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.
Your “favorite” photo is lovely. The entire place is lovely, of course, and a few days there would be a delight!
Hi Linda:
Unfortunately I could only stay in Shangri-La two days, but they were two of the best days in my life. I will miss Finca Lérida.
Take Care,
Omar.-
Seldom I write comments, because I think it is better to be muted than write stupid, but this time around I wanted to congratulate you. Some write, that some sort of bridge is beautiful, and I write that such entries are expected more, perhaps many some others will open your face. Thanks, if I invite myself to do it very subtly.