A Flaneur's Observation

 

Before I took my stroll of Manitou Springs, I learned a few facts that aided in my thoughts. I learned that Manitou Springs has a dozen mineral springs that some believe have healing properties. Manitou Springs is a place that promotes and creates healing arts and practices. The many shops everywhere are full of shoppers. Everyone is trying to buy something, and most of the items are unique. Our guide must have been a professional speed-walker she must not have read our assignment.

I am attempting to take a leisurely stroll of the flaneur while capturing pictures. I still made the best of it. Art was tucked in tiled areas that seemed only us students cared enough to observe them. The town is built on a free spirit but full of tight-spirited white-collar shoppers. Interesting, that cheap shops full of obscure items would attract rich people. Cars are honking, and people generally were a little edgier than I expected.

What beautiful landscape mixed with houses and development. The town at the foot of Pikes Peak is impressive and concerning overall. Capturing the spirit of the town came to a confused interruption by the military monuments. It is an understatement to admit that these seem out of place. The gallery dedicated to the Waldo Canyon fires of 2012 is a bit ironic. Here lies a community that lives amongst nature and the wild and is still facing repercussions like the mudslides.

The mountain property takes estate away from animals that inhabit it. Let us take some wonderfully natural water springs and exploit them for economic benefit. How many artists actually live here? Are they impressed by the atmosphere or does it get boring? The art influence is noted, but mixed with all the historical monuments loses its allure. This town is absolutely beautiful, but the substance seems trivial.

Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue is a just comparison to Manitou Springs; however, Berkeley did not seem to take itself too serious by force-feeding the historical elements that make them relevant. It is not Manitou Spring’s fault that their identity is more of a mixed bag than the hippie-artsy type it is based upon an economic element. I am sure there are wealthy residents that push the conservative, historical presence as well as embracing art. However, the lack of controversial pieces shows this town’s liberal infancy. This was meant to be my impression as a flaneur strolling the town while answering the questions for our assignment. If people do not agree, oh well, it is just one person’s opinion.