Wednesday I went to Boquete to see Holly and Emma, a couple blogging friends. There is a related post HERE. Our stop at El Explorador was so interesting however, that it deserves a post of its own.
I’m not sure how one would describe El Explorador – a botanical garden? a playground? an inspirational place? all of the above? It is definitely unique. I wish I had learned the name of the lady it belongs to. She was so delightful! She told me that she has been there 50 years. She just loves working outside, and she has made the place what it is for everyone’s enjoyment. She is very happy when people visit and have a good time.
There are 28 pictures, and then 11 flower pictures in a slide show.
This is what you see at the entrance. The funny signs start from here. (I can’t make out this one though – something about this message is for the good looking people. The ugly ones are much more sought after… maybe, the last words are behind a leaf)
Discover it!
Old sewing machines with eyes, buckets with faces, more signs that say – Anything that makes you feel good will attract more, We are experts are mending broken hearts, and how is yours?, I invite you to be happy, I pay, and under the old shoe – I have no strength to renew.
Ruta = route. This sign says – If you are overcome with worries and anguish, work! Work relieves many sorrows.
Where did the woman come out? The woman came from a man’s rib, not from his feet to be trampled on, or the head to be superior, but from the side to be equal, under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved. And, the smaller sign – laughter is the orgasm of the intelligence.
Brujas? (witches?)
The rose garden isn’t blooming right now, but when it is I’m sure it’s gorgeous!
There were quite a few of these doll house sorts of things on various themes. This sign says – everyone is special. We are born capable. The trick is to find out of what we are capable.
I hate it when ugly people stare at me as if how nice it would stick … (or something like that. )
Photo ops! Cinderella
Superman/woman
and superman!
Just some of the extensive gardens.
Flowers next to one of many sitting areas.
Some of the garden area with vegetables, and a couple naranjilla plants – this fruit turns orange and is a bit tart, sort of like a citrus, and is often used to make drinks. It doesn’t transport well though so it’s rarely seen in markets.
More of the vegetable garden area.
Another very pretty spot, with a very pretty lady in the middle.
A little area where you can sit and relax. I like the TV screen that is a mirror instead.
The view is beautiful!
The owner talking to a couple other guests.
More flowers.
More whimsy – one of the many old purses hanging from this trellis.
Grownups in the playground!
We hadn’t played like this since we were kids.
Emma tests out the hammock with Holly’s help.
Holly and I played on the teeter-totter in front of shrubs with eyes, and a ghost that says – Before it was indecision… now I don’t know!
A little rock garden outside of another sitting area.
El Explorador presents the polyphonic choir if I painted (or something like that), and – TV is a mirror that reflects the success of our entire cultural system.
Please correct any errors I may have made in the translations!
There were a lot of beautiful flowers so I couldn’t resist taking some photos of my favorites.
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That’s just a taste of this unique place. It should be even more beautiful after the rains return. If any of you have a chance to visit, I would highly recommend it!
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About Kris Cunningham
We live in David, Chiriqui Provence, Republic of Panama! This blog is about some of our experiences in our new country.
The Panama Adventure 
Fantastic! So whimsical!
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Isn’t it though! We had no idea what it was about so we were delightfully surprised.
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Reblogged this on Let The Adventure Begin! and commented:
Kris got some great shots of this magical place, El Exlorador! We really had a great time just wondering around, time flew by and we felt like we had found a hidden treasure! What a perfect distraction and a place I will be taking many others in the future!
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Gracias de nuevo por este reblog 🙂
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Hi Kris. Just curious. Having just started conversational Spanish, I’m impressed with the translations. I can pick out words but cannot put together a sentence…Yet. Are you that far along?
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Google translation is a good thing!
And yes, I can make sentences. Most of my friends speak only Spanish so I can speak well enough to have conversations, though I still have a lot to learn to consider myself fluent.
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Thanks in fact I’ve copied the one sign down to study a bit. I’ve concluded at my age I’ll never be fluent but conversing is the key. Muchas gracious. David. I’m mean one month! Come on, cut me a break! haha.
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If you know enough to get things done and make small talk, you’ll be fine. The locals really appreciate that you are trying and will do whatever they can to help you. I’m not fluent either and always carry my dictionary, but the more you listen and talk the better it gets.
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You all look like you had a good time! 🙂
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We certainly did!
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Very interesting place for sure! Looks like you all had a great time.
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It definitely is, and it was fun to go with good friends 🙂
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