Alfredo Luis González Parra aka ALFI

@object_of_obsession

A Cuban-born designer in the art world – Obsessed by #art, #design , artifacts of all kind, #architecture, #spaces, plants and a million other things!
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Weeks posts
I have started my return to Morocco from the depths of the Medina of Fez, and there is no place in the world quite like it. The oldest and most intact Medina in existence, this UNESCO-listed treasure has been alive since the 9th century, its soul preserved in every narrow alley, every scent of fresh spices, and every echo of craftsmen at work. With over 9,000 winding streets, no cars, and traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries, Fez is a world of its own—chaotic, mesmerizing, and deeply authentic. Walking through this labyrinth feels like traveling through time. I pass by the world’s oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859, where scholars once shaped the course of history. I watch artisans in hidden workshops dye leather in the iconic Chouara Tannery, a practice unchanged for over a thousand years. I sip mint tea on a rooftop, the city’s endless rooftops stretching before me, the hum of the Medina below like a heartbeat. Being here isn’t just about seeing—it’s about feeling. Fez isn’t polished or staged; it’s raw, vibrant, and unapologetically real. And as I lose myself in its maze of life and history, I realize: this is why I travel. #Fez #Morocco #VisitMorocco #MedinaOfFez #UNESCOHeritage #TravelDiaries #LostInTheMedina #OldWorldCharm #AncientCity #MoroccanArchitecture #IslamicArt #TraditionalCrafts #ZelligeTiles #AndalusianDesign #Arabesque #ArtLover #ArchitecturalHeritage #CulturalJourney #HistoricalPlaces #HandmadeTreasures #FezExperience #MedinaMagic #AuthenticTravel #WorldExplorer #TravelBackInTime
36 1
1 year ago
“Marrakech taught me color.” – Yves Saint Laurent Coming back to Marrakech for the second time, I realize that some places don’t just leave an impression—they leave a mark on your soul. The first time was an introduction, a whirlwind of sights, scents, and sounds. But this time, it feels deeper, more intimate, like I’m seeing the city with new eyes. The vibrant souks, where every alleyway leads to something unexpected. The serene beauty of Jardin Majorelle, where Saint Laurent found inspiration in every shade of blue. The intricate Zellige tiles, the sun-drenched courtyards, the call to prayer echoing through the Medina at dusk. Marrakech is a masterpiece—chaotic and calm, raw and refined, old and new, all at once. There’s something about this city that slows you down, that makes you look closer and appreciate the details—the scent of orange blossom in a riad courtyard, the play of light on ancient walls, the taste of fresh mint tea on a rooftop at sunset. It’s a place that teaches you to live in the moment, to embrace contrasts, to see beauty in everything. Marrakech, you have me under your spell once again. And I know this won’t be the last time. ✨ #marrakech🇲🇦 #visitmorocco #medinavibes #jardinmallorelle #yvessaintlaurent #moroccanarchitecture #zellige #traveldiaries #marrakechcolors #wanderlust #slowtravel #desertmagic #architecturaldetails #moroccandesign #Arabesque #roamtheplanet #mysecretmorocco #ancientmeetsmodern #palaisdonab
42 0
1 year ago
Ten years ago, I walked through Essaouira with one of my oldest and dearest friends. A city of ocean winds, whitewashed walls, and a history shaped by trade and migration. Today, I return, and its essence remains unchanged—calm, unhurried, effortlessly beautiful. For those of us who grew up by the sea and later left, coastal cities always carry a sense of familiarity. The rhythm of the tides, the scent of salt in the air, the way people move through sun-dappled alleys in flowing djellabas—it all feels like fragments of a distant past. Havana had its own version of this, and perhaps that’s why Essaouira resonates. Then, as now, the food is a highlight. Fresh seafood, perfectly grilled. Spiced tajines, slow-cooked to richness. And the simple pleasure of warm pastries with honey and mint tea. Essaouira remains timeless. A city that doesn’t demand attention but holds it effortlessly. #essaouira #morocco #coastalcities #medinalife #timelesstravel #seaandstone #nomadicreflections #atlanticechoes #travelmorocco #love #instagram #video #vibes #africa
36 1
1 year ago
There’s something magical about drifting along the Nile, the longest river in the world, where every sunrise feels like a quiet step back into ancient history. Golden desert landscapes stretch endlessly on one side, while lush green riverbanks bring life to the other. Everything moves slowly here, and somehow that makes every moment feel deeper, more real, more memorable. Egypt reveals itself gently, in light, in color, in silence. Watching the temples glow at sunset, feeling the warm breeze on deck, and waking up to views that once inspired pharaohs made this journey feel almost timeless. It was not just about what I saw, but how it felt to be there, completely present, carried by the rhythm of the river. Grateful for every moment, every view, and every quiet second along the Nile 💛 #Egypt #Nile #NileCruise #LongestRiver #VisitEgypt
40 2
1 month ago
During my time in the north of Spain, I visited Helen Frankenthaler: Painting Without Rules at the Guggenheim Bilbao, and it was an unforgettable experience. It’s the first time I’ve been able to see so many of her works gathered together — around thirty paintings spanning from 1953 to 2002 — making it the largest exhibition dedicated to Frankenthaler ever held in Spain. The show is organized chronologically, so you can follow her development over six decades and really see how her approach to color, scale, and gesture evolved over time. What struck me most was how the exhibition also situates her alongside her peers and influences, including Pollock, Rothko, Motherwell, Noland, Caro, and Smith, showing just how connected she was to the major movements of her time. For anyone traveling to Bilbao before September 28, 2025, I can’t recommend it enough. Standing in front of so many of Frankenthaler’s works together was a rare opportunity to understand the depth and range of her vision. #HelenFrankenthaler #Frankenthaler #AbstractExpressionism #ColorFieldPainting #GuggenheimBilbao #Bilbao #BilbaoArte #SpainArt #ModernArt #ContemporaryArt #ArtExhibition #ArtLovers #MuseumDay #TravelForArt #NorthOfSpain
30 3
7 months ago
In the heart of Avilés stands the Centro Niemeyer, the only work in Spain by the legendary Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. 🏛️ Opened in 2011, this cultural landmark embodies his vision of flowing curves, bold geometry, and open public spaces. More than a building, it represents the transformation of an industrial city into a hub of art, design, and innovation. A piece of world architecture history on the Asturian coast. 🌍✨ #CentroNiemeyer #OscarNiemeyer #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturalHistory #ArchitectureLovers #DesignIcon #CulturalLandmark #Aviles #Asturias #SpainArchitecture #ArchitecturalDesign #Archilovers #ArchitecturePhotography #WorldArchitecture
17 0
8 months ago
On the Asturian coast, where cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, lies Playa del Silencio—a place where time itself seems to slow. The beach arcs in a quiet embrace of pebbles and rock formations, its waters shifting between two moods: calm as a mirror on still days, yet powerful and untamed when the ocean breathes deep. High tide—— waves crash, then retreat, leaving only calm. — Inspired by Buson This duality is the essence of Silence Beach. At one moment it is serene, inviting contemplation in the hush of gentle waves; the next, it roars with wild strength, reminding visitors of the ocean’s ancient power. Whether tranquil or tempestuous, the beach offers a silence that is not empty, but alive—woven from the voices of sea, stone, and wind. #PlayaDelSilencio #Asturias #SpainTravel #VisitSpain #HiddenParadise #BeachVibes #NatureLovers #CoastalViews #SecretSpots #OceanMagic #Wanderlust #TravelInspo #NaturePhotography #BeachLife #SeasideEscape #WavesAndSilence #TravelGoals #EscapeTheOrdinary #SereneViews #UnspoiledBeauty #TravelSpain #ExploreAsturias #AtlanticCoast #TravelEurope #BucketListTravel #BeachLovers #EarthVisuals #TravelAddict #HiddenGems #OceanWonders
33 1
8 months ago
In the heart of Asturias, surrounded by mountains and silence, lies the Sanctuary of Covadonga, one of the most symbolic places in northern Spain. Inside the natural cave rests the Virgin of Covadonga, affectionately known as La Santina. For centuries she has been a figure of devotion, hope, and protection for pilgrims and travelers who come to visit her. At the entrance of the cave, a fountain of seven spouts flows continuously. Legend says that whoever drinks from its waters will one day marry, a tradition that has been passed down through generations and continues to fascinate visitors from around the world. More than just a legend, the fountain represents the blending of nature, faith, and tradition that makes Covadonga such a unique place. #Covadonga #LaSantina #VirgendeCovadonga #AsturiasParaísoNatural #CovadongaCave #SantuarioDeCovadonga #FuentedeCovadonga #SpainTravel #AsturiasSpain #VisitSpain #MagicalPlaces #SacredDestinations #travelspain🇪🇸
18 2
8 months ago
I visited Cantabria to see my friend. She told me it had become her refuge, her universe for now. And I could see why. The region feels both calm and alive. Green hills stretch endlessly and the Cantabrian Sea is always there in the distance, powerful and steady. The weather shifts quickly, one moment sunlight, the next a mist rolling in. It keeps you alert, like the landscape never wants to be the same twice. The villages move at their own pace. Quiet streets, small squares, people who greet you without hurry. There is no rush here, only a steady rhythm that feels different from anywhere else. And the food stays with you. Anchovies from Santoña full of the sea’s flavor. Cocido montañés, warm and filling after long walks. Buttery sobaos that taste like comfort. Honest food that belongs to the place. Seeing my friend there, I felt she had truly found something. A corner of the world that holds her, even if only for now. #Cantabria #GreenSpain #VisitSpain #SpainTravel #HiddenGems #TravelSpain #BucketListTravel #TravelGoals #TravelGram #Wanderlust #ExploreMore #NatureLovers #FoodieTravel #BeautifulDestinations #WanderlustSpain #InstaTravel #TravelAddict #Traveler #SlowTravel #escapetheordinary
17 6
8 months ago
After hours on the road, we reach Kasbah Amerhidil… a stunning 17th-century fortress nestled in the heart of the Skoura Oasis. Surrounded by lush palm groves and framed by the majestic High Atlas Mountains, this kasbah is one of the most well-preserved and historically rich in Morocco. Built in the 1600s by the Nassiri family, Kasbah Amerhidil was once a key stop for caravans traveling across the desert. Its intricate adobe architecture, with carved towers and traditional Berber designs, showcases the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The kasbah is so iconic that it was featured on Morocco’s old 50-dirham banknote! It has also served as a backdrop for numerous films, capturing the essence of authentic Moroccan heritage. Exploring its maze-like corridors, rooftop terraces, and ancient granaries feels like stepping back in time. From here, the views of the oasis at sunset are simply breathtaking! #kasbahamerhidil #skouraoasis #moroccotravel #desertheritage #visitmorocco🇲🇦 #atlasmountains #oasislife #NomadVibes #DesertAdventure #MoroccoPhotography #Wanderlust #HiddenGems #TravelInspiration #HistoricPlaces #BerberCulture #VisitAfrica #TravelToInspire #unescoheritage #desertescape #globetrotter #worldexplorer #travelmore #beautifuldestinations #authentictravel #culturalheritage #bucketlisttravel #moroccanarchitecture #naturelover #adventureawaits #epicviews
26 0
1 year ago
I arrived in Meknes with a sense of anticipation, eager to explore a city that so effortlessly weaves together history, culture, and everyday life. As I wandered through the wide boulevards and ancient medinas, I discovered a place where time seems to have slowed down, allowing each moment to be savored. Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, immediately reveals its layered past. The impressive Bab Mansour gate, with its intricate tile work and monumental arches, stands as a proud reminder of a bygone era of grandeur and power. Strolling under its shadow, I couldn’t help but imagine the vibrant processions and bustling markets of centuries past. Beyond its grand monuments, what truly captivated me was the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Narrow streets in the old medina are lined with small shops, traditional riads, and lively cafes where locals and travelers alike gather. In these intimate spaces, the aroma of freshly brewed mint tea and the sounds of everyday conversations create a warm, welcoming ambience. Here, the past and present mingle seamlessly, each whispering stories of artisans, poets, and dreamers who once called Meknes home. I also took the time to explore the quieter corners—hidden gardens and ancient ruins that offered a serene escape from the energetic pulse of the city center. Each step in Meknes brought with it a sense of discovery and reflection, reminding me that travel is as much about immersing oneself in the local spirit as it is about witnessing grand landmarks. For me, Meknes is more than just a destination; it’s a journey into Morocco’s soul, where every stone and street corner invites you to pause, reflect, and dream of stories yet to be told. #Meknes #MoroccoTravel #VisitMorocco #ImperialCity #MoroccanCulture #DiscoverMorocco #TravelMore #HiddenGems #MagicalPlaces #Wanderlust #ExploreTheWorld #MeknesCity #OldMedina #AdventureAwaits #HistoricalSites #TravelDiaries #ArabianNights #NorthAfrica #CulturalHeritage #BucketListTravel
27 1
1 year ago
✨ A Serendipitous Encounter That Led to Magic ✨ Years ago, by pure chance, we crossed paths with the incredible Ann Tracy, a moment that felt like the universe itself was aligning. Little did we know that this accidental meeting would lead to one of the most inspiring collaborations we’ve ever had the privilege of hosting at IMPULSE GALLERY. Today, we are overjoyed to share her latest exhibition, “Transmissions”, a breathtaking collection that transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the soul. Ann’s art is a dance of light, color, and storytelling, weaving together layers of meaning that both challenge and mesmerize. Her unique ability to merge the abstract with the deeply personal creates a space where the invisible becomes visible, and the intangible feels within reach. “Transmissions” is more than an exhibition—it’s an experience, a bridge between the seen and unseen, a powerful reminder of the beauty of connection and the flow of ideas across time and space. We are honored to bring her extraordinary vision to you. Thank you, Ann, for trusting us to be part of your journey and for filling our gallery with your boundless creativity. ✨ Come experience the magic of “Transmissions” at IMPULSE GALLERY. It’s not just art—it’s a feeling you’ll carry with you forever. ✨ #AnnTracyArt #TransmissionsExhibition #impulsegallery #ArtWithSoul #AbstractArt #exhibitionopening #artlife #artist #artistsoninstagram #artlover #love #luzern #switzerland #visionaryart #femaleartist
38 0
1 year ago