You Americans Don't Understand The 'Holiday Thing'
A few years ago the U.S. 'moved' some federal holidays to Mondays, providing for several 3-day holiday weekends. Plus, it has become standard in a lot of industries to close early on the previous Friday to extend the weekend a bit. And, at last count I think there are 15 U.S. federal holidays each year.
Well, Panama has about 15 federal holidays in just November and December alone. November is a real classic - Monday the 2nd, was Day of the Dead (similar to our Memorial Day); Tuesday was Flag Day; Wednesday, Independence Day (from Colombia); Thursday, Colon Independence Day (they were not part of Panama when they declared independence); and Friday was a religious holiday of some kind. By the way, a lot of businesses closed at noon on the previous Friday to extend the holiday period a bit.
And the beat goes on. Tuesday the 10th, is the anniversary of the day in 1821 that a group of patriots in the town of La Villa, in the province of Los Santos, issued the "First Cry For Independence" from Spain. Their call is considered the stimulus for the rest of the nation deciding to break colonial ties with the Spanish, which the nation did 18 days later. Therefore, as you might guess, Independence Day (from Spain) is on the November 28th. And since the 28th falls on Saturday this year, the holiday will be celebrated on Friday - or Monday, or probably both.
In Honor Of Veterans´ Day
I think the video I put together for the 4th of July, works even better for Veterans´ Day!
You Think You've Heard It All
Well, leave it to me. I have found something more tiring and frustrating that getting cornered by a nice little old Panamanian gentleman intent on talking my ear off, even after he discovers I don't speak enough Spanish to comprehend. Hint: They do NOT give up! blah, blah, BLAH, BLAH ..
Well, Benedito, one of the young fellows who has been working in the cafeteria downstairs since I have been here, has been transfered over to the hotel side where he is working as a porter. He spends part of the day mopping the floors throughout the hotel and cleaning up out front. He spends the rest of the day talking my ear off, in of all places, my sanctuary - the balcony outside my room. Is nothing sacred? Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
And, the kicker? He is deaf! His long and involved stories are transmitted to me by a combination of gestures, sign language, mouthed Spanish, grunts, facial expressions and pantomime. The funny part? Unlike the old guys spewing Spanish at me, I understand Benedito!
Culinary Snobbery At Its Best!
The country that is second highest in sales volume, behind only the U.S., at McDonalds' franchises is France.
It reminded my of a cartoon I saw years ago. A well dressed couple in a swanky restaurant is being lectured by the tuxedoed wine steward on 'Wine 101' - vintage, chateau versus estate bottling, etc. The man responds to the stewards suggested selection with, "It won't f... up the taste of of my cheeseburger will it?" Vive Le France!
Till Next Time. Pura Vida
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