Life As We Know It in Panama

Life has been quite laid back in Panama.  You quickly learn to relax and not get excited because the limes you have been looking for during the past few days are still not in the grocery stores, or the domestic beer you have a liking for is not available because the distributor is on Christmas vacation for the past two weeks.  Slow walks down the beach bring you interesting shells that are added to the collection, while dodging scary jellyfish that could have stepped on if you weren't observant enough.  We have interesting talks with people we have never met, and that have come from far reaches of the world, and where a sharing of new ideas and opinions occur and are valued.

We have been attending a Spanish language course that is very interesting.  The course leader, who is American, lives in our building and teaches at one of the schools in Gargona (the small town that we are living in).  We have rented a car and have been doing a bit of exploring.  Our condo has a pool and I have a floatie (invaluable!!!).  I am taking it with me when we leave!

The meals have been delicious, mostly fish, and fresh out of the sea.  Small, simple portions... supersize me has not hit Panama yet... and I hope it never does!  We watch the fishing boats go out and come in.  There is a small fish market on the beach, within walking distance of our condo.  We have been to it but have not made a purchase as of yet.

I am appreciating Panama more and more each day.  It is a culture that is very different from our own.  The hustle and bustle can be found in the city, but even then, if you want something done quickly, you will just have to learn to be patient, because it won't happen at the speed you are used to.