A Pandemonium in the Old City- Feathered Friends #SMaP Show Me A Photo Contest Round 218

I could hear the birds on the trees above me. I didn’t recognize the calls, but soon I saw who was emitting them: parrots.

The parrots were hopping about and flying from tree to tree while giving out loud calls. I also noticed that they were flying towards an abandoned building, clinging to the walls, where I could see them flying in and out of holes. It was literally a pandemonium, as a group of parrots is formally called.

This is my entry photograph for #SMaP Round 18.

I couldn't get a good shot from the side of the street on which I was located. Walking around the fence and down another street, I reached the gates of the abandoned building.

It was closed.

I could see the parrots flying around and began to take photographs from outside the fence.

I turned my attention away from the parrots and noticed that there were some information boards and plaques around the area. Reading carefully, I realized these were the ruins of a hospital called San Nicolás de Bari- the first hospital in the American continent.

Its construction began in 1503 under the direction of Governor Nicolás de Ovando (hence the name).

This grand project was in keeping with the desire to emulate European princely courts, and looked to Renaissance Italy for inspiration (wikipedia)

The gothic high walls and arches reflect the architectural style popular at the time. In 1586, the hospital was damaged in a pirate attack. After some sleuthing, I discovered that the pirate was none other than Francis Drake. The rascal ransacked many buildings in Santo Domingo, including the convent, cathedral, casa del cordon, the fort, and so on. What a way to enter the history books as an agent of chaos. ☠️

This was an astonishing turn of events, I thought while looking at the ruins. I marveled at how something as ridiculous as chasing parrots in a foreign country can lead you to some fascinating discoveries. It was a mix of two of my favourite subjects- birds and anthropology. I would not have found this place had it not been for those parrots (and the street bookseller who was up to some funny business, but that's another story).

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