We're really lucky to be in Medellin this week because of the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) because everything everywhere is in full gear. A few hours before the sun sets, Burro and Lovebird suggest we go to the botanical gardens. Why would we want to go to the botanical gardens? Well, because of the upcoming festival, there's an extraordinary display of orchids, birds and other flora and fauna. It's a beautiful day so a walk would be nice...
This garden is GIGANTIC. In a few hours, we only manage to cover maybe a quarter of its real estate and I don't even spot the restaurant that supposedly has spectacular views of the gardens.
Some beautiful orchids, other flowers and displays... The last photo on the bottom right are replicas of famous paintings made with art cutouts and real calla lilies. So beautiful...
Birds are caged everywhere and I've never seen such colorful varieties! A lot of them are also for sale as well... It was crowded beyond belief as you can see.
Introducing the Orquideorama! Beautiful isn't it? It was created by Plan B Architects in 2008 and meant to resemble a living and breathing cellular weave work that joins the concepts of living organisms and architecture. I am in awe...
Coconut Popsicle - $2000 COP each (approx. $1.15)
And right in the middle of the botanical gardens are vendors selling various foods. This nice man is selling all natural popsicles. This one is coconut and you can tell because there are actual pieces of coconut in them! Yum... I will miss you dear popsicles...
Not only are there tons of vendors inside but EVEN MORE outside! Tents and tents worth of vendors selling everything from beer to plants to hats to trinkets to drinks to desserts to hot dogs and on and on...
Sugar cane juice señorita? Squeezed fresh right in front of you!
Guanabana juice fresh from the giant prickly fruit itself? (They call it guanabana there but the English for it is soursop - either way, it's not readily available in the Lower Mainland)
Sweets? That fresh mango looks SO GOOD!!!
All in all, I wish we had botanical gardens like this in the Lower Mainland - countless varieties of flora and fauna, beautiful/original architecture, tons of knick-knack vendors and more food stands than you can count. I wish I had more time to explore - there were walking paths and a beautiful little restaurant that I didn't even get close to. I guess I'll just have to visit again! Until next time, good night Jardin Botanico!
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