Reflections On My Video Last Week
I have a couple of observations to make after reflecting on my recent experiences here, as dramatized by my video posting last week. (If you have not had a chance to view that video you may want to take a couple of minutes, scroll down the page to last Sunday's posting [7/13]and watch it. Otherwise this may not make much sense.) My experiences surrounding the death of that sweet little girl is like a mirror on the paradox that is Panama.
On the one hand, after doing some research, I find that a number of international aid organizations have Panama on 'priority watch' lists. Panama is highlighted because, in the provinces (outside the major cities) the infant mortality rate is estimated to be upwards to 50% to the age of five years old - 50%! In this modern country of skyscrapers, and freeways, and automated infrastructure, and satellite telecommunications, and transportation systems, and modern supermarkets, and food stands lining the streets, and ...., and..... - a 50% infant mortality rate! And, the aid organizations go on to say that the major factors in this staggering statistic are mostly nutrition related, both pre-natal and infant nutrition.
On the other hand, this mother makes a special trip by the hotel to bring some things to comfort me, just days after the death of her daughter. I have seen this woman probably three times a week in the eight months I have been in this hotel. About half those times is when she has come to clean my room, while I sit on the balcony drinking my morning coffee and reading the newspaper. She speaks no English, so our conversations have been limited to the obligatory Spanish 'stock' greetings and departure salutations. I am really embarrassed to say, I do not even know the woman's name. But, in my limited experience, this incident is merely representative of the Panamanian 'national personality', the sweetness of the Panamanian people.
My Latest Video
I put this latest video together for a specific reason, for my wife Lisa. Seems I'm history. But, you romantics (come on, admit it) will appreciate the video, and many will probably identify with it. So turn your sound on and enjoy my catharsis.
The Las Tablas Festival
One of Panama's biggest festivals is this weekend (July 18-21) in the town of Las Tablas, the folklore capital of the Azuero Peninsula. Like most Panamanian festivals, the basis for the celebration is a religious celebration, a homage to Santa Librada the most revered patron saint in Panama. However, the events that attract 30,000+ visitors to this small town are not religion based. The weekend will see parades (plural), street dances (nightly), and midnight serenades in the town center park.
A large number of contests are on the agenda as well. There will be judged contests for hand-made drums (tambores), small guitars (mejoranas) and violins. Violinists will compete for the coveted Climaco Batista music award. All kinds of '4-H - type' competitions draw contestants from all over the country. And on Monday the men will compete for who has the best camisilla, the traditonal white embroidered shirt, followed by a similar contest for handmade Panama hats (sombrero pintado).
The climatic event, and what this festival is really famous for, is the National Pollera Contest (see the 
dresses in the pictures). The name 'pollera' specifically refers to the dress, however 
the entire 'costume' is what is being judged (sort of like wearing a tuxedo properly involves more than just a jacket and pants). Here is how the newspaper El Visitante described this contest. "The winners of this contest are revered throughout the nation, where the dress, the gold jewelery and pearl head pieces cost a fortune." They go on to add that the winning designer/tailor is "financially set for years to come." Incidentally, the young lady who is this year's Pollera Queen, the official hostess of the festival, is the fifth member of her family to have had this honor. Talk about tradition.
A Real Classic
In case you haven't seen this, click on the thumbnail and check this out. A real hoot!
Too real!
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The Gas Thing - Again!
The question of the day is, "What does oil independence mean?" I'm not sure what the technical definition is (probably runs several pages), but, do you want an example? 'The experts' say that Presidente Chavez is really screwing things up in Venezuela since nationalizing their oil industry. He's not investing in the maintenance of refining facilities and equipment, shorting funds on additional exploration, blah, blah ... And, he is subsidizing his leftist crony nations throughout the region, including propping up Fidel's Cuba. Well, guess what? Today the cost of gas in a service station in Caracas is 3 cents! That is 3 cents per liter! For those of you that are metric-challenged (like me), that is about 3/4 a cent per gallon! Obviously the guy with the oil makes the rules.
Did you know that the untapped U.S. oil reserves are estimated to be in excess of those of Saudia Arabia? By several fold - varying by which special interest is telling the story. Of course, the Saudi monarchy is probably not all that concerned with snail darters, and polar bear reproduction cycles. And Chavez doesn't have to listen to Ted Kennedy's objections about off-shore drilling that might impact his family's Hyannis Port compound. All the while, other countries do drill offshore for oil - off our shores, in international waters. Hmm. Maybe it is just easier to move to Caracas while the experts debate all this for the next 30 years.
A Zoo in Golfito?
I visited my friends in Golfito, Costa Rica a couple of weeks ago.
My friend Mattie has a parrot.
Mattie also has a kitten.
The kitten is not too bright.
Twice a day, once in the morning and then again in the afternoon, the kitten has to learn (re-learn?) that the parrot will take a chunk out of a kitten´s head if it messes with the parrot. Duh!
Till Next Time! Pura Vida!
This is not a hotel, it is a house on a lake near Las Tablas.
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