Oct 31, 2015

Boquete Artist Marjorie Freiburghaus



Boquete artist, Marjorie Freidburghaus, is one of my favorite local artists. Self-taught and versatile, she paints an array of subjects and is equally comfortable doing folk art or abstracts. 

Whether producing a commissioned painting to complement someone's new home decor or creating her own inspirations, Marjorie's work is always distinctive.  Her use of bright colors and simple composition draws you into the canvas and wraps you in a good feeling, as you gaze upon a bunch of bananas, watch a hummingbird, or negotiate your way through an abstract maze. 

Below are photos of  a few of her works. My snapshots don't do justice to the color and clarity of the originals, unfortunately.  Feel free to let me know your thoughts, and I'm happy to provide the artist's contact information via private email.







 




 







                             










Oct 30, 2015

Sitio Barriles, Volcan, Panama

Sitio Barriles is a pre-colombian archeological site located on private land near Volcan, Chiriqui in Panama.  I'm told that personnel from National Geographic came at one time and helped with excavations, however they are no longer involved. I haven't corroborated the veracity of the following, but I was informed that personnel from this institution took most of the "better pieces" out of the country.  Whether this is true or not, and whether the artifacts were purchased or taken, is also up for speculation.  This information was not provided by the site's official guide, but rather communicated via rumor mill.  I am ashamed to admit I don't care enough to research further.  Bottom line the pieces that were allegedly discovered there, are no longer there.  If National Geographic did remove them from the country, hopefully they are somewhere where they can be appreciated by a much wider audience.  

The small finca that houses the remaining artifacts and history is open to the public and is frequently visited by educational institutions.  The grounds are scenic and captivating as well. There is a small fee for a guided tour both the museum and grounds.  Tourists are $5 per person and locals are $3 per person.



This statue is a replica of the original which is located in a national museum.  It is a symbolic representation of the peoples who comprised the ancient civilization that populated the area.  They were comprised of Asiatic and African elements and are reported to have collaboratively inhabited the region. 

Noting that the Asian was on top, being transported by the African, I questioned our guide's explanation that they collaborated.  It was then she explained that the statue is a reflection of the collaboration.  The African is depicted as blind, and the Asian as lame.  The two peoples were able to accomplish their needs and goals through mutual effort and assistance.  

Below are a few artifacts found in the small on-site museum.


Mother and Child statue



These are ancient map rocks, indicating a central location and surrounding foot trails.


Another map rock of trails leading to the summit of Volcan Baru


Sign of the serpent,  for good luck


The area above remains to be excavated.  Students from the universities donate labor as time permits. 


The above photos are of a hillside that has been partially excavated to reveal an ancient burial ground.  Remains of the dead were stored in the clay pots embedded in the hillside. 


Pre-historic ferns and bamboo forests comprise much of the natural landscaping along the trails to the burial grounds. 



Oct 17, 2015

Recommended Low-Budget Accommodations in Boquete, Panama

Habla Ya Spanish School in Boquete recently published the above-titled post for their students and/or potential students regarding lodging in Boquete for the budget minded.  I am familiar with the locations and exterior appearance of  all the listed facilities, but never have investigated any further. The post has interior photos and detailed information  a first time visitor to Boquete might find helpful.  With  permission I am posting the following photo and link.



Oct 9, 2015

Community Outrage over Release of Juvenilles

This is a cut and paste to spread the word from Boquete News re: community concerns over the initial arrest and subsequent release of the juveniles  involved in the shooting in Portrerillos a few days ago. 

According to reports, one of the kids confessed.  Panamanian laws are very liberal toward juveniles that get involved in criminal activities.  Apparently one of the youths was released back into the custody of his parents who live in Boquete. 

The juveniles arrested in the home invasion, shooting, and stabbing of _________ have been released.This is how the community will organize to protest the release.
A security meeting will be held tomorrow afternoon 5.00pm in the Parque Surtapec ( little park at the Potrerillos cruce/crossing)...The Mayor from Dolega, the representantes,police and all interested public are invited.
Please put this out to all those who don't read ning, neighbors etc. This affects everyone, not just Potrerillos residents. The officials and police are responding to calls and outcry from the public. They know something has to be done.
PLEASE show up in if you can and bring some of your workers.So everybody knows about this.
I would ask anyone with media contacts to get this out to them as well.

Gracias all.