Larry's Central American Travels

Still In Panama and Still Kicking

The Water Situation In Panama City Impacts David?

The water problems in Panama have now caused a crises in David.  The heavy rains, reservoir overflows, etc. a month ago is still affecting Panama City.  Although the water is technically potable (.i.e. bacteria free), turgidity is still a problem.  The water not only looks bad, you might object to the grit.

How does that affect us in David some 275 miles away?  The nation's breweries are in the Panama City area.  Two of the country's four beers are now not available anywhere in David!  Yikes!

 

Words To Live By

You finally get old enough that All the answers to life’s' problems become obvious. So, ALL GUYS LISTEN UP! Stop debating the 'toilet seat up or down' thing. You are not going to win and it will never end.

Just shut up and recognize that is the very reason that SOME GUY invented pedestal sinks. Problem solved!

 

Build It And WHO Will Come?

The District of Guararé has the first airfield prepared for the tourist development of the Azuero peninsula. Mayor Luis Carlos Sanchez  requested the appointment of  permanent 24 hour staff to monitor the new Augusto Vergara airfield, located in the village of La Enea, in this community. The Mayor said the surveillance is necessary to prevent the airfield from being used for illegal purposes, and that during the night there are no guards, and no lights.

Sanchez hopes that with the rehabilitation of this airfield flights will start to come and go to and from this place, with the aim of promoting tourism in the peninsula of Azuero. Recently, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) inaugurated the new airfield after restoration work was completed. The project includes rehabilitation of the terminal building, the restructuring and paving of the runway, the installation of a perimeter fence and a new platform (parking area) for aircraft.

In short, they constructed a runway in this isolated area as the first step in developing an airport and opening an isolated area of the country. Now have to be concerned about it being used by drug traffickers.

 

Classic Cars Rally In Chiriquí

This classic car in the lobby of the Gran Hotel Nacional in David is getting the Chiriquí province excited about the three day tour in classic cars.

From January 21 to 23, the province of Chiriquí hosted the 5th International Rally for antique, old and vintage sports cars organized by an organization called ADEPA – a club dedicated to the preservation of the antique and sports vehicles of Panama. ADEPA organizes different activities throughout the year like rallies, car shows and caravans and this January it held the biggest event of the year, a three-day that will start from the Grand Hotel Nacional in David and wind up through the towns of Fortuna, Boquete, Potrerillos and Volcán, and come back to David, where the event will end with a big show with all of the classic participating cars at the Grand Hotel Nacional.

 

Did You Know The Smithsonian Is In Panama?

The Panamanian summer is here and the kids are on vacation. The Smithsonian has a wide variety of camp options to keep them busy. The Smithsonian Tropical  Research Institute (STRI) holds summer camp at its Nature Center at Punta Culebra, on the Amador Causeway. Sea turtles at the STRI Nature Center at Punta Culebra are always a hit with the kids.

One such camp is for children from eight to 12 years of age, and it was offered from January 17 to 21. Kids will enjoy scientific activities and learn about marine and coastal environments in Panama. They will also enjoy fun games and group activities in the natural and safe environment of the Nature Center.

 

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It Is Happening In Panama!

 

The Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair

One of the most spectacular fairs in Panama’s countryside is going on now. It is the 39th annual Flowers and Coffee Fair taking place through January 23 in Boquete, Chirquí. This highly-celebrated event attracts people from all over Panama and beyond to see the beautiful flower gardens at the fairgrounds.

The flowerbeds are carefully tended all year long, beginning in May, so that the display of so many flowers in bloom at once  happens right during the January fair. This year the Fair coincides with the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Boquete district.

Boquete is also Panama's 'coffee country'.  Come and taste the specialty coffees that the region is so famous for. The volcanic fertile soil, high altitude and temperate climate combine to make Boquete an ideal place for coffee growers. Geisha coffee, which sells for over $100 a pound in Japan, is grown here.

 

Panama Facts You Probably Don't Know

 - When it was built the Panama Railroad was the most expensive railroad ever built ($8 million over 5 years).

 - At one point in history, the shares of the Panama Railroad were the highest priced stock on the New York Stock Exchange ($295 a share).

 - At the narrowest point across Panama, there is only 48 miles (80 kilometers) of land mass separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Pacific.

 - Panama has the second largest duty free zone in the world (after Hong Kong).

 - Panama, whose total area is roughly equal to South Carolina, has more birds than the United States and Canada combined.

 

Oh, I Understand Now!

Well, I feel better, now that I understand the health care plan we were "gifted" with (and are forced to buy), covers at least ten million more people, and adds 16,000 new IRS agents, but not a single new doctor.  A bill written by a committee whose chairman said he didn't understand it, then passed by a Congress that didn't read it, and signed by our highly 'health-conscious' President (who smokes, but knows what is best for us). And we will only be taxed for four years before most of the benefits take effect.

Of course predictably, Congress exempted themselves from the bill, and a growing list of organizations and companies have already been 'exempted' from the plan, many of whom were vocal supporters of the bill.  Got it, right?

The program will be enforced by the Treasury Chief who didn't pay his taxes, monitored by a Surgeon General (who is noticeably obese), and managed by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare while running up a debt of $14 trillion.

Get on board people!  I mean, 'What the hell could possibly go wrong?'

 

Your Mental Image Of Panama?

I would bet that when you hear a mention of Panama that the mental image that pops into your mind is nothing like Tucán Country Club & Resort (Pictured here. That is the Panama City skyline in the background).  Just across the Bridge of the Americas, minutes outside Panama City, the luxury residential community has become a big player in Panama’s solid real estate market. Much of the attention that the development is getting is because of its par-72 golf course (golf courses are relative rare here).  And the lush tropical  forests that border this private gated golf community, along with the fresh air and escape-from-the-city appeal are certainly big factors as well.

Tucan offers a choice of villas, apartments and condos of different styles and sizes designed by award-winning architect Humberto Echeverria. There are also houses and apartments available for rent, for the golf-minded traveler who prefers to stay close to the city. It is a natural environment with all the amenities available

 

A Scottish Night in Panama?

Panama’s Scottish community and friends get together every year on the anniversary of the birth of Rabbie Burns, Scotland’s national poet. This year the St. Andrew’s Society of Panama will celebrate Burn’s Night on Friday, January 21 at the City Club in Panama City.

Scottish patriots can don their kilts and sashes. Scotch whisky will be flowing freely. Haggis will, of course, be on the bill of fare. Expat Scots and anyone else who wishes to join a night of conviviality with Scottish music, poetry and dancing is welcome... even Sassenachs, says the chieftain of the St. Andrews Society.

And You doubted that the Scots are everywhere?

 

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More Boquete pictures. Click on the thumbnails to view full-size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's New In Panama?

Yankees Resign Panamanian National Hero

The New York Yankees announced they are bringing back 41-year-old closer Mariano Rivera with a two-year deal reportedly worth $30 million. In his 16-year career, Rivera  ranks second all- time with 559 saves and an average of 40 saves per season since he became the Yankees’ full-time closer in 1997.

During this past season, Rivera posted a 1.80 ERA in 61 appearances and notched 33 saves. If he continues to perform near his historical saves-per-season mark, he will become baseball's all-time saves leader, possibly as soon as the end of the upcoming season.

 

Latino Logic Anyone?

There is a little hole-in-the-wall bar around the corner across the street from Romero's supermarket. It is one of those non-desript little places we gringos refer to as a 'local's bar'. But The Green Bar has the advantage of location. Several of us have gotten into the habit of ducking in there for a drink or two if Romero's appears to be busy when we decide to go grocery shopping. 'Wait for the crowd to clear out', as we say. As you might guess, Romero's always just happens to be busy when we show up.

The Green Bar, which has but 7-8 stools at the bar, only has three or four hard liquors to offer, primarily because 95% of the alcohol served in Panama is beer (know your market!). Our rum and cokes are served in small plastic cups, which is fine with us because the cup size prevents the bartender from 'over-pouring' - over-pouring the coke, that is.

The owner, Arturo, announced last week he was changing the price of all mixed drinks. He was reducing the price to 50 cents (from 60 cents). "Reducing the price?" we asked. Arturo explained that he did not have a cash register, the cash is kept lose in a drawer under the bar. And since all beers were 75 cents, if the mixed drinks were 50 cents, the only change he would have to keep would be dollar bills and quarters. Got that?

Arturo was only slightly amused when my friend John and I showed up the next day with pockets full of dimes to pay for our drinks. I wonder why these people think gringos are crazy.

　

You Think You Got Cell Phones?

Panama with a population of only 3.4 million has nearly six and a half million cell phones in use. Factoring out very young children and other non-users, the figures indicate that 6 out of 10 Panamanians have at least two phones.

 Of the 6.496 million users. the majority prefer prepaid cards. Only 324,808 subscribe to contracts with one of the country’s four telephone companies. Despite those figure, growth prospects for the telecommunications sector remain encouraging and authorities are projecting an increase in revenues of $693 million for the mobile phone industry in the next four years.

　

Will This Ever End?

There are still lingering problems two months after the torrential rains and severe flooding clobbered Panama.

- Drinking Water Doesn't Contain Bacteria - Just Suspended Particles (Contributed by: Don Winner of Panama-Guide).

Panama's health and water officials conducted a bacteriological test to determine if the drinking water being supplied to the central area of the province of Panama was fit for human consumption. In a press release, the Ministry of Health determined that the water has no bacteria, but he still does not recommend its consumption.

Tests determined there was no bacteria present in the water, but there are still high levels of turbidity in the water. Therefore health officials recommend that people filter and boil the water before drinking. Executives have repeatedly said they are still waiting for nature to take its course in order for the levels of turbidity in the source water in Lake Alajuela to be reduced.

Winter's Editorial Comment: "We're blasting the water with enough chlorine to kill all of the bacteria, but there is still solid particles suspended in the water, so you might want to filter that crap out first before you drink it. It won't hurt you, but you might not want to have to chew your drinking water."

- Flooding alert in Chiriqui

More concerns over flooding in Panama, this time in Chiriqui where the country's civil defense agency (Sinaproc) has warned that the Fortuna hydroelectric dam in the district  of Gualaca, is close to flooding.

After suffering the rainiest year on record, Panama has headed into 2011 with rainfall continuing into the "Dry Season". Additionally, forecasters say it will rain well into March.

Officials had to evacuate communities near the Bayano reservoir due to high water levels in December. Officials say that people living along the Chiriqui River should monitor media reports and be prepared in the case of an emergency.

Sinaproc Regional Manager José Donderis said recently, "We are constantly monitoring a network of satellite stations and keeping a close eye on rainfall in the area to avoid an emergency".

　

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A Shout-Out From David, Panama

All Is Not Gold In Panama

I have included two exerpts from recent articles by Don Winner, from the English language newspaper, Panama-Guide.com, that may provide you a better perspective on the drug wars, and the complexity of solving it.

- "A common theme throughout all of Latin America with regards to the war on drugs is that most of the countries involved know they wouldn't have any problems with drug traffickers, the associated crime and violence, money laundering, etc., if the drug addicts in the United States didn't create such a lucrative demand. For example, all  week the news has been dominated by the revelations of WikiLeaks and the cables written by the former US Ambassador to Panama about President Martinelli's supposed attempts to use the DEA's "Matador" cellular telephone intercept system against his political rivals." (rather than focusing the use of the equipment on tracking drug traffic-ers)

(Larry notes: When you add to this the fact that thousands of illegal sophisticated military weapons flow out of the U.S. to drug cartels in Mexico and other countries to our south, you can begin to see why 'our partners' in this war on drugs may doubt our level of commitment to stamping out the drug traffic.)

- "The bail granted by the former Panamanian Anti Drug Prosecutor was revoked for  the four people linked to the case of the 'drug plane', according to the 'supplemental' Attorney General.  The bails were replace by newly issued arrest warrants.

"These four suspected drug traffickers apparently obtained their freedom by paying massive bribes to officials within the Public Ministry. The details have yet to be investigated and clarified, but the scandal resulted in the resignation of the previous 'supplemental' Attorney General. In addition investigations have been launched against several former officials of the Public Ministry, including the former Chief of Human Relations (who's hiding in Vienna), the former Secretary General (who's hiding in London), and the former Anti Drug Prosecutor who issued the order to release the four drug traffickers. And the four drug guys are also long gone.  Now Panama will have to issue an alert through Interpol to see if anyone else can pick them up somewhere."

Add This To The Health Care Debate

Starting January 15, visitors arriving at Tocumen International Airport in Panama will be covered by a state-appointed free health insurance policy.

Each visitor will be given a pamphlet containing an identification card for beneficiaries. This card must be presented together with a passport if a visitor needs medical care.

The policy covers medical expenditures up to $7,000. In addition. if the visitor needs to be transferred to another medical center, overseas transportation up to $40,000 will be provided. The insurance also contains $20,000 in coverage if a visitor dies while in Panama. The coverage lasts 30 days.

It will be voided if a visitor is injured while consuming drugs or under the influence of alcohol. Extreme sports and natural phenomenon are also excluded.

Ancient bells of La Merced Church

The bells that once rang at La Merced Church in Panama’s Casco Viejo are nearly eight centuries old.  Located in Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter of Panama City, La Merced, one of the oldest churches in Panama, was built in 1688.

Recently, the priest of La Merced, Padre Narciso Vioque Perez, who is dedicated to recovering the ancient treasures of the church, invited an expert to Panama to asses the old set of the church's tower bells.  And to much surprise, the bells are much older than the church itself. According to church bell expert Manuel Quintana, the bells date back to the 13th century, precisely to the year 1232.

This discovery means that the bells were already more than 400 years old when they came to Panama. The bells were also signed by the artisan who made them nearly eight centuries ago – Imanuel Perea. Unfortunately, the bells that had been removed due to cracks, cannot be restored to a functional state. But given their rarity and antiquity, Quintana has suggested that the bells be declared 'objects of cultural interest'.

 

Today's Thought

The U.S. economy is so bad Motel 6 won’t leave the light on anymore.

A British Racing Pigeon in Panama?

A British racing pigeon named Houdini has turned up in Panama City. The bird had been lost after its first race in England. Houdini was supposed to have completed a 224-mile trip from Guernsey to Dudley in the West Midlands of England. The bird's owner, Darren Cubberly, was quite surprised to receive a phone call five weeks later from Panama City reporting that his pigeon had been found some 5,200 miles away. The bird was identified using the information on the band around the bird’s leg. 

Given the pigeon’s good physical condition when found by the Ortiz family in Panama City, it is assumed that Houdini perched aboard a Panama-bound ship where he was fed well during the trip.

Mr. Ortiz called England using the information on the bird's band. Regarding the call, Mr. Cubberly told The London Telegraph: “I was gobsmacked. I didn’t even know where Panama was!” Mr. Cubberly and Senor Ortiz came to the agreement that Houdini would stay here in Panana with his new family.

Stranger than fiction, I guess!

 

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