El Parque Güell

Dear friends, I will be out on assignment again for awhile. I will be trying to keep up with my blogging comments, etc as much as I can.  I have a kindle that allows me to read your comments from around the world while I'm stuck at an airport etc so I'll be able to post from this device often, but I may or may not have access while I'm out in the field.  Just depends on the connection speeds. However, I have scheduled many wonderful posts on birds, wildlife and gardening over the next couple weeks. Have you ever been to a garden that makes a strong statement?  Over the past couple of years, I've done some writing on my trip to Spain.  Today I wanted to take you all on a journey back in 2004 to a garden that completely blew me out of the water.  Parque Guell is located in Barcelona on top of a hill. 

The easiest way to get there?  Take a taxi from your hotel and head to the area.  The entrance can be congested so most people choose to walk up the BIG hill.  This can be a challenge for some so if you can't do this walk, you'll need to pay a bit more for you taxi ride.  All I can say is that this was one of the big highlights for me in Barcelona.  Magical! 

The pictures you see today are from my OLD camera, but I think they are okay to show.  This park utilizes excellent xeric practices.  It also has great art by the famous Gaudi mixed in with the natural coloring on the various plants. Bring excellent walking shoes.  This is a nice little trek:)

I also love the bathrooms here.  You pay to do whatever inside that cubical.  And so I would laugh and laugh everytime my friend had to use it.  How does it work?  Well you put your coins inside and then enter.  Do the deeds.  Wash your hands!!! And then get out!  The door shuts and then begins to wash the inside with a spray.  My fear was that I would be "showered" while using this bathroom because I've heard it happens:)

The park was originally part of a commercially unsuccessful housing site, the idea of Count Eusebi Güell, whom the park was named after. It was inspired by the English garden city movement; hence the original English name Park. The site was a rocky hill with little vegetation and few trees, called Muntanya Pelada (Bare Mountain). It already included a large country house called Larrard House or Muntaner de Dalt House, and was next to a neighborhood of upper class houses called La Salut (The Health). The intention was to exploit the fresh air (well away from smoky factories) and beautiful views from the site, with sixty triangular lots being provided for luxury houses. Count Eusebi Güell added to the prestige of the development by moving in 1906 to live in Larrard House. Ultimately, only two houses were built, neither designed by Gaudí. One was intended to be a show house, but on being completed in 1904 was put up for sale, and as no buyers came forward, Gaudí, at Güell's suggestion, bought it with his savings and moved in with his family and his father in 1906.This house, where Gaudí lived from 1906 to 1926. It contains original works by Gaudí and several of his collaborators. It is now the Gaudi House Museum since 1963. In 1969 it was declared a historical artistic monument of national interest....a UNESCO World Heritage site.  So there's your history lesson for the day.  Amazing place and highly recommended if you're in Barcelona.  More tomorrow.....

The Old Helmet

Our adventure today begins in the old neighborhood of Panama City known as the ¨Old Helmet¨ or Casco Viejo. I took an 8 dollar taxi cab ride to get to this trendy yet sketchy place, but no worries, as long as you stay in the tourist police zone, you are safe.   The first pic you see is the first thing that grabbed my attention getting out of the taxi.  If you love photography, which I do, this is an absolute MUST!!  Just be careful with your camera and watch your personal belongings.  PS.  If you notice, I have had to start labeling my pics because I've had issues with my pictures being used without permission on other websites. Can you believe someone used my Leonard Nimoy pic for their adult site?!  Not cool at all.  But let's get back to Casco Viejo...

It's better if you have a guide to take you around the city who can give you the fascinating history behind this cultural centre. The guides are plenty and will offer their services once you arrive at this enchanting barrio. At some hotels, you can arrange to have a person join you from where you're staying.  I didn't get one because there wasn't enough time as I only had 1 day in Panama City before my friends arrived.  It seemed that almost every inch of the town was a photo opportunity until I crossed the line and left the police zone.  Thieves and other nasty vermin wait for the right opportunity to grab your things and run off....sometimes at knife point!!!  Is this place worth risking your life?  Absolutely.  It's perfectly safe during the day, but I wouldn't recommend going at night.  There are lots of ritzy areas within this barrio that are quite expensive.  In fact, this area is getting a makeover and you can see people fixing up old buildings.  Lots of money is being spent on renovation projects.

Founded in 1673, this "Old Quarter" is considered the most colorful and intruiging neighborhood of Panama City. Though now lacking its fortified walls and decrepit in parts(see above pic), this timeworn and earthy living museum is full of historic buildings, plazas, sidewalk cafes, and museums. This neighborhood was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

Casco Viejo offers wonderful vistas of the skyline, ocean, and places to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. You'll also find vendors selling souvenirs on the boardwalk and around the plaza areas.

Walking the main streets is quite safe due to a heavy police presence.  Just remember not to go off the beaten track...especially at night.  I did actually leave the area, but I also speak Spanish and felt comfortable doing so.  This neighborhood is concentrated around four main plazas which includes much of the city's finest domestic and ecclesiastical architecture. Many conscientious investors have saved much of the area from demolition, but they've also created expensive chic restaurants and bars. So for this traveler on a budget, it was all about taking pictures and bringing my own bottle of water. 

Red bricks are commonly found throughout Casco Viejo and adds to the charm of this Quarter.  

I love the plazas here!!  Birds filled the many beautiful and large trees around this area.  The tree above is called the "Flame of the Forest".  This neighborhood also allows for a break from the hot, humid and stifling heat inside of Panama City as the ocean allows for some nice breezes to pass through the area....although not much:)  My camera took a beating on this trip.  My lens would fog up so often that I had to give it time to adjust to the humidity outside.  It was that bad!

For centuries the heart of Panama City's social and political life happened here in the colonial centre of San Felipe which is now called Casco Viejo....or I've even heard Casco Antiguo during my walk.  If you have a day or two in Panama City, I recommend a visit to this place.  Do take a guide.  Do keep an eye or two open. And definitely bring some cash for the ritzy dining areas.  You can easily spend a morning or afternoon here.  This will be one of the few city stops we'll be taking on this trip as there is a lot more interesting information to share on our environment.  Most of my writing will be focused on national parks, plants, animals(especially birds), and several of Panama's major agricultural exports. For some that may sound boring, but don't worry, I won't let my writing or pics turn you away.  Hasta mañana amigos.....