Venetian Red: Notes From the Field
In Notes From the Field, we highlight innovative, witty, and thought-provoking design elements recorded by our readers from around the world.
Signpost, 11/2/09, Perú. (Photo courtesy of Juanita Garciagedoy.)
Juanita writes:
The llama-crossing sign is on the road that goes through Reserva Salinas Aguada Blanca, a few hours from Arequipa, Perú. The reserve is home to many species of plants, birds, and critters, including wild vicuñas and domesticated alpacas and llamas. Tourists are only permitted to go there with a guided tour, and on our bus there were several Peruvians, and several Europeans including Mira, a Finnish adventurer and instructor of surfing and physical education.
I took a multiple shots of this signpost, but prefer this one for the sense of surrealism I derive from it.
Venetian Red adds: We like this sign for its multiplicity of information. While locals are cautioned about the road hazard, visitors are additionally alerted to the more poetic cultural message embedded in the sign’s image. You’re not in Kansas, Toto!
November 19, 2009 at 11:46 am
How heart-warming to see this photograph posted. As an American-Peruvian I wondered if there was a “llama crossing sign” somewhere in Peru. There it is!
November 22, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Maybe the llama-crossing sign also invites members of the three “camélidos sudamericanos” species to hang out in the preserve where they’re safe and respected, admired and photographed by travellers like us.