Last week I went on a foray into Bellavista territory in an effort to capture one of the most beautiful buildings in Panama City, Panama. The name of the building is La Casa Blanca (The White House). Nope, I’m not referring to the White House in Washington D.C. at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This is a business which operates inside an immaculate alabaster white building decorated with classical Greek columns. Everywhere you look is a feast for the eyes. Soon I’ll share you you several pictures taken of this regal structure.
Anyway, while I was in the Bellavista area, I strolled around to see if I could find other interesting subjects to photograph. I’m glad I did. I found a beautiful hostal in the middle of three giant towers. It was like a minuscule midget about to be devoured by three huge monsters. I’m sure the hostal will disappear within a period of one year.
The hostal is a perfect specimen of the Bellavista architecture which I’ve described in previous posts. It is painted with bright tropical colors which enhances the charm of the structure.
Before I show you the pictures of the building, let me say that a hostal is a type of lodging found mostly in Spain and Latin America. Hostales tend to be cheaper than hotels. They normally have a bar and/or a restaurant-cafeteria where drinks and food are sold to guests and locals alike.
Accommodations typically include private bedrooms, and sometimes apartments, available for either short or long term rent. Guests sometimes share a common bathroom, but other rooms accommodate a private bathroom which is highly convenient.
Having said that, it’s time to show you the small gem lost in a jungle of concrete, steel, and glass. It looked so vulnerable and fragile threatened by enormous towers. When you see them, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. Here we go.
Photograph of Hostal Urracá located in the heart of Bellavista in Panama City, Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
NOtice how the hostal is asphyxiated by three large buildings around it. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Take notice of the comfortable porch chairs and the hammocks at the entrance of the hostal. Its bright colors adds charm to the small building. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
These are the type of historic buildings which should be preserved by urban planners. So far it has survived the construction boom, practically out of control. Will it be there next year? Time will tell. Good Day.
