By Edgar BearAfter having driven from beach to beach in Costa Rica where we spent the night next to the ocean and where we woke up to loads of mosquito bites, we finally entered Panama.
But, when I think about it, there are two things that I knew about Panama: the fictitious prison known as Sona that was introduced in the television show Prison break and the historic Panama Canal. So, needleless to say, I didn’t know much about the country. However, after having visited, I have to say that it is well kept secret of a country that is safe and that is filled with amazing people. Six hours after crossing the border, we arrived in the capital city. Panama city could be compared to Miami: it is next to the ocean, tall buildings, great food, the people are nice, it is clean, and there are many activities to do. We stayed at my friend Claudia’s house. I met Claudia while studying for my Master’s in California. She is a smart young lady and after meeting her family, I must say that they are smart, loving, kind, and hospitable. They have a beautiful house and they received us with kindness, jokes, and joy. David and I felt overly welcome. Since it was around Christmas time, most people were either out of school or using their vacation days. Because of this, we were able to spend time with all sorts of people ranging from Claudia’s relatives, her friends, a professional baseball player, people from church, and people we met about the area. The first Sunday we were there, we went to a less fortunate side of town where there was a word, where we prayed for people, and where we gave out Christmas gifts. The children were grateful, as were the parents. Another great experience was that a few years back, while I was living in Pasadena, California, I met a Colombian, Jason, by way of soccer. In California, I went to the park to play the original football (soccer) and after some time, Jason and I became good friends. We would hang out almost every weekend back in California. Well, Jason, fell in love with a girl who lives in Holland. And after trying out the long distance thing for more than a few months, it was agreed that he would move to Holland to give their love a chance. Interestingly, however, Jason’s parents happen to live in Panama. And since it was around the Christmas holidays, Jason went to Panama to spend time with his family before moving to Europe. Additionally, Jason and I had kept in touch since David and I began our drive through Latino America and we had agreed to hang out in Panama. So we did. We went about the town telling stories, reminiscing, and we played soccer at a local spot with the locals as we did back in Cali. Christmas eve was a joy. David and I joined Claudia’s family where we ate much food, where we played and sang live music, and where we sang karaoke. It reminded me of the times back in the States or in Mexico where our families would gather on Christmas eve smiling, laughing non-stop, and eating. One of the only differences was that the weather was hot. Another day, after going to a beautiful beach, Claudia invited her friends over to her house where she had a “party.” Here, we met great people. There was this one black guy who was both smart and funny. In regards to his being funny, this guy is the type who is clever and far too quick with his humor. He had everyone laughing the entire time. At the party, at first, we got to know the people; we told jokes, and we talked about each other’s lives. As more people arrived, we played all sorts of games. Interestingly, the party was “dry.” No one brought alcohol. And as someone who grew up around alcohol, I have to say that this was one of the most entertaining parties that I have ever attended. Not simply because I was in a different country, but because all the people who attended were nice, knew how to converse, they treated us well, they knew how to laugh, and they always kept things interesting. Now, having said all this, there was one down side to our being in Panama, and that was the process of having to ship our vehicle in a shipping container to Colombia because of the Darien Gap: an area between Colombia and Panama where there is no road. The reason for a lack of a road is due to environmental reasons where there is a desire to care for nature, which is a good thing. I agree with that. But the downside was our having to pay over a thousand dollars to ship our vehicle. Furthermore, we faced other troubles of which will be writen about in the next blog. However, overall, I have come to love Panama. Would I visit again? Definitely. Beyond all doubt. |
DavidMuchacho simpatico EdgarEdgar is Christian. He loves soccer, traveling, and meeting new people. Archives
July 2016
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