The People of Finca Lérida

If you studied Accounting 101 during high school, you will probably remember that a Balance Sheet is divided in three parts, (e.g., Assets, Liabilities and Equity).  Assets are everything a company owns that has value, Liabilities are amounts owed by the company to third parties and Equity is what’s left after the debts are paid.  That’s it—easy as pie.

Now, if you take a hard look at the Assets section of a Balance Sheet you will find that all of the accounts are organized in order of liquidity, being the first one, the most liquid of assets, which is of course cash.  Then you go all the way down the ladder until you reach Real Estate, Property, Plant and Equipment and so forth.  All are elements of value that a company needs in order to generate a profit to keep the investors happy.  Good for Capitalism.

No matter how hard you look at the financial document, you won’t find the most important resource a company has—its people.  This resource is essential for the success or failure of any enterprise, no matter whether it is profit oriented or not.  However, few managers pay any attention to the well-being of their human resources.  Happy employees will augment the bottom line; disgruntled employees will destroy it.  Pretty obvious you might think, but often neglected by detached upper management.

Having said all the above, I would like to introduce you the precious human resources of a place I recently visited.  Yep you’ve guessed it—Hotel Finca Lérida.  Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you the people who make this wonderful hotel spin, giving immense satisfaction to its privileged guests.  Here we go.

Employees of the Laundry Department, responsible for keeping our sheets and towels snow-white. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Please meet Briana of the Purchasing Department. She could easily be identified as a high fashion model or a candidate for a Miss Universe Pageant. She will surely get me vote. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

This employee is responsible for quality control of the coffee that Finca Lérida exports to the United States, Canada and Europe. He’s a walking encyclopedia as far as coffee is concerned. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of one of the manual workers of the coffee plantation. When you sip a hot cup of coffee in the morning, it could very well be, that your coffee could be traced back to him up in the mountains of Boquete. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of one of the security guards at the entrance gate of the hotel complex, posing for the camera. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

And now you know some of the anonymous heroes of this magnificent hotel nestled on the purple mountains of Boquete.  These are the precious assets of Hotel Finca Lérida.  Good Day.

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A Peep Inside a Hotel Lerida’s Suite

If you have been following my recent blog posts, you already know how impressed I am with this mountain hotel which I recently visited.  Usually I don’t travel much, but when I do, I like to be comfortable and get the most bang for my buck.  I guess all of us do that.  After all, greenbacks have to be earned the hard way; some call it sweat equity, which I find amusing.

Anyway, when I got to Hotel Lérida I was surprised discovering  how much the surroundings and the buildings mimicked a Scandinavian country.  I was even more surprised when I opened the door and looked inside.  The suites were gorgeous.  The combinations of colors, the crystal pitcher with sparkling water, a shower that looked like an Apple crystal store, the wooden floors, a huge fireplace, an elegant streamlined bathroom sink—all the comforts of modern life in the middle of nowhere.

Describing the suites from the inside is useless in printed words, so I’ll make use of pictures to express what I mean by gorgeous suites.  Are you ready?  Here we go.

PICTURE GALLERY

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Notice the huge 42″ TV set placed on one of the wall of the suites. If you are a couch potato, this baby will entertain you. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

I appreciated the working desk where I could place my laptop and get some work done after the day was over. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a delicate chandelier hanging in the middle of the suite together by strong wooden beams supporting the roof of the room. Very elegant indeed. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a large fireplace inside the suite, very convenient when the mercury drops during the evenings on rainy days. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of the elegant bathroom sink decorated with flowers picked from the gardens of the hotel. The decoration of the suites was very delicate and pleasing to the eye. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a jacuzzi for those who enjoy the feeling of vibrating water. I prefer the traditional overhead shower. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of shower inside a crystal cube , very similar to Apple’s store in New York City, Had to take a picture of this dazzling shower, I’m sure Steve Jobs would have loved it. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a basket full of personal items such as soap, cleansing gels, a sewing kit, shower caps and shampoos for a soothing shower after a hard day hiking through the trails of the hotel. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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A Touch of Scandinavian Architecture in Panama

Even though Panama is a tropical country, there’s a singular place up in the mountains of Chiriqui where you will feel very much like in the Scandinavian Peninsula.  It’s chilly, green, large trees, and buildings following the traditional Norwegian architecture.  I’m referring to Finca Lérida, founded by a former Norwegian employee of the Panama Canal called Toleff Boche Monniche who arrived in Panama to work as an engineer for the international waterway.

Before I continue, let me explain that Scandinavia is a historical cultural-linguistic region in Northern Europe characterized by a common ethno-cultural Germanic heritage and related languages that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Scandinavian style is a way of life—it is at once urban and close to nature.  The tradition under the stern limits set by conditions—as one goes further north, the climate gets harsher and the materials scarcer—has been simplify.  Typical features, such as natural materials, light-weight, delicate features and simple joints, are starting points.

Having said this, you will appreciate better the buildings that constitute the mountain hotel complex of Finca Lérida in Alto Quiel, Boquete in the Republic of Panama.

PICTURE GALLERY

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

These electric vehicles are used by the hotel to transport guests around the premises of the estate. They make no noise and don’t pollute the immaculate fresh air of the site. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

This is the “Beneficio de Café” or coffee mill where the coffee beans are processed using the same original equipment used by Mr. Monniche in 1922. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

I consider this my best picture of the series. The flowers against the building is a treat for the eyes. Photo by©Omar Upegui R.

This is the cozy porch of the suite where I was staying. Notice the fireplace on the bottom left corner and the stack of wood nearby. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of the name of the suite where I stayed. The name of the suite is “Pewee Negro” which is a name of a bird of the region. All rooms are named after birds of this mountainous area in the highlands of Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a huge fireplace outside the “Pewee Negro” suite of Hotel Lérida. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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Scandinavian Architecture in Panama

As far as I know, Finca Lérida displays the only warm Scandinavian architecture in Panama.  The design of the original building was created by Mr. Toleff Boche Monniche, a Norwegian engineer who worked for the Panama Canal, and after suffering four malaria attacks, decided to retire and retreat to the cool mountains of Boquete full of clean and fresh air.  He recovered his health and built one of the first coffee mills in the country.  The original mill is still working and its current owner is using it to export high-altitude organic coffee to the United States, Canada and Europe.

The estate later evolved into a mountain hotel complex after the same warm architectural style used by Mr. Monniche to build his home.  The structures have steep slanted roofs, wide boards and dark brown and white colors to absorb the heat from the sun.

Below is a picture gallery depicting several buildings of Hotel Lerida’s complex in the best tradition of Scandinavian architecture style.

PICTURE GALLERY

Snapshot of a landscape view of one of the buildings of Hotel Lérida in the shape of a bird with its wings expanded. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a comfortable hammock on the porch of a suite of Hotel Lérida where you can cuddle up and enjoy a good book with a magnificent view of a coffee plantation and a tropical rainforest. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Take notice of the fireplace chimney on the roof. The lodge where I stayed had two fireplaces; one inside the suite and one outside on the porch. There was plenty of wood on both places. I thought it was nice display of European style. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

If architecture is your cup of tea, I encourage you to return tomorrow for more stunning pictures of this one-of-a-kind Scandinavian spot in the mountains of Panama.  Good Day.

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A Coffee Shop in the Clouds

Finca Lérida, founded in 1922 is one of the oldest and most traditional Coffee Estates in the Isthmus of Panama.  Located at an altitude of 5,500 feet above sea level, on the foothills of Volcán Barú, with deep rich volcanic soil, this beautiful and traditional coffee estate offers optimum conditions for growing premium mountain coffee.  Ample rainfall and sunny, dry harvesting season, promotes ideal production of exquisite high altitude coffee.

Lerida´s several times award winning coffee, was ranked number one amongst 119 varieties of coffees from 15 countries at the Cupping Pavilion during Boston SCAA’s (Specialty Coffee Association of America) annual meeting.

At Finca Lérida, coffee is roasted daily and brewed for the guests of the hotel.  After a day of birding, hiking, walking or just relaxing, you can take advantage of sipping a cup of the best coffee in the world at the hotel’s famous Coffee House.

The following pictures will get you acquainted with this gorgeous coffee shop in the clouds.  Here we go.

How do I get to the coffee shop?

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Can you tell me how the building of the coffee shop looks like, so I can get there without getting lost?

Snapshot of the buildings of the Reception Section on your left and the Coffee Shop on your right. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of an enlarged picture of the Checkup Section of the hotel and the Coffee Shop. Take notice of the Scandinavian architecture. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Can you give me an idea of how coffee shop looks like from the inside?

Snapshot of a cozy leisure room inside the coffee shop where you can chat with your relatives and friends about recreational facilities of the mountain hotel. Through the glass window (right) you can take a peep inside the coffee production process at the adjoining coffee mill which dates back to 1922. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Do you have a picture of the coffee shop supervisor?

Snapshot of Nileyka Morales, the dynamic supervisor of Finca Lerida’s famous Coffee Shop in Boquete. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Can you provide me with the options of coffees available at the coffee shop and their currents prices in U.S. dollars?

The list of coffees available at the venue are:

• Cappuccino – $2.50 per cup
• Latte – $3.00 per cup
• Moka Latte – $3.00 per cup
• Moka Cappuccino – $3.00 per cup
• Iced Cappuccino – $3.00 per cup
• Iced Mocha – $3.00 per cup
• Regular American coffee – $1.50 per cup

Do you know if the coffee shop markets any typical souvenirs for the visitors?

As a matter a fact they do.  Just ask Nileyka and she’ll be glad to usher you to the “Souveniers’ Hot Corner” where you will find attractive souvenirs to take back home and proudly tell your folks about your recent vacation down to Finca Lérida in Boquete.

I hope I’ve answered all your questions.  Now the ball is in your court to buy an airplane ticket down to Panama and head up towards the mountains and enjoy the best cup of coffee in the world.  Nope, I’m not kidding.  Coffee is serious business down here.  Good Day.

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A Place for the Birds

Finca Lérida is a place oriented towards the preservation of fragile ecological systems.  That’s why they limit the trail tours to only 20 persons per tour. Preservation of these eco-systems is a mandatory policy of this mountain hotel.

The Amoruso family is dedicated in keeping Lerida’s proud coffee traditions and boutique mountain hotel attractive to visitors from all corners of the globe.  There is a strong interest on the part of the company to protect the natural status of this place often visited by nature lovers and bird watchers (ornithologists).

According to Audubon Panama, “Panama has an extraordinary wealth of birds for a country of its size. Although only about the size of the U.S. state of South Carolina, a total of 976 species has been recorded to date, exceeding the list for the continental United States and Canada combined. This remarkable diversity owes much to Panama’s location at the juncture between North and South America.”

While I was eating breakfast at terrace cafe about seven o’clock in the morning, I saw more birds that I had even seen in my life.  There were birds of all sizes, shapes and colors.  They were all over the place chirping and playing like often birds do when they’re happy.

Panama is one of the favorite destinations for birdwatchers worldwide.  However, bird watching in Panama would not be complete without visiting Finca Lérida as suggested in Robert S. Ridgle’s, “A Guide to The Birds of Panama.”   Finca Lérida is a place to go “searching for Quetzals and other species”.

The schedule for bird watching starts at 7:30 a.m. ( a hike lasts about four hours).  The fee per person is $80.25 taxes included.  This fare includes a specialized guide, a light lunch and bottled water.

In order to attract birds to their site, the current owners have placed a large amount of brightly painted bird houses in the midst of their gardens.  Every day an employee distribute bananas and other bird feed to these bird shelters.  Maybe that’s why the population is abundant and the birds look so happy and healthy.

Please take a look at the collection of these beautiful bird houses which I observed while strolling through Hotel Lérida’s splendid gardens.  Here we go.

PICTURE GALLERY

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

The green base is a light-sensitive lamp used to light up the site during the cool evenings. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Notice the red container with drinking water for the birds. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

If I were a bird, this is the site where I would spend my vacations.  Delicious bananas, cool weather and a year-long springtime.  Can’t get any better than this.  Tweet!  Good Day.

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Say it With Flowers

The sublime message of mountain boutique Hotel Finca Lérida is obviously Mother Nature;  coffee, trails, birds, waterfalls, gardens, flowers, and lawns; are all oriented towards expressing the message of the beauty of nature.

Today I will complete the pictures of lovely flowers found within the premises of this extraordinary ecological spot up in the mountains of Chiriquí.  If you love nature, you will fully enjoy the following picture gallery.  Here we go.

PICTURE GALLERY

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Today has been the first time I have not included any caption messages under the photographs.  It wasn’t necessary.  The words of the flowers were more eloquent than my pen.  I’m still in awe with what I saw up there in the clouds.  Good Day.

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A Bouquet of Flowers in Hotel Finca Lérida

While strolling through the premises of Hotel Finca Lérida, one of the characteristics that struck me, was the abundant amount of gardens and flowers.  Everywhere I went, there was a constant stream of brightly colored flowers and grass.  It was like walking inside a gargantuan garden.

I also noticed a generous amount of colorful bird houses too, but that’s another story for another day.  Today I will concentrate on the singular beauty of the flowers of this one-of-a-kind mountain hotel.

PICTURE GALLERY:

A typical example of the lush tropical gardens impeccable kept at Hotel Finca Lérida. It’s so refreshing to the eye to encounter such beauty throughout the whole perimeter of the estate. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a spotless garden outside the lodge I was staying. It was the first beautiful sight I saw when I opened the front door. Compared to Panama City, I was floating in heaven. Take notice of the fireplace outside the suite.  There’s another one similar to this one inside the lodge.  Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of one of the gardeners of the hotel taking care of the gardens. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a gorgeous garden with a cute little bird house within the premises of the hotel. There are numerous bird houses throughout the mountain hotel. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

A close-up of a yellow flower using the Marco feature of my compact Canon PowerShot A720 IS. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

This is the first flower delivery.  If you are a flower lover, please return tomorrow because there are more stunning photographs of tropical flowers in the works.  Good Day.

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An Elegant Restaurant in the Highlands of Panama

If you are visiting the highlands of the Province of Chiriquí in the Republic of Panama, and you begin to feel hungry, I know one of the best restaurants in the area.  Not only is the site where the venue is located spectacular, but also the food is delicious.

Once you get to Hotel Finca Lérida, you can’t miss the site of the restaurant.  There are convenient signs indicating the route to the building, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.  Chow time will be always on time.

The chef’s name is Gean who’s assisted by Jose Luis and young and sweet Estibalis .  Two dynamic waitresses will take your order; Kathy and Linette, faster than you can wink an eye.  If you wish, you can order inside the restaurant or cuddle at an adjoining terrace cafe with a magnificent view of flowers, purple mountains and manicured lawns.

Below are several pictures of the gourmet restaurant of Hotel de Montaña Finca Lérida.  Once you eat here I know you will return and return and return for more.  Here we go.

Snapshot of one the many signs to help the hotel’s visitors to find their way inside its premises. As you can see, the sign clearly indicates where the restaurant is located. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Take notice of the lush gardens and tropical vegetation around the area of Finca Lérida. On the slopes of the mountains you will find dark green coffee plants. This high quality coffee is exported to the United States, Canada and Europe. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a general view of the building where the restaurant is situated. It is surrounded by well-kept gardens with a variety of bright tropical flowers. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

A closer view of the entrance to the gourmet restaurant of Hotel de Montaña Finca Lérida. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a patch of bright tropical flowers bordering the restaurant of the mountain hotel. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

View of the elegant restaurant with a gorgeous crystal chandelier hanging in the middle of the spacious room. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Example of one of the many delicious dishes available at the restaurant. I ordered this delicious salmon. I’m not an expert in food, but the chef will be more than happy to explain its intricacies. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

This is another recommendation of the chef. It’s a stuffed trout with tomatoes and other flavor herbs. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Portrait of the main chef, Gean, of Hotel de Montaña Finca Lérida. His pose is very distinguished and graceful. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Chef Gean and one of his assistants, Estibalis, pose for the camera. Take notice of their spotless white uniforms.  Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Two waitresses of Hotel de Montaña Finca Lérida, Linette (left) and Kathy (right), will be more than happy to take your order at the restaurant. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

This will be the end of a tour of one of the most elegant and refined gourmet restaurants you can find in the highlands of Chiriquí.  If you happen to be near its vicinity, I strongly encourage you to drive over and take a bite.  Good Day.

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A Panamanian Shangri-La

A remarkable person made a dream come true in the highlands of  Panama, in a place called Boquete which in Spanish means “a gap” or a “big hole”.

The name of the man is Toleff Boche Monniche.  This is his outstanding story and magnificent dream—in printed words and images.

Hotel Finca Lerida is in one of the most picturesque locations on the Isthmus of Panama. Located at 1,600-1800 meters (5,249-5,906  feet) on the slopes of Volcán Barú, it borders Volcan Baru National Park, La Amistad International Park (PILA) forests, and the ecological reserve of its own coffee plantation.

Both the design and decor of the rooms has been inspired by the countryside of southern France and each room is equipped with the comforts of modern life. Around the hotel, interpretive trails allow guests to appreciate the biodiversity of the place and breathe the fresh mountain air, specially in the early mornings.

The tourist section has only 23 rooms to limit the number of people visiting the trails. Biological studies have determined that the burden on the fragile ecological system should not exceed twenty persons. There is a strong interest on the part of the company to protect the natural status of this beautiful place often visited by nature lovers and bird watchers (ornithologists).

The Coffee House has been recognized internationally since 1929 for its excellent beverages, rich in flavor and aroma.  The coffee tradition endures in time in this alluring mountain plantation, making the modern gourmet restaurant, the wide spaces of the structure and the colorful gardens of Finca Lerida perfect venues for social and corporate events. Many consider the place to be the Napa Valley of coffee in the Republic of Panama.

Coffee was first farmed here in the 1920′s. After buying the farm in 1957, John Collins placed Lerida’s coffee on the map.  Due to the elevation, perfect micro-climate and volcanic soil from Panama’s only volcano (Volcán Barú), Lerida’s coffees are not only among the best in Panama, it is among the best in the world.

About two years ago Finca Lérida was purchased by the Amoruso family. The new ownership is dedicated to keeping Lerida’s proud coffee traditions and boutique mountain hotel attractive to visitors from all corners of the globe.  The varieties of coffee exported by Finca Lérida are Caturra, Catuai and Gheisha.

The historical value of the property is particularly important and should be noted. Mr. Toloff Monniche Boche, a Norwegian engineer graduate of the Royal College of Dresden, Germany, arrived in Panama to work on the design and construction of the emergency gates of the Panama Canal and the construction of a complex of docks in the City of Colon on the Atlantic Side.  His story is as incredible as a Hollywood movie script.

In 1922 Toloff Monniche finally retired as an engineer of the Panama Canal.  He and his wife, Julia, moved to Finca Lerida in Alto Quiel, Boquete.   He built his house (completely by hand) in the most refined style of the Norwegian countryside, and invented the first coffee mill moved by gravity of Panama.

In addition, he designed and patented the “trap”, a device to separate the good beans from the bad ones, which have since been used by a majority of coffee mills worldwide. The siphon still works on the farm and Monniche’s original coffee mill still processes a coffee of exceptional quality.  The original residence he built using the design of a house in Norway is still on the farm, and can be rented by potential guests. It is known as the Centennial House.

In 1929, Finca Lerida exported its  first shipment of Panamanian coffee to Germany, and placed Panama on the map of higher-quality exotic coffees in Europe.   For further information about this stunning hotel up in the mountains of the Province of Chiriqui please click here.

Below are several pictures of the original house built by this courageous man who made his dream come true at the turn of the century in a place “a hundred miles from anywhere”.

PICTURES GALLERY

Snapshot of a landscape view of the buildings which make up Hotel Finca Lérida. The house in the background towards your right is the Centennial House which was built manually by Mr. Toleff Boche Monniche. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

A closer shot of the Centennial House. Notice the Norwegian architecture of the structure. The woman at the door is the hotel’s general manager. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot depicting a sign on the door of the Centennial House showing that it was built in 1922. At that time the place was in the middle of nowhere. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photograph of the general manager of the hotel inside the Centennial House. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Take notice of the fireplace on the left side of the picture, similar to European and North American homes. This is the living room of the Centennial House. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of an original bathroom washbowl which was probably installed by Mr. Toleff Monniche himself when the house was being built. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a leisure living room adjacent to the main one. This room faces a carefully manicured lawn and a generous collection of tropical flowers. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

A typical example of how well kept the hotel maintains its lawns and gardens. The beauty is everywhere and absolutely overwhelming. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

That’s it for today folks.  With the inspiring story of Mr. Toleff Boche Monniche behind us, tomorrow we will meet the chef of the restaurant and his assistant, as well as pictures of the elegant restaurant itself.  Please stay tuned, the best is yet to come.  Good Day.

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