Beaching It!!

A quite day on the beach!!

A Day at the Beach

Our Condo

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.

Santa Clara Beach

Santa Clara is a beautiful white sand beach with clear blue water.  Many huts give beach goers a respite from the sun and heat.

Santa Clara Beach Bar

We had a delicious supper tonight with Gerald and Wanda at this small beach bar owned by a Canadian couple from Ontario. 

The New Year Celebration

Yes, they were right!!  The New Year celebrations were crazy busy!!  People from all over Panama headed for the beaches to bring in the new year.  They came with their families, coolers of booze, food, and yes, also their music.  The grocery stores had lineups for the till down each aisle.  The roadways were plugged.  The night sky was a spectacle of disbelief with fireworks.  They started at dusk and the sparkle and twinkle of fireworks continued well past midnight.  It seemed as if there was a competition to see who could fire off the grandest display.  It was a sight to behold.  The party continued until late today, when finally the last of the revelers packed up their belongings, shut down their weekend lodgings, and made the long and arduous trek home.  I'm sure there will be many big heads and tired people tomorrow.  The Panamanians know how to party!!