Palacio Portales in Cochabamba, Bolivia

On July 25, 2019 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn South America3 Comments

When visiting Cochabamba in Bolivia, we would definitely recommend taking a tour of the Palacio Portales. Not only is the building architecturally interesting, but the gardens, which were modeled after those at Versailles, are quite beautiful as well. Built by the wealthy millionaire Simon Patino, the palace was completed in 1927. Patino’s fortune was built by owning the majority of the tin industry in Bolivia, which earned the nicknames of “The Tin Baron” and “The Andean Rockefeller”. At one point, he was considered to be one of the five wealthiest people in the world.

Building and Water Feature on the Grounds

Construction began on the Palacio Portales in 1915 with inspirations coming from Alhambra and the Vatican. With marble and tapestries imported from Italy and wood imported from France, there are wonderful details throughout the house. Palacio Portales translates to Palace Portals, which has caused people to refer to the house as the palace of doors. The tour, which is offered in English and Spanish at different times, takes a little over an hour and is quite interesting. Although the house was built by Simon Patino, he never actually lived there as his health had declined keeping him from traveling back to Bolivia.

Another Colorful Building on the Grounds

The colorful exterior, wonderful garden, and interesting history make visiting Palacio Portales a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon in Cochabamba. Located near the center of Bolivia, Cochabamba offers several different opportunities for tours including visiting the ruins of Incallajta as well as Corrasco National Park in the Amazon Jungle.

Enjoying Your Surroundings

On January 19, 2017January 19, 2017 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Photo Challenge, Spain6 Comments

There is no doubt that everyone is influenced by their environment. It would be wonderful if we were able to completely control our surroundings, not just the artwork and furniture, but the weather, the light, the totality of the world around you. If we were as rich as the kings and queens of the past, perhaps we could achieve such results, so when we saw that this week’s Daily Post Photo Challenge was Ambiance, we thought of some of the beautiful palaces that we have seen during our travels. The one that has stuck out the most is Alhambra and the combination of natural elements as well as architectural and cultural influences. We can only imagine what it would have been like to have lived in such a magical location.

The Color Purple

On September 25, 2016 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Photo Challenge2 Comments

The orchid is one of the most beautiful, if not delicate, flowers in the world. For this week’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge Purple we decided to use a photo of an orchid that we took last summer at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Obviously we prefer to capture flowers in their natural environment, but these were just too beautiful to ignore. There is a place for zoos and botanical gardens, bringing the beauty of the world to those who are not able to travel the world. We find the same inspiration in travel shows and books that describe the wonder of the world that we may never see, but hope to visit one day, if we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity.

And from our most recent hiking trip into the mountains of Colorado.