapec station, but if you don't read, or have trouble remembering confusing names, or for any number of other reasons, you can also ask for directions to the pink grasshopper.

I have discovered something similar here in Merida, though the symbols aren't used for transit, but merely as points of reference.

The city is laid out in something approximating a grid, and we can thanks the Spanish for a clever numbering system, making it incredibly easy to make your way around. Even numbered streets run North and South, going up as you head West. Odd numbered streets run East and West, going up as you go South. Easy enough, right?

But for even easier reference, intersections are identified with symbols, much like the D.F. metro system. I haven't yet discovered the full extent of the system, but I have started with a small sample.

La Palmita (little palm tree) - calles 66/61
El Otelo (Othello, I think!) - calles 66/71
El Mamey (a type of fruit) - calles 72/75
El Zpilote (black vulture) - calles 70/65
El Catdenal (cardinal) - calles 70/63

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