Feliciano, The Neighborhood’s Gardener

Two days after we got married on July 12, 1980, to moved to our present home in the neighborhood of El Bosque.  I recall we heard somebody knocking at the door the next day.  “Who can that be?”, my wife asked.  “Nobody knows us around here.”

We opened the door slowly, fearing it could be somebody wanting to do us harm.  Nope, it was a strong man in his early forties, red-faced, and a bright smile.  He said, “Buenas, mi nombre es Feliciano.  Soy jardinero y puedo cortarles la hierba por $12.00 por corte.”  (Hi, my name is Feliciano.  I’m a gardener and I can trim your lawn for $12.00 a visit.)  We thanked him and paid his services for many years.  Now we have another gardener, but Feliciano is still around visiting the neighborhood and cutting the grass with his bright smile and his strong arms.

Feliciano is now 68, but still strong and with his friendly smile burned on his red face.  He’s original of a place called La Pintada in the countryside.  At day break you can see him walking down the neighborhood with his long weed cutter on his back.  It doesn’t matter if it rains or shines, if it’s a Sunday or a National Holiday, if he’s sick or healthy.  Like a Swiss clock, he walks down the streets of the neighborhood cutting grass and trimming lawns with his bright smile on his face.

Yesterday my wife asked if he could plant a “palma roja” (lipstick palm tree) on our front lawn.  Feliciano said yes with his natural friendliness and that permanent smile on his face.  “Sí, como no, señora Aura. Yo lo hago por $30.00.”  (Yes, I’ll do it Mrs. Aura for $30.00.)  And that was that.

While he was doing his thing with a couple of partners, as strong as oxen, I sneaked into my home office and fetched my camera.  It was a damp, dark, cobalt-skies day, but with patience and persistence, I could squeeze a shot or two.  Anyway, I could always retouch the pictures if they needed some makeup.

Below are several photographs of Feliciano and his partners planting a palm tree in our front lawn.  Notice how strong these men look.  Even Superman would look like a weakling beside them.

Snapshot of Feliciano, the gardener of El Bosque neighborhood. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Notice the strong arms of the man towards your left and the dynamism of Feliciano (the man with the shovel). Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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Inside a Cloud Forest in Boquete

Amongst the many attractions of Boquete is the existence of cloud forests.  Being a city dweller most of my life, walking into a cloud forest was a fascinating experience.  Inside the forest, it was dark, damp, full of bird languages and green, always green in different shades and tones.

Before I continue, I would like to explain what a cloud forest is,  if I may.  A cloud forest is a mostly tropical or semi-tropical evergreen forest characterized by a low-level and frequent cloud cover at the canopy level. These forests usually show an abundance of mosses covering the ground and vegetation and almost always develop on the saddles of mountains, like the Jaramillo mountains and Volcán Barú in Boquete.

In Boquete, the areas of Bajo Mono, Alto Chiquero, Horqueta and the slopes leading to the Volcán Barú are all considered cloud forests. And, although it can be sunny at times in legitimate cloud forests, you will find all the characteristics of a cloud forest in these areas.

No further talk.  It’s time to share with you scenes of a cloud forest in Boquete.  Sit down, relax and use your imagination to travel down to Panama and enjoy a forest in the clouds.  Here we go.

Snapshot of signs and rustic benches of the trails leading to the cloud forest of Finca Lérida in Boquete. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a huge tree known as “Cenizo” according to our guide Eddy. Notice that part of the tree is covered with moss.   Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Parts of the forest are so thick, you can barely see the sun. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of María (back), Concha (middle), and Eddy (front) returning from a gorgeous waterfall inside the cloud forest. María and Concha were visitors from Madrid, Spain visiting Finca Lérida. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of María and Concha exploring the trails of Finca Lérida in Boquete. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of one of the observatories of the trails. From here you can see Hotel Lérida down below. The scenery from here was absolutely lovely. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

That’s it for today.  My legs are tired and I don’t feel like walking anymore.  At least not for today.  Tomorrow I’ll take you to a stunning waterfall in the middle of the forest.  Please return, I promise you won’t regret it.  Total satisfaction or your money back.  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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Enjoying a Tropical Paradise

Gamboa is a small town in the Republic of Panama. It was one of a handful of permanent former Panama Canal Zone townships, built to house employees of the Panama Canal and their dependents.

Gamboa is located on a sharp bend of the Chagres River at the point which feeds Lake Gatun. Just south of Gamboa, Lake Gatun and the Chagres meet the Gaillard Cut also known as Culebra Cut, where the Canal cuts through the Continental Divide.

The town of Gamboa is still inhabited, but as a shadow of its former self, maintained, but without the vibrancy and civic spirit it once enjoyed. Many of its houses are not inhabited and several public buildings are underutilized. It remains the primary headquarters of the Dredging Division of the Panama Canal Authority (formerly PCC).

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort, a 5-star hotel offering access to the nearby forest, is the town’s main attraction today, attracting tourists from all around the world.  Among it many attractions is a gorgeous complex of swimming pools of different shapes, water depths, and sizes.  In the midst of lush tropical vegetation is closely resembles the biblical Garden of Eden of Adam and Eve.  Being here is like reaching a tropical paradise.

Below are several pictures of this stunning recreational spot in the midst of a tropical rainforest.  Take a look and feel the warmth of this wonderful country called Panama, Puente del Mundo, Corazón del Universo (Bridge of the World, Heart of the Universe).  Here we go.

Snapshot of the complex of swimming pools at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel located in Gamboa, former Panama Canal Zone. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

View of the recreational area of the Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel located on the banks of the mighty Chagres River in the Republic of Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Take notice of the tropical bright flowers and the lush vegetation of this beautiful recreational spot in the midst of a rainforest in the tropics. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

In this picture con can see the Chagres River in the background surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

If you are traveling from a country covered with heavy snow and blinding blizzards, this tropical scenery will mesmerize you. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

This is the end of the road.  The series covering the historic town of Gamboa is finished.  It was an unforgettable experience.  The scenery was spectacular, the food was great, and the fall at the Gamboa Bridge was painful.  Ouch!  It’s time to move on to other topics and other scenarios in this beautiful country of Panama bathed by the two greatest oceans on earth.  Good Day.

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An Indoors Lush Tropical Garden in Panama

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel, as its name implies, is oriented for clients interested in nature.  Amongst its many attractions are specialized tours for sight-seeing, bird watching, river boat excursions and enjoying tropical vegetation.  As a matter of fact, there is a large tropical garden with a running water cascade inside the lobby of the hotel.  It is quite a sight to enjoy the size of the plants of this indoors garden.

For people living in countries where winters are always dark, boring white, and freezing cold, coming to Panama and enjoying its warm weather, abundant tropical vegetation, bright sunny days, white sand beaches, and beautiful rivers will be an unforgettable experience.

Below are several pictures of a gorgeous tropical garden inside the hotel, just outside its main restaurant.  Here we go.

Snapshot of an unusually large tropical garden inside the lobby of the Gamboa Rainforest Resort Hotel in Panama City, Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

The cascade inside the garden is another attraction of this resort hotel located in the middle of a rainforest at Gamboa. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Red and green are my favorite colors, and this garden sure knows how to display deep variations of green. I love it. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Notice how green this garden looks. In order to take this shot I introduced my Birthday camera literally inside the foliage of the garden. The results of this action is eloquent. The giant ferns are particularly attractive. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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The Twists and Turns of Ancon Hill’s Road

Ancon Hill is a national icon most Panamanians hold very close to their hearts.  There’s a huge flag that flies on top of the urban elevation that symbolizes the return of Panama’s sovereignty over the former U.S. Panama Canal Zone.  A visit to the top of the hill is a visit which is richly rewarded.

Ancon Hill towers over Panama City. With a height of 654 feet, Ancon Hill Panama over looks the city. The beautiful road up the hill is a famous jogging and hiking path and there are three great spots of tourist attractions. As a matter of fact, Ancon Hill in Panama is a great Panama tourist attraction, which attracts travelers from all over the world.

To get to the top you have to drive or walk or job through a narrow one-track roads that winds up towards the top.  After you get there, the view is absolutely overwhelming.  If you have been following my blog posts, probably you have seen some of the pictures of Panama City and the Panama Canal from this mound.

Ancon Hill is open for visiting from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday. There is no entry charge, which makes it more availed by the tourists. The highway along the Panama Canal leads to the hill, but as the road is quite narrow, it is important to drive safely.

Today I would like you to take a look at the road that leads to the top of the knoll which overlooks Panama City.  Everywhere you look is emerald-green.  It’s such a strong green it will mesmerize you.  Take a look and enjoy the view.

Snapshot of the narrow road which leads to the top of Ancon Hill overlooking Panama City, Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of the lush tropical vegetation surrounding Ancon Hill. Wildlife and fauna are protected by local authorities and several nature conservation groups like Ancon. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of a large sentinel flanking the Ancon Hill road. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of many of the American built houses located on the slopes of Ancon Hill. This neighborhood is known as Quarry Heights. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

Snapshot of the structure that houses the main headquarters of Ancon, one of the most prestigious nature conservation entities in the Republic of Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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Manicured Lawns and Gardens at the Bahá’i Temple in Panama

I was deeply wowed with the extremely well-kept gardens and lawns surrounding the Bahá’i Temple.  The gardens were works of art and the lawns were thick and green, just like a smooth carpet.  The scenario was exquisite; ideal for peace and meditation.  It was a treat for the eyes contrasting to the sight of the noisy city down below.

This is what I’m talking about.  Isn’t this a perfect site for a house of worship?  Here we go.

Snapshot of a gorgeous garden with the premises of the Bahá'i Temple in Panama City, Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

The Bahá'i Temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens and well-kept lawns. They look so smooth, just like a thick green carpet. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

The series isn’t over yet.  Please come tomorrow to enjoy more pictures of the gorgeous white Bahá’i Temple perched on top of a rolling hill.  Good Day.

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A Landscape View From Cerro Sonsonate (The Singing Hill)

A landscape view of the area surrounding the Bahá'i Temple taken from the top of Sonsonate Hill. The green color everywhere, the cool breeze and the fresh air was a terrific experience. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

The picture above is a composition of several independents shots stitched together to create a landscape photograph of the area surrounding the temple.  The building is perched on the Cerro Sonsonate (the singing hill) at an elevation of 730 feet and is located 7 miles north of  Panama City on the Transisthmian Highway in an area known as Ojo de Agua.  The view from the hill is absolutely awesome as you can appreciate in this picture.

Below are the shots that I used to create this wide-angle landscape view of the area around the temple.  On top of the hill, you can barely hear the noise of the traffic below on the Transisthmian Highway.  The area is very quiet and only the harmonious chirping of the birds can be heard.  The ruffle of the leaves also creates a relaxing atmosphere.

A view of the area known as Ojo de Agua where the Bahá'i Temple is located in Panama City, Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

It was a crystal clear day with a wonderful view of the lush vegetation adjacent to the Bahá'i Temple. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

The dry season is just starting in Panama, so the trees and the grass are still green. Soon it will turn brown as the sun intensifies its action. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

An attraction of the temple are slender tall royal palm trees and well-trimmed lawns and gardens around the structure. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

In this picture you see the small figure of my wife Aura, on the sidewalk of the temple. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

If you are enjoying the visit to the aesthetic temple on top of Sonsonate Hill, I encourage you to return tomorrow for more enticing pictures of this picturesque place perched on top of a hill.  Good Day.

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Palm Trees Under a Blue Dome

Snapshot of tall beautiful palm trees decorating the premises of the Bahá'i Temple on Ojo de Agua. The circular garden in the middle of the picture includes a garden with the shape of a star. Being up there was a privilege of peace and tranquility. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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A Splash of Red on Sonsonate Hill

Snapshot of a bright red flower amongst a rich tropical vegetation surrounding the premises of the Bahá'i Temple on Sonsonate Hill in Panama City, Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.

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