We talked about it as a family, and we all agreed that we'd had enough of the rain in Boquete. So we decided yesterday afternoon to take off for Bocas Del Toro for my birthday.
I must tell you. This morning I received the coolest video gift from my kids. It tried to upload it this morning before we left, but after 40 minutes it wasn´t even close to being uploaded. Things are a little slower in Panama. When we get back to Boquete in a couple days I´ll post it.
Anyways, we piled in the car this morning and headed out on our adventure to Bocas Del Toro. We left Boquete around 9:15am and arrived in Almirante at 12:45pm. The 160 km trip took us 3.5 hours. It was an incredible visual journey through the jungle. There were breathtaking vistas, awe inspiring follage, tornado funnels of thousands of birds swirling above us, hairpin turns, mudslides that wiped out parts of the roadway requiring a delicate touch at the wheel, dozens of heart-wrenching Indian villages in the middle of no where. Linda and I were reminded of the many sights and sounds of Africa embedded in our memories as we kept our eyes peeled to the IMAX movie right outside our front windshield. When we arrived in Almirante we were graciously flagged down by a gentleman who rode up beside us on a bicycle. He could tell we were first timers. He directed us to the water taxi and secure parking for our vehicle. At 1:15pm we were on our first water taxi of the day. It was a 30 minute bumpy boat ride to the town of Bocas Del Toro. The kids loved it. They were laughing and screaming and were entertainment for the locals. We eventually found our way to Hotel Angela, where we´ll be staying for a couple nights. (You can google it to check it out). After settling into our room, we decided to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. After we were seated, the waitress quickly returned with her young son who she was proud to show us and inform us that he was having his first birthday today, and that it was also her brother´s birthday, and that their family and the restaurant staff would be celebrating with a cake in a few minutes. She wanted to give us a heads up, since we were the only other ones in the restaurant. I said, Its my birthday too. She said, oh please join us so we can celebrate your birthday as well.
I couldn´t believe it. What are the odds that I would end up in a restaurant in Bocas Del Toro, Panama (on a family whim), with two others who would have the same birthday, right at the time they were going to celebrate with a cake. Linda looked at me and said, I was wondering how I was going to get a cake for your birthday. Isn´t God amazing!
I think we're in good hands.
Paul
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
DRIVING SENOR DAY
So how do you spend your time in David, Panama when you’ve got lots of it to blow? You wander around, eat a bit, hit the internet café…and see if you can find the comedy in life. And then, because you’ve got the time, you write a blog entry so everyone else can laugh along with you. So here’s a bit about how my day went today (Oct 29, 2007).
I woke up and rolled over to see my wife’s stunning “morning face”. We started to greet each other with a morning kiss, but both quickly decided (about 8 inches away, and within olfactory range) not to. I turned back a little (so as to not stun Linda any further) and asked what time it was. It was at 8:10. I thought it would be a good morning to let the kids sleep in and take our new used vehicle back to the dealership in David (about 30 minutes) to pick up the security plate which covers the gas tank cap (which they took off to match paint color for the little touch-up job I negotiated when I bought the vehicle). So I got up and quietly showered, got dressed and exited the front door.
As I pulled out the driveway, I turned on the radio and hit the “auto scan” button. It’s actually quite entertaining to get 5 second sound bites in Spanish, one after the other, first thing in the morning. I have no idea what anyone was saying. But I tried to practice my Spanish by lip syncing each exciting morning radio personality. I tried a few minutes flipping through the FM stations, and then switched over to the AM stations.
After the 30 minute ride into town, I visited a new friend of mine, who has helped us out enormously, to drop off a gift and then made my way over to the dealership. I asked the manager if someone could re-install the security plate (assuming they had by now acquired the paint needed for the touch-up job), and he said they could actually complete the paint job today. So I elected to leave the car for the day. This was a change to the original plan, and thus the reason for all the time I had to waste. When I turned the keys over I felt a mild sense of nerves as this was my first auto repair experience in Panama. And I’ve probably read too many online forums telling tales of repair disasters. Anyways, I managed to communicate enough to get a used vehicle to drive around for the day so I wasn’t stuck at the dealership.
They provided me with the smallest car on the lot. The chalk on the front windshield indicated that it was a KIA 2002 car. I have no idea what model the car was. When I first saw it, I thought, you’ve got to be kidding me. But grateful for anything, I attempted to open the door of the compact-super-mini-micro orb car and get on with my day.
To cut to the chase, the car was a pile of crap. After cranking on the key to unlock the door, I managed to open the door, accompanied by a strange squeaky sound. After a quick scan of the task ahead, I wedged myself in the front seat, reaching feverously for the seat adjuster. After a good 10 seconds reaching back and forth under the seat, I finally released the seat allowing the blood to re-enter my legs. When I lifted my head up, my head hit the sun visor which was hanging down blocking most of my view. It was broken and barely hanging on for dear life. I tried to release it from the “front position” and move it to the “side position” and up against the ceiling and out of my view, but I quickly discovered that it simply hung on a 45 degree completely blocking my side window. So I put it back in the original “front position” and crouched down so I could see out the front windshield. I had also noticed that when I sat up straight, that my head was pressed uncomfortably against the unpadded ceiling of the car. So I twisted myself around a bit and fished around for the recline lever and eventually put myself in an almost completely horizontal position, but still able to just see over the dashboard. Now, comfortably reclined, I pushed in the clutch and turned over the engine. Well, it actually it took two attempts. But it turned over.
So now, I had to back up the car and navigate a maze of cars and exit the property. To my surprise the clutch was extremely sensitive. There was what seemed to be about a half millimetre gap between not moving and just revving the engine into a scream, and popping the clutch and going airborne. So, as nonchalantly as I could, in my extremely reclined position, I revved the engine into a scream, looked in the rear view mirror, and that is when I realized that the back window had some kind of plastic film that was bubbled up blurring my vision. So I eased off the gas for a second, and then after adjusting my eyes, I made a second attempt. I finally managed to exit the property, jerking around as I was trying to figure out the sensitivity of the clutch and headed down the road to a nearby coffee shop.
I was laughing out loud as I drove down the road wondering what people must be thinking watching this car jerk all over the place, with the engine clicking, and me reclined in an almost horizontal position. I just went with it and starting singing a beat to the clicking sound. After a few minutes of that I decided to turn on the radio to drown out all the other “not-suppose-to-be-happening” sounds and that was when I discovered there was no on-off button, just a volume control that had two settings. One was quiet (almost like a tease) against the others sounds in the car, and the other setting was a distorted blast. I thought, what the heck. What else can happen with this car? So I hit the automatic scan button and let the thing blare as I drove toward the coffee shop.
As I came up to my first intersection and checked my side mirrors, I realized that the mirrors were pointing down and at the doors. And driving in Panama you need to have working side view mirrors, so I pulled over to adjust them. That was when I discovered that the joystick like mirror controls were busted. Held only by fragile wires, they simply fell off when I grabbed them. So I tried put the little joysticks back in the slots that were creating the illusion they actually were suppose to be there, and tried to adjust the mirrors manually. But they wouldn’t move. So I got back into my reclined position, checked my rear view mirror looking through my blurry bubbled back windshield, and pulled out into traffic whispering a prayer for my safety.
I finally arrived at the coffee shop and went to exit my car door, but it was locked. That was strange as I didn’t remember locking my door. I thought no big deal. So I tried to pull up on the door lock, but it wouldn’t open. After a couple attempts, it finally budged a bit, but still didn’t open. I was starting to feel a slight sense of panic. Was this car alive and trying to kill me? After one last yank, it released and I was able to open the door.
Gracias, Dios. I finally arrived at the bakery/coffee shop and ordered a coffee and pineapple pastry (for .55) and smiled as I recalled my ride in my compact-super-mini-micro orb KIA courtesy car.
That's a moment in my life I won't soon forget.
Paul
I woke up and rolled over to see my wife’s stunning “morning face”. We started to greet each other with a morning kiss, but both quickly decided (about 8 inches away, and within olfactory range) not to. I turned back a little (so as to not stun Linda any further) and asked what time it was. It was at 8:10. I thought it would be a good morning to let the kids sleep in and take our new used vehicle back to the dealership in David (about 30 minutes) to pick up the security plate which covers the gas tank cap (which they took off to match paint color for the little touch-up job I negotiated when I bought the vehicle). So I got up and quietly showered, got dressed and exited the front door.
As I pulled out the driveway, I turned on the radio and hit the “auto scan” button. It’s actually quite entertaining to get 5 second sound bites in Spanish, one after the other, first thing in the morning. I have no idea what anyone was saying. But I tried to practice my Spanish by lip syncing each exciting morning radio personality. I tried a few minutes flipping through the FM stations, and then switched over to the AM stations.
After the 30 minute ride into town, I visited a new friend of mine, who has helped us out enormously, to drop off a gift and then made my way over to the dealership. I asked the manager if someone could re-install the security plate (assuming they had by now acquired the paint needed for the touch-up job), and he said they could actually complete the paint job today. So I elected to leave the car for the day. This was a change to the original plan, and thus the reason for all the time I had to waste. When I turned the keys over I felt a mild sense of nerves as this was my first auto repair experience in Panama. And I’ve probably read too many online forums telling tales of repair disasters. Anyways, I managed to communicate enough to get a used vehicle to drive around for the day so I wasn’t stuck at the dealership.
They provided me with the smallest car on the lot. The chalk on the front windshield indicated that it was a KIA 2002 car. I have no idea what model the car was. When I first saw it, I thought, you’ve got to be kidding me. But grateful for anything, I attempted to open the door of the compact-super-mini-micro orb car and get on with my day.
To cut to the chase, the car was a pile of crap. After cranking on the key to unlock the door, I managed to open the door, accompanied by a strange squeaky sound. After a quick scan of the task ahead, I wedged myself in the front seat, reaching feverously for the seat adjuster. After a good 10 seconds reaching back and forth under the seat, I finally released the seat allowing the blood to re-enter my legs. When I lifted my head up, my head hit the sun visor which was hanging down blocking most of my view. It was broken and barely hanging on for dear life. I tried to release it from the “front position” and move it to the “side position” and up against the ceiling and out of my view, but I quickly discovered that it simply hung on a 45 degree completely blocking my side window. So I put it back in the original “front position” and crouched down so I could see out the front windshield. I had also noticed that when I sat up straight, that my head was pressed uncomfortably against the unpadded ceiling of the car. So I twisted myself around a bit and fished around for the recline lever and eventually put myself in an almost completely horizontal position, but still able to just see over the dashboard. Now, comfortably reclined, I pushed in the clutch and turned over the engine. Well, it actually it took two attempts. But it turned over.
So now, I had to back up the car and navigate a maze of cars and exit the property. To my surprise the clutch was extremely sensitive. There was what seemed to be about a half millimetre gap between not moving and just revving the engine into a scream, and popping the clutch and going airborne. So, as nonchalantly as I could, in my extremely reclined position, I revved the engine into a scream, looked in the rear view mirror, and that is when I realized that the back window had some kind of plastic film that was bubbled up blurring my vision. So I eased off the gas for a second, and then after adjusting my eyes, I made a second attempt. I finally managed to exit the property, jerking around as I was trying to figure out the sensitivity of the clutch and headed down the road to a nearby coffee shop.
I was laughing out loud as I drove down the road wondering what people must be thinking watching this car jerk all over the place, with the engine clicking, and me reclined in an almost horizontal position. I just went with it and starting singing a beat to the clicking sound. After a few minutes of that I decided to turn on the radio to drown out all the other “not-suppose-to-be-happening” sounds and that was when I discovered there was no on-off button, just a volume control that had two settings. One was quiet (almost like a tease) against the others sounds in the car, and the other setting was a distorted blast. I thought, what the heck. What else can happen with this car? So I hit the automatic scan button and let the thing blare as I drove toward the coffee shop.
As I came up to my first intersection and checked my side mirrors, I realized that the mirrors were pointing down and at the doors. And driving in Panama you need to have working side view mirrors, so I pulled over to adjust them. That was when I discovered that the joystick like mirror controls were busted. Held only by fragile wires, they simply fell off when I grabbed them. So I tried put the little joysticks back in the slots that were creating the illusion they actually were suppose to be there, and tried to adjust the mirrors manually. But they wouldn’t move. So I got back into my reclined position, checked my rear view mirror looking through my blurry bubbled back windshield, and pulled out into traffic whispering a prayer for my safety.
I finally arrived at the coffee shop and went to exit my car door, but it was locked. That was strange as I didn’t remember locking my door. I thought no big deal. So I tried to pull up on the door lock, but it wouldn’t open. After a couple attempts, it finally budged a bit, but still didn’t open. I was starting to feel a slight sense of panic. Was this car alive and trying to kill me? After one last yank, it released and I was able to open the door.
Gracias, Dios. I finally arrived at the bakery/coffee shop and ordered a coffee and pineapple pastry (for .55) and smiled as I recalled my ride in my compact-super-mini-micro orb KIA courtesy car.
That's a moment in my life I won't soon forget.
Paul
Monday, October 29, 2007
JOSHUA'S OPINION- Oct 29
I’m having an OK time so far. I hope it gets better. The rooster (Chicken Joe) is very loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We found a frog and a lizard.
Me and Syd made a sand castle. It was cool.
By Joshua David Day!!!!
Oct 29 2007
Me and Syd made a sand castle. It was cool.
By Joshua David Day!!!!
Oct 29 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
A SUNDAY MORNING WALK by Sydney Day
Today we (Mom and me) went for a walk down a beautiful canyon. We saw fast running lizards, lots of buzzing flies and green trees, big and small rocks, roaring white water, brown wet mud, colorful wild flowers, long tall grass, an old creaky bridge, and bright colored leaves and moss. We heard excited birds, loud and quiet water, little rocks tumbling, the wind and lots of insects talking. We smelt little flowers, sweet water, some herbs and, in some spots, horse poo. It was very hot and humid at the bottom of the canyon. We tried to take a picture of some lizards, but they were too fast. We tried to figure out the smell of the plants we saw. Then I remembered that it was similar to a smell from Oma’s garden that she used in her meat ball soup. One time, when she came to Calgary, I asked her to make it. But it just did not taste the same. She said, “I came all this way and I made you meat ball soup and you don’t like it”? It just wasn't the same. I guess it only tastes the same in Montreal.
We continued our walk and we saw a really old looking bridge off in the distance. When we climbed up the wooden ladder, we notice that it was too slippery to go across. Mom wanted a third person to be watching just in case someone got hurt and we needed help. So we didn’t go across. So we walked back up the canyon and went back to the house.
By Sydney
Friday, October 26, 2007
Su Sido Un Rato (It has been a while)
Oct 25th 2007
We arrived in Panama 15 days ago, feels like a lifetime ago. Lots has happened, lots hasn’t. After having a great time in Panama City, we flew to David (pronounced DaBid), a 45 minute flight heading north west. After a few days of walking, talking and reading all the community bulletin boards, we realized David probably wasn’t the place for us to live for the next few months. Not only is there very little to rent furnished, but the low last night was 25. And we haven’t hit summer yet. The city of David is below sea level and is known as the hottest spot in Panama. Temperatures can reach 40+ in the summer (that doesn’t include the humidex factor). We headed for the hills, a place called Boquete. It is located about 45 minute drive north of David. Lots of English people living there year round, not something we were looking for, but the climate is way better. I imagine a village in Switzerland looking somewhat like this place.
We arrived in Panama 15 days ago, feels like a lifetime ago. Lots has happened, lots hasn’t. After having a great time in Panama City, we flew to David (pronounced DaBid), a 45 minute flight heading north west. After a few days of walking, talking and reading all the community bulletin boards, we realized David probably wasn’t the place for us to live for the next few months. Not only is there very little to rent furnished, but the low last night was 25. And we haven’t hit summer yet. The city of David is below sea level and is known as the hottest spot in Panama. Temperatures can reach 40+ in the summer (that doesn’t include the humidex factor). We headed for the hills, a place called Boquete. It is located about 45 minute drive north of David. Lots of English people living there year round, not something we were looking for, but the climate is way better. I imagine a village in Switzerland looking somewhat like this place.
Bouquete hillside, with extinct volcano in background
I was really hoping to be around more locals which would force me to learn the language and culture much quicker. I will have to be intentional about getting into the local villages. I hear there is an orphanage nearby and that 52 indigenous children have recently died from malnutrition and a virus. I have only heard a few tid bits of info here and there. I have no idea over what period of time and the location. This type of information is very interesting considering every where I look there are orange and banana trees. Yes, there goes the missionary/nurse/investigator/mother in me. (Maybe I could win some money for you Tim Warman!)
No one has A/C in Boquete because of the cool evening winds. It is usually 10-15 degrees cooler in the mountains with a great breeze. The land is very fertile due to the rich volcanic soil. Yes, I said volcanic. There is an extinct volcano that lies to the west of Boquete. And there are coffee plantations all over. The coffee here is so fantastic. I hope to take the kids on a plantation tour to study how coffee is made adn the process of harvesting from the plantation to our table. I also want to find out about the economics of these plantations. I have heard many of the workers are unable to afford to buy the coffee they pick! Incredible!
I had visions of me riding my bike or a Vespa around the village to get my daily groceries. Not as great an idea as I had imagined. The roads are very narrow and steep, quite bumpy at times and the drivers are pretty aggressive. I have decided to choose life!
Load of fresh fruit being dellivered to a nearby village.
Paul bought a Mitzubushi Montero Sport yesterday. We needed a large sturdy all-terrain vehicle for getting around here in Panama. This was a bit more than we had budgeted for, but hopefully we can sell it again before we leave. We decided on a Mitsubishi, because there are lots of them on the road and lots of parts locally in case of repairs. Some of the Mitzubishi's driven here look really old, a good sign of how well they stand up to the conditions here.
My "Incredible" family with our new car and temporary housing in background
We have rented a house. It has 3 bedrooms, is fully furnished, and is atop a hill with valleys on both sides of the property. We actually overlook the village of Boquete and a clear view of the volcano. The views are spectacular. There is a second floor (a bit unusally around here) which includes the 3 bedroom and an area that will serve as a class room/writing room. I will upload pictures once we have them.
We are unable to be in the rental home until Nov 5th. Today we moved from the Gran National Hotel in David (our home for the last 10 days) and have settled into a bed and breakfast just outside of Boquete until Nov 5th. (google "momentum panama").
Overall, its only been 15 days since we have left Calgary and we have almost created a life here for ourselves. The kids are doing really well. But there have been some stellar "Day Family" moments. For example, Josh vomited all over the restaurant floor at the Gran Nacional Hotel this morning right after breakfast. Not sure what's up with him. He seems to be feeling better now that he deposited his "lunch" in the restaurant.
Despite a few challenges our family feels stronger and more connected. It has been great being together as we navigate through a new culture, language and life.
Here are a few snaps of us. I haven't uploaded lots of photos because each one takes 7 minutes to upload. That is what you get when you live in the mountains!
Syd and Josh playing at the Pacific. The sand was volcanic black, and the waves were huge and dangerous, so no swimmng was allowed.
Living in a hotel for 10 days left us going a little "loco". The bananas are sooooo good.
Our temporary home has a few friendly ants. A delicious bedtime snack!
I look back on our journey so far, and think how priviledged I am to be here with my family. I have experienced so much already. I look forward to what the next few months has in store
Until I blog again.
Linda
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A QUICK UPDATE
Hi everyone. You've probably been wondering what's going on with the Day's. Well...the short answer is that we've busy trying to get our life set up here in Panama. As we've heard, things take time. And our story is no exception. But here's the Coles Notes update.
PANAMA CITY: We arrived in Panama on Oct 10th and bunked with the Schmulands in Panama City until the 15th. We did some touring, saw the Panama Canal, did some bass fishing, saw a movie (without the kids) and had a fantastic evening out with Trent and Jody at BenniHanna's.
DAVID: Then we flew to David (45 minute flight) on the 15th and have been staying in the Gran Nacional Hotel. We've been scouting houses and apartments in both David and Boquete, and trying to find a good used vehicle to buy.
ACCOMMODATION: As of 2:00pm this afternoon, we secured a 3 bedroom house in Boquete. We can't take occupancy until November 5. That sucks. But its just so good to know that we've got a place. So the hotel living will continue, but probably not at our current location. We're going to look for something a little cheaper. We'll send pictures of the house once we get set up in a couple weeks. I've been accessing the internet though internet cafes (50 cents an hour) and the upload speed is a bit slow, so I'll wait until we're set up. Don't worry, we've got lots.
TRANSPORTATION: Our last big hurdle is finding a vehicle. Given the state of the roads (massive potholes, and some unpaved roads), expecially out of the city centres, one needs to have a vehicle that is big and rides high. (I'll explain Panama driving in another email. Suffice it to say, its an advantage to be in a larger vehicle). So SUV's are the most common form of transportation (note: for those who can afford them). I have a couple of options I'm pursuing now. I hope to seal a deal in the next day or so. We could use your prayers on this matter.
So that's the big picture.
CULTURE: I've learned lots trying to get a house and find a vehicle. I've learned a bit about some of the differences in our cultures, our ways of doing things, and of course, this whole adventure has thrust me into a crash course of the Spanish language. Its coming slowly. I must say that the people are extremely gracious and kind and most are very willing to help us learn as we stumble our way through conversations (not sure we can actually call what I do being part of a conversation). There are actually quite a few people who speak English which is a blessing.
THE KIDS: Sydney and Josh seem to be doing OK. Unfortunately they've had to spend quite a bit of time in the car as we've gone house and vehicle hunting. The Nintendo DS and portable DVD player are getting phenomenal use. Everyone once in a while they talk about missing their friends and wishing they could go home to Calgary where their friends are. They seem to be picking up bits of the language. Josh actually came into a office I was at, and without asking for my help, he asked a security guard where the restroom was in Spanish (el bano, por favor). I was impressed and very proud of him.
MOST AMAZING WOMAN IN THE WORLD: (Hows that for sucking up). Linda is her usual amazing self. I don't know I'd want to jump off the deep end as we have with anyone else.
Anyways, my hour is about up. So I'll get back to you all soon.
Adios,
Paul
PANAMA CITY: We arrived in Panama on Oct 10th and bunked with the Schmulands in Panama City until the 15th. We did some touring, saw the Panama Canal, did some bass fishing, saw a movie (without the kids) and had a fantastic evening out with Trent and Jody at BenniHanna's.
DAVID: Then we flew to David (45 minute flight) on the 15th and have been staying in the Gran Nacional Hotel. We've been scouting houses and apartments in both David and Boquete, and trying to find a good used vehicle to buy.
ACCOMMODATION: As of 2:00pm this afternoon, we secured a 3 bedroom house in Boquete. We can't take occupancy until November 5. That sucks. But its just so good to know that we've got a place. So the hotel living will continue, but probably not at our current location. We're going to look for something a little cheaper. We'll send pictures of the house once we get set up in a couple weeks. I've been accessing the internet though internet cafes (50 cents an hour) and the upload speed is a bit slow, so I'll wait until we're set up. Don't worry, we've got lots.
TRANSPORTATION: Our last big hurdle is finding a vehicle. Given the state of the roads (massive potholes, and some unpaved roads), expecially out of the city centres, one needs to have a vehicle that is big and rides high. (I'll explain Panama driving in another email. Suffice it to say, its an advantage to be in a larger vehicle). So SUV's are the most common form of transportation (note: for those who can afford them). I have a couple of options I'm pursuing now. I hope to seal a deal in the next day or so. We could use your prayers on this matter.
So that's the big picture.
CULTURE: I've learned lots trying to get a house and find a vehicle. I've learned a bit about some of the differences in our cultures, our ways of doing things, and of course, this whole adventure has thrust me into a crash course of the Spanish language. Its coming slowly. I must say that the people are extremely gracious and kind and most are very willing to help us learn as we stumble our way through conversations (not sure we can actually call what I do being part of a conversation). There are actually quite a few people who speak English which is a blessing.
THE KIDS: Sydney and Josh seem to be doing OK. Unfortunately they've had to spend quite a bit of time in the car as we've gone house and vehicle hunting. The Nintendo DS and portable DVD player are getting phenomenal use. Everyone once in a while they talk about missing their friends and wishing they could go home to Calgary where their friends are. They seem to be picking up bits of the language. Josh actually came into a office I was at, and without asking for my help, he asked a security guard where the restroom was in Spanish (el bano, por favor). I was impressed and very proud of him.
MOST AMAZING WOMAN IN THE WORLD: (Hows that for sucking up). Linda is her usual amazing self. I don't know I'd want to jump off the deep end as we have with anyone else.
Anyways, my hour is about up. So I'll get back to you all soon.
Adios,
Paul
Sunday, October 14, 2007
WE'VE DONE SO MUCH
Oct 14th 2007
Written by Linda
Its Sunday, and we've already done so much here in Panama.
On Friday we had a casual morning with a visit of course to the local bagel and coffee shop. Syd, Emma and Jody and I went to go and buy some sandals for Syd. She picked out a fancy red pair for $1.60. We really shouldn't have brought any clothes because they are so cheap here, and no tax!
Later we then went to the Panama Canal. Its an amazing vision these people had for the Canal. The ships are huge. And it is incredible to think that the stuff I buy in Wal-Mart in Calgary passes through these canals.
On Friday we had a casual morning with a visit of course to the local bagel and coffee shop. Syd, Emma and Jody and I went to go and buy some sandals for Syd. She picked out a fancy red pair for $1.60. We really shouldn't have brought any clothes because they are so cheap here, and no tax!
Later we then went to the Panama Canal. Its an amazing vision these people had for the Canal. The ships are huge. And it is incredible to think that the stuff I buy in Wal-Mart in Calgary passes through these canals.
The Canals were first thought of in the 1500's, but they didn’t have the machinery to dig out the canal. The French tried to construct the Canal in the 1800's, but they ran out of money and many of the workers died from tropical diseases. The Americans took over and dropped 40 million dollars into it. It was completed in 1913 or 1914 at a cost of about $400 million dollars! There are a series of 3 hydraulic locks that change the water levels drastically and quickly. The Canal allows for the Caribbean Sea to be connected with the Pacific Ocean. The largest fare paid to get thought was yesterday $360 000 USD. It gets paid 2 days in advance. The smallest amount ever paid was 36 cents by a man who swam through the canal in the early 1900's. It took him 2 days. Glad that he was not eaten by crocodiles!! They are going to build another canal that is scheduled to be completed by Oct 08. The Americans gave over control of the canal on Dec 31 1999. The Panamanians now run it. It appears that the Americans are not loved by all here.
We drove to the tallest peak in Panama and saw the homes where the US Generals use to live. The homes are all raised high up off the ground, apparently out of a fear of snakes. It is definitely jungle living . I've found it interesting that the vegetation looks very similar to Zambia and South Africa. There is a rumor that there is a bunker carved out of the mountain in this former US base. Who knows? Maybe we could rent it as our home while we are here!
A view of the Canal from the highest mountain in Panama City.
At the Panama Canal- Huge cargo ship passing throught the Canal behind us.
After visiting the Canal, we then traveled over the Causeway, a man-made road made from all the dirt that was removed while digging the Canal. The Causeway that takes you to an island with restaurants and other marine businesses. We had supper there, with yachts as the backdrop. The kids were playing soccer near the marina, and the inevitable happened. Josh lost his ball in the water, water overrun by jellyfish. Yes, the ones that sting! Jody was able to flag down a local marina worker and he rescued Josh’s ball. Thank goodness because that was the one Brody gave to him, his one and only tie to friends in Canada, and he was pretty upset before the great rescue!
Jody bravely trying to get Josh's ball. Note I'm holding onto her backside!
A brave local saves Josh's ball
Having 2 families, 9 people in one 3 bedroom apartment for the last few days has been loud and quite pleasant. Emma, Easton, Everett, Syd and Josh have really adjusted and shown lots of love and patience for each other, with an occasional yell and slap. Emma has given up her room for us, thanks Emma. It has been so incredible to be hosted like this in a country where most people only speak Spanish. Josh has been so funny running around saying “mucho gusto” then laughing and saying “I have no idea what I just said” (It means, "pleased to meet you"). Having Jody and Trent host our family has been such a gift to us.
The kids hanging together, guess who feels left out?
On Saturday we woke up at 6:30 and headed out of town with everyone but Emma, Everett and Jody for a day of fishing on a platoon boat on Gatun Lake. We probably caught about 140 Peacock Bass. At one point, Syd caught 18 in a row, standing in the same place. It was crazy. She just kept throwing her rod in and getting more. Easton had a riot picking out the eyeballs of the minnows we were using as bait. And Josh loved letting the minnows flop around on deck. I got very good at catching ensalada (i.e. seaweed). At the end of the day, Armando (our guide) gutted and filleted about 25 fish to take home. It got so hot around 12:00 noon, but we couldn’t jump in the lake because there are crocodiles present!! Didn’t see any, but I took the word of our local guide.
The Platoon Boat we used for fishing
Syd’s big catch of the day. Nice face baby!!
Easton and Josh work together.
I asked why we were the only ones fishing on a Saturday morning. I guess boats are really tough to get here in Panama without a steep cost. Such a shame. The fish are abundant and a great food source for the locals. On the way home we saw lots of pineapple groves. I never knew they grew on the ground. For some reason, I thought they grew in trees. I am learning so much!!
By the end of the day we were all exhausted. Josh had a nap in the hammock by the lake, Paul and Trent had a nap at home. What a life...already!
Josh enjoying a siesta
That night, Jody arranged for Patricia (their babysitter) to come and babysit the kids. The adults went out to Bennihana for an incredible meal, great entertainment (food preparation), a great time, and a tour of the city at night.
A little adult time. Michele and Jeff, where are you?
The kids played “Bread and Cheese” which I think it is “Red light Green light”. Not too sure yet.
Today, Sunday, we plan to go and buy a few more suitcases. We found out our flight to David only allows 25 lb suitcases. Oops. Paul has arranged for a hotel and car rental. We leave Panama City tomorrow and head out on our own. Its time to give the Schumu's some space and let them have their apartment back. It should be fun trying to get along with the little Spanlish we know! Hey, all part of this adventure! "Leaf on a river", right?
A few interesting facts:
Average weekly income @ $300 USD
A jar of peanut butter: @ $2.50
Costco is Price Smart
Summer vacation months are Jan, Feb and ½ of March
Tap water drinkable.
Official currency is the Balboa, but no one uses it. US currency used.
The Panamanian school are considering teaching Mandarin here, since the Chinese own 2 large portions of the Canal.
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