Independence Day At Playa Las Lajas The U.S. Independence Day celebration at the beach resort at Las The U.S. Peace Corp contingent was even larger than was expected. This was due not only because of the 4th of July motivation, but also because that two of their more popular and well known members are rotating back to the 'real world' in coming days. The party was dampened early, which probably was not all bad the way things were going. About 9:30 a thunderstorm hit us (note: thunder/lightning are rare here), or maybe I should say clobbered us. It rained and blew so hard you got wet at the rear of the open-air bar; 25 feet back from the overhang. It put the big bonfire out in short order. A good time was had by all. Happy 4th! Celebrations in Panama - You Have To See This There were several U.S. Independence Day celebrations in Panama. the biggest of which was down in Panama City. However, American ex-pats did not have to travel to Panama City to find a celebration.
Lajas, which I mentioned in my last blog posting, turned out to be a blast. Peter, the co-owner of the Las Lajas Beach Resort was an outstanding host and his staff performed admirably under tough conditions when it turned out there were probably 3-4 times as many people in attendance as they would normally handle.
To say that the young folks were in a rambunctious mood and ready to PARTY would be an understatement. Keep in mind these are all red-blooded young Americans (most early 20s) who spend most of their days out in the boondocks interior of Panama, living in very austere conditions, and often either solo or in pairs. 'Getting back to civilization' for a couple of days is a 'Wahoo' in and of itself. The chance to party with friends and comrades is really a Wahoo.
The link below will take you to an excellent article by Lee Zeltzer from his Boquete blog. The article covers a big traditional celebration, a Panamanian Quinceañera, which is Panama's version of a young lady's 'coming-out' party.
I am sure most of you have been to something similar back in your backgrounds and experiences. But I will guess that few of you had the added entertainment provided by your favorite group of Mariachis. You gotta' see at least a taste of a Panamanian Quinceañera and read some of the details to believe it. Here is the link. Enjoy
Politics In Panama
The headline in the newspaper, La Estrella, read: "Panama's Human Rights Advocate Thinks Noriega Should Go To A Normal Prison Cell."
Panama's "Defensor del Pueblo" (Human Rights Ombudsman) Patria Portugal, on the return of the former dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega to Panama, criticized the construction of a special prison cell by the government where he will serve his sentences in Panama. She reacted after Panama's Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Varela noted the extradition process in France could take about 30 days, but still there is no certain date for Noriega's return to Panama.
What you probably don't know: Portugal, who is the daughter of the labor leader Heliodoro Portugal, who was killed during the military dictatorship, believes Noriega should serve his sentence in one of the cells of the prison system in Panama. Portugal, before being sworn into her position in April, called for justice for her father. In addition to the crimes that Noriega has already been convicted of (in abstencia), he also faces charges on six charges and a total of 67 additional years in prison. Two of the charges are for the deaths of former leaders Hugo Spadafora (1985) and Moses Giroldi (1989).
According to most sources there is little chance of Noriega serving out his life under 'house arrest', as has been speculated (feared) by some. Such a move would have to be approved by Panama's Supreme Court, and the court has been 'stacked' by current president Martinelli - who to put it mildly is not a Noriega fan. In addition, one of those who was murdered (Spadafora) has a brother is a current sitting Supreme Court Justice.
Biggest Drug Bust Of The Year Thus Far...
In a press conference officials of the National Naval Air Service (SENAN) reported the seizure of 1,800 kilos of cocaine in the province of Colon. Panama's Security Minister José Raúl Mulino welcomed the news, saying it is the largest drug seizure so far this year. (Panama America)
Don Winter (Panama- Guide) explains: That would be about 3,968 pounds of cocaine, or almost two tons, with a street value in the billions of dollars. Big bust...
My Book
Judy Brown from Texas sent me a nice review of my book. She also included this picture with is most appreciated and very clever. Thanks again Judy.
Good News - Amazon has reduced the price again of the E-book format (Kindle) of my book, putting it in line with the E-book market. And yes, the book is also available at Barnes and Noble for you folks with a Nook, however the price is over $25, so I don't mention it.
The links below are for my book in two different formats - take your pick. I have also included a link to my website where you can read excerpts if you want.
'Angels In Panama' Info Website
Till Next Time. Pura Vida
Teen Dancers in the park on a rainy Saturday
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