Larry's Central American Travels

A Visit Back To The U.S.

 

Experienced World Traveler?

I flew up to San Jose (Costa Rica) on Friday (Sep. 24) to pre-position myself for my Saturday flight on U.S. Air.  They fly a daily non-stop from San Jose to  Charlotte which, since one of my sons live there, is ideal for me.  Of course the flight from David arrives too late in the day to make the connection with U.S. Air, thus the pre-position and over-night in San Jose.

As I was checking in the hotel I noticed the headline on the newspaper laying on  the front desk.  The English-language Tico Times headline blared, "Costa Rica on 'yellow alert' hurricane warning for the next 3 days." What?

It suddenly dawned on me that if the severe weather in that part of the world is not aimed at Panama I am probably not aware of it until after-the-fact, until the stories of the devastation make the headlines. And if the storm is not headed at the U.S. it gets scant attention from the English news channels in Panama (FOX News, CBS Denver, etc.).So, "Duh, let's start our trip by flying into a hurricane."  And to add insult to 'duh', the Hurricane was named 'Matthew'.  Ouch!

 

And The Beat Goes On

I escaped the hurricane unscathed - it blew off north of us.  I arrived in Charlotte on Saturday evening  welcomed by the heat (it was close to 90 at 8:30 at night) and advised that all of North Carolina  was suffering from an extended severe drought.  Well, Sunday about 11:30, as we were on our way to the Carolina Panthers football game the drought came to an abrupt, frog-stranglin' end!  And Thursday afternoon as I write this the sun is finally beginning to peak through.  Anything else you want me to 'fix' while I am here?

Oh, and by the way, I am headed to Wilmington (N.C.) next.  I just read in the paper that they have had 15 inches of rain in the last few days.  And, as the after math of Hurricane Nichole moves through there, they expect that there rain grand total for the week may reach 25 inches.  What is that following me?

 

The Good Old U.S. of A.

In Panama we gringos sometimes roll our eyes at some of the gyrations that go on in the Panamanian political arena.  Well gringos, try this.

A District Prosecutor in the Detroit has been indicted for sexually harassing women.  To date all four women (seems women keep coming forward as this story spreads) were people who the prosecutor's office had been professionally involved with, e.g. people he was being paid to protect.  And - ready for this? - his method of harassment was by text message.  "Your honor, the number one charge against the defendant involves moron tendencies."  My God!

It gets better!  One of the witnesses has told investigators that he tried to charm her by offering to take her to an autopsy.  (I am not making this up)  However, he stipulated she had to wear high heels.  I SWEAR I am not making this up.

Well, I imagine you have already guessed - the prosecutor is not available for comment.  He has entered a rehab program.  Yes, a rehab program.  I wonder if it was 'Stupid School' or 'Kink Academy'?

 

Cultural Shock!

I am often asked why I left Costa Rica in favor of Panama - usually asked by Americans whose only knowledge of this part of the world is the advertising tourism  blitz Costa Rica has waged over the years.   I know that because, until a few years ago, that was my only knowlege of the area.  "Panama is the place with the canal, right?"

Well, the reasons for Panama are many and varied, but my afore mentioned quick pass through Costa Rica gives a good example.  The hotel complex I stay in close to the airport in San Jose includes not only hotels but a casino and a Denny's (Yes, that Denny's).

The Costa Rican Denny's menu is identical to one in the U.S. - well, except there is rice, no grits and the English is in fine-print.  My breakfast was a waffle, two over easy, two strips of bacon and a cup of coffee. My check was $13.78. Gulp!

Talk about culture shock.  Keep in mind, I just left the land of 70 cent Budweiser long-necks the day before. You know....but.....you forget.

 

Word Of Warning!

If you are going to travel in Latin America it helps to speak a litlle Spanish.  But, all words are not equal. Yes, hola, gracias, por favor, etc., come in handy.  But, the floors in the airports are ceramic tile. And the floors in the San Jose airport are massive.  As far as the eye can see is nothing but that high-gloss marble flooring.  You better learn real quick what one sign in particular means, or you will- trust me - learn the hard way.

"CUIDADAO! Piso Mojado", means "Caution! Wet Floor".  Ouch!  Hate it when that happens!

 

Till Next Time.   Pura Vida.

 

An Update On The Serial Killer(s) In Panama

The Latest On 'Wild Bill' Holbert

The latest news about the American serial killer, William Holbert, comes from Don Winner reporting at Panama Guide (www.panama-guide.com) who continues to stay all over this case. 

The murderer, William Dathan Holbert, radically changed his confession yesterday. Now he says he not only killed five fellow Americans at one of his farms in Bocas del Toro, but a sixth victim as well (Jeffrey Kline), who he buried in Costa Rica. In an extension of his preliminary statement made to the Deputy Attorney General yesterday, Wild Bill said all these crimes were ordered by "bosses" of organized crime, and that he was just a "soldier." Holbert also told Deputy Attorney General Ángel Calderón he would reveal the identity of his "bosses" when his partner Laura Michelle Reese is released and sent to the United States.

In short, 'Wild Bill' has a 'new story' now.  And the obvious reasons for the new twists are 1.) a renewed effort to 'spring' his girl friend (she knew nothing about this entire saga, right?) and,  2.) he killed Jeffrey Kline in a boat (in Panamanian waters) and then only buried him in Costa Rica, thus should not  be subject to a murder prosecution in Costa Rica.

Don Winner's take on this latest turn is even more alarming, even chilling.  Keep in mind that Winner, in his role as an investigating journalist, is the guy that blew the lid off of this entire episode.  It was Winner who 'pushed' Panamanian authorities to start looking into some of the rumors that were roaring around in Bocas, rumors only because many people were reluctant to come forward and expose themself to potential danger, particularly to police officials who appeared to be blase about the subject.

Winner response to this latest news - "And listen up guys - I was right. I've been right the whole time. And, now I wish someone would listen when I say there are most likely about eight to ten more victims in Costa Rica that have not been found yet - particularly in the area of Jaco on the Pacific coast. When it's all said and done William Dathan Holbert and Laura Michelle Reese will probably end up being the most prolific pair of serial killers in history"

A chilling speculation.  Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

My Latest Video

Come with me for a look at the mountain village of El Valle (Panama) - possible one of the most beautiful places on earth. Turn on your sound and click on the link below. If you have a slow connection start the video loading, mute the sound, and read the rest of the blog while it loads. Enjoy!

 

 

A Look At Beautiful El Valle

 

 

What's In The Word 'Democracy'?

Democracy is prevalent in Latin America.  In fact, out of 34 nations all but one (Cuba) are constitutional democracies.  They all have laws guaranteeing open elections, independent courts, elected legislatures and freedom of expression.

So why are democratic principles being trampled in an increasing number of these countries?  Possibly you have to take a look at the political history of Latin America to fully understand so these struggles - a history of dictators, coups and military rule.  In Argentina last month, the country's leading internet provider was shuttered as part of President Kirchener's battle with two big media groups.  In Venezuela, where the homicide rate is soaring, Chavez got the courts to ban news media from publishing "violent and bloody images".  And in Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Brazil there are legislative initiatives underway to "democratize the means of communications."  It is widely agreed that that term is code for "muzzling the press often in the name of some supposedly greater social good".

In short, in most cases there are no checks and balances in the system with both legislatures and courts stripped of their powers, if in fact they ever had them.

Meanwhile In The U.S.

The Department of Energy was established 33 years ago during the Carter administration specifically to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Now DOE's budget is $24.2 Billion and has 16,000 federal and 100,000 contract employees. And, the nation's dependence on imported oil has GROWN in those years from 30% to nearly 60% today.

And now, the federal government is going to 'fix' the banking system, medical care and the car industry. Don't you wish I was joking?

New Union Members

The Teamsters recently added 40 new members while simultaneously opened up a new industry niche for the union.  The new members work for Marjyn Investments, an Oakland business that contracts with medical marijuana patients to grow their pot for them.

It is unclear at this point how the Teamsters will safeguard the rights of members who do work that is considered a federal crime.  However, there are those who suggest that the Teamsters have been 'smoking something' for a number of years now.

Get Your Copy Of My Book Yet?

 

Hardcover or paperback? Your choice with the links below.

Order Paperback Here

Or

 Order Hardback Here

 

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Till Next Time. Pura Vida.

Greetings From Panama!

News Alert - A Weather Report

Check out this multi-day weather forecast for our beautiful city of David, Panama.

Monday - A couple of heavy thunderstorms; times of sun and clouds
High Temperature: 87°F
Low Temperature: 72°F
Sunrise 6:20 AM    Sunset 6:31 PM
 
Tuesday  - Periods of rain
High Temperature: 84°F
Low Temperature: 73°F
Sunrise 6:20 AM    Sunset 6:31 PM

Wednesday  - Times of clouds/sun with a shower in the afternoon
High Temperature: 87°F
Low Temperature: 71°F
Sunrise 6:20 AM    Sunset 6:31 PM

 Why would I show you this information?   Well this subject is worthy of mention because of some unique features - unique at least from an American's viewpoint. I did not show additional days because each day's forecast says basically the same thing.  And I do mean 'each day' - every day.

This forecast works week-to-week, even season-to-season year round because there is virtually no change in this information.  The temperature does not vary more than 3-4 degrees year round.  And due to our proximity to the equator even the sunrise/sunset times do not change appreciably. Yes, during the 'winter' (or the wet season as they call it) it rains nearly ever afternoon.  But during summer (or the dry season - December thru April) just delete the reference to rain from this daily forecast shown above.

These weather forecasts are not printed in the newspaper (I had to dig it out on the internet).  Think about it - why publish this information if it never changes?  The real test?  One of the newer banks installed a big digital temperature readout on their sign about three months ago right on one of the David's main drags.  My unscientific survey says that no one but me even knows it is there.

From The 'You Gotta Be Kidding Me' Files

Florida news outlets this week are abuzz over the story of a cruise ship passenger mistakenly arrested at Fort Lauderdale's port. Paola Londono, 31, of Orlando was taken into custody on a prostitution-related charge moments after returning from a cruise to the Caribbean. 

The Orlando Sentinel reports police confused Londono for a 24-year-old woman with the same name wanted in Florida's Osceola County.  Despite her pleas of innocence -- and the fact she looked nothing like the mug shot of the wanted woman -- Londono was kept locked up in a Broward County jail for more than 36 hours, according to the news outlet.

The wrongfully arrested Londono, who was traveling with her husband, had her 9-month-old child taken from her arms when she was arrested, according to a lawyer quoted in the Sentinel.  "It was outrageous," her lawyer says, noting the two Londono's are five inches and 40 pounds different in height and weight. "These two people could not look more different."

My 'Angels and Heroes' Video 

 

 

 

 

 

Click Here To View

 

 

 

Panama Viejo on New 50 Cent Coin

Panama uses the U.S. dollar as their national currency.  They do not print the currency, the U.S. mint provides the paperbacks.  However, Panama does mint coins that are intermixed in circulation with U.S. minted coins.  That is possible because the coins are identical in size and shape regardless of the minting source.  The art work on the coins does differ however.

A new Panamanian coin has entered circulation. The Panama Viejo Patronato presented a new 50 cent coin on August 30. On the back, the Nun’s Convent of Panama Viejo is featured. Panama Viejo was the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific.

Also known as Panamá La Vieja, this was the first Panama City. The impressive settlement, parts of which still stand today along Via Cincuentenariain Panama City, was the axis for colonization and commercial routes in Central and South America.

There are three million of these new coins entering circulation.

Eat the Lion Fish

How is this for a unique solution to a prickly problem?  When a former resident of Key West, Florida spotted a lion fish while diving in the Bocas del Toro Caribbean island archipelago, he immediately alerted the local press. Lion fish are nasty pests that upset the delicate ecosystems around coral reefs. Warming waters in the area were blamed for the arrival of this tropical fish to Bocas waters. NOAA scientists suspect that the fish, native to the Western Pacific, came to take over Atlantic and Caribbean waters after many were released in Florida after outgrowing their household fish tanks in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90s.

And the Bocas community has banded together. Hundreds of people participated at a recent lion fish hunt, where the team who brought in the most fish took home great prizes donated by community members. Thousands of the fish were speared by three-man underwater teams. Prizes were awarded for both the smallest and largest lion fish captured.

Eradication of the species is still possible, say the experts.  The folks in Bocas say the smart solution: eat the lion fish to maintain the biodiversity around the reefs where these fish are invading. Once the poisonous spines are removed, a small and tasty fillet of very edible white fish fillet has proven to be quite a hit in local restaurants. The spear hole right through the middle of the lion fish fillet serves as a conversation piece, or so they say.

Get Your Copy Of My Novel Here!

The book is available from the publisher in both paperback and hardcover.  And, the proceeds go to charity for the 'angels' (children) of Panama.

 

Click Here for Paperback

OR

 Click Here to Order Hardcover

 

 

Till Next Time. Pura Vida

The Strange World We Live In

If It Weren't For The French ...

Whenever we Americans start to get down on ourselves all we have to do is look at France and we feel better.  When it comes to seeming absurdities, the French are the masters.

The French are continuing to stir things up with the country's Muslims.  Current French law does not allow the wearing of Muslim headscarves in school.  And now there is also a bill in the parliament that would ban face-covering veils (such as the burqa) throughout the country. 

The absurdity comes in when you realize that at the same time all of this is going on, the fast food burger chain, Quick, (2nd in size only to McDonald's) introduced hala-only food in 22 of its outlets.  Hala food is prepared in strict accordance with Islamic dietary law.  For example, though hala beef does not taste different, hala beef must come from a cow that was killed by a cut to its jugular vein (from which the blood is drained). 

Even stranger, Quick introduced their new hala menu during Ramadan, which even I know is a period during which Muslims fast.  Duh.  Viva le France

Perseverance Korean Style

Cha Sa-soon is a 69-year-old woman who lives in the mountains of Sinchon, 112 miles south of Seoul.  The lady recently earned her driver's license after repeated failed attempts - 960 failed attempts to be precise.

Starting in April 2005, Cha took the driver's license exam every day, five days a week, for three years.  After that, she slowed down and only took the test two or three times a week.  There was a big celebration at the driving school when she finally passed the test.  However, the teacher said he was not worried about her being on the highway.  It was the written test she failed so many times.  Hmm?

South Korean car maker, Hyundai-Kia started an online campaign to send her congratulations.  Thousands of people responded.  Hundai also presented Cha with a new $16,800 car.

The 'Angels' Video

This video explains this whole 'Angels' thing of mine - both the book and the charity effort.  Just click on the link below to view. Turn on your sound and enjoy.

Angels and Heroes Video - Click Here

 

Not To Be Outdone, This From Syria

The headline screamed, "Syria moves to curb influence of Muslims".  'Huh, curb Muslims?' you say.

The Syrian government has moved forcefully to curb the influence of Muslim conservatives in its mosques, public universities and charities.  The government is requiring imams to submit recordings of their sermons and have started strictly monitoring religious schools.  And this summer, 1,000 teachers who insisted on wearing the niqab (face veil) were transferred to administrative duties.

The government's crackdown is design to reassert the country's traditional secularism in the face of rising threats from radical groups in the region.

Be Careful What You Say In Iran

Iranian authorities have arrested Nasrine Sotoudeh, a prominent lawyer and women's rights activists, her husband reported.  Last week authorities raided her home and office, seizing files and computers.  Her family said it has no news about her whereabouts.

She is the winner of several international human rights awards.  It appears that the stimulus for her arrest was when she voiced her outrage when one of her clients was executed at dawn without her notification.

A Fall Diversion - Read My Book

My novel is available from the publisher in both hardback and paperback.  Order your choice below

Order Paperback Here

or

Order Hardback Here  

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida.

Click on the thumbnails to view the photo full-sized.

 

This is a dog's life?

 

What Is New In David, Panama?

In Chile, A Guy's Worst Nightmare

I watched the story of the miners trapped in Chile for a couple weeks before most of you heard much about it.  I get TV Chile from Santiago here in David which has a great early morning show similar in format to NBC's 'Today Show'.  Every day there was live coverage for about the first hour of the show and even being 'Spanish challenged' it was easy for me to see that it was a grim scene.  And, you did not have to hable to understand people where giving up after about the first week just by watching peoples' expressions and listening to their tone of voice.   The excitement on morning #17 (I think it was) when they made contact with the trapped miners was unreal.

I don't mind telling you that I get the heeby-jeebies just thinking about those miners.  Can you imagine sitting in that hole for another 3-4 months while they dig you out?  And they are digging an escape shaft that is only shoulder width - a person's shoulders will barely fit!  An expert said yesterday that the depth is such that it will take over 30 minutes to pull each miner through the tube.  Oh my God!  I feel faint just writing that.  Brrrr!

But that is not the nightmare part.  Yesterday two of the ladies who are part of the group standing vigil above ground introduced themselves.  Turns out one was 'Jose's' wife, the other was his mistress.  Wife was not aware of a mistress and mistress was led to believe that Jose was single. That really makes me feel faint.

You cannot make things like this up.  But, at least Jose has 3 months or so to come up with a logical excuse for not coming out at all.

You Can Run, But You ........

I know, technically... it’s a sport!  Well Beer Pong has made it to Panama.  It takes over Lima Limón and Burgués on Saturdays when the neighboring  restaurants join forces for some friendly competition.

In Panama, it's definitely a weekend activity. Maybe players couldn’t quite decide between going for a run or making a pitcher of margaritas. Whatever the case, many people are making a compromise to “beer pong” on the terraces that overlook a usually busy street. Young adults from various countries congregate for a fun-filled time of socializing and goofing around with their friends. But, with two cool and complementary atmospheres, delicious food from both restaurants, great company and a friendly competition, it is a fun way to spend a Saturday. And for $10 it is all-you-can-drink Balboa beer, which it appears to me is the real point of beer pong anyway.

My Videos On YouTube

I now have over fifty music videos posted on YouTube.  Enjoy this one I put together on Uruguay.  Where is Uruguay you say?  That is what I asked!  This video will give you some answers - and some surprises.

(For those of you with an internet connection as slow as mine, suggest you start the video and then 'mute' the sound.  The video will load quietly in the background while you read the rest of this blog posting.  Should be ready to 'play' when you are finished reading.)

Panama hosts World Masters Surfing Championship

Santa Catalina in Panama's Veraguas province will host the biggest and most important surfing event in the world for athletes over 35 – the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Masters Surfing Championship from August 27 to September 5. 

The ISA World Masters Surfing Championship event began in 2007 in Puerto Rico. It was held in Peru in 2008 and now Panama has the honor of hosting in its third edition. The event will draw major international attention for the country as a surfing destination and draw 100 surfers from around the world who are the most-respected in their Masters category.

Never before has Panama hosted a surfing competition of this magnitude. Teams from 19 countries will join Panama’s top ten Masters on the small seaside surf village of Santa Catalina in Panama's Veraguas province. Panama is hosting this big event because Santa Catalina has amazing world-class waves.  Those in search of the perfect wave will go to almost any length to find it, so the county’s guests next weekend are sure not to be disappointed. And since this is the first time many of these pro surfers visit Panamanian beaches, it is an excellent opportunity to make a great lasting impression on the athletes, the teams, their friends and their families.

The Hugo Chavez Saga

I been wondering what was in the book that Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez made a big deal of giving to Obama? Well Chavez (who has been in office 11+ years) was recently asked about Venezuela's inflation rate (30%- highest in Latin America) and soaring homicide rate (which makes Mexico look like Disneyland by comparison).  He blamed both on the PREVIOUS administration! Case closed.  I guess Obama got the message.

And Venezuela Is In The Game In Panama

For many years the U.S., England, Canada, and Colombia have been the main foreign investors in Panama. However, a newcomer is Venezuela. According to the daily news service, El Universal, 12% of new businesses in Panama are coming from Venezuela. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is widely blamed for the exodus of capital and citizens from the South American oil-rich nation, but Panama is arguably the greatest benefactor of this phenomenon.

Get Your Copy Of My Book

My book is available from the publisher in both hardback and paperback.  Take your pick with the links below.

 

Order in Paperback

Or

Order in Hardback

 

 

Till Next Time.  Pura Vida.