The Joys of Modern Day Travel
The Best Laid Plans: I thought a cruise would be a nice way to return back to Panama, a plan that had served me well several times in the last few years. There was not a cruise available that was terminating in Panama, but I found a Carnival cruise leaving from Miami that was scheduled to stop there late in the itinerary. So on Thursday (Day #6 of the 8-day cruise), when they stop in Colon, Panama, I just get off. I'm 'home'! Daa .. Daa!
So on Monday afternoon I filled out a bunch of immigration forms and turned them in, along with my passport, to the cruise ship's front desk to grease the processing with the Panamanian Immigration people who would come aboard when we arrived in Colon on Thursday morning. (Plan ahead!) I then walked across the ship’s lobby, got a drink, and walked out on the deck to watch our departure from Cozumel.
As soon as we were underway the Captain came on the PA to announce that, due to a hurricane in our planned path, we were not heading south for our planned stops in Costa Rica and Panama. Those stops were canceled and we were instead turning east and headed for stops in Jamaica and Turks. But he assured us, “Don’t worry we will be back in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday morning as planned.” Thank you, Captain.
I spent the better part of the next two days trying to make flight reservations from Florida to Panama (and Panama City to David) and make hotel reservations for an over-nighter in Panama City. All of this research done on a sloooooooow Wi-Fi connection on the cruise ship that was costing almost a $1 a minute. (Can you visualize the steam coming out of my ears?) I finally got back to David late on Monday afternoon.
By the way, this was only one of a number of ‘travel crises’ during this trip. So watch for, “If You Think Travel Is Fun, You Just Haven’t Done Enough Of It!” in a coming edition.
It Is Independence Day In Panama
Today (Nov 3), all of Panama is celebrating and rejoicing its 108-year old independence when it separated from Colombia. The Spanish arrived in the 1500’s and stayed for nearly 300 years. Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela - named the Republic of Gran Colombia.
With U.S. backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903. The country has bragging rights as the third largest economy in Central America thanks in great part to tariffs from the Panama Canal, built by the U.S. back in 1904. The country also enjoys one of the largest rainforest in the world and a large biodiverse region. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent her congratulations to the people of Panama
A Busy Month In Panama
In November it seems as if there is a holiday, celebration or festival every day. I have listed below some of the major events. There is also a collection of local and regional celebrations. In addition, any of these holidays that falls near a weekend usually means that the holiday becomes a three-day (maybe 4-day) event.
November 1 - Children’s Day
November 2 - All Souls’ Day ( No Alcohol sales)
November 3 – Parade, Anniversary of Separation from Colombia
November 4 – Parade, Flag Day
November 5 - Colon Day
November 10 - Anniversary of the First Call for Independence from Spain
November 28 - Really BIG parade, Anniversary of Independence from Spain
Then the really big celebration is soon to follow - Mother’s Day, December 8. A major holiday in Panama
Thanks to Lee over at Boquete Guide for the festival pictures. Visit Lee's informative site at Boquete Guide
My Book – ‘Angels in Panama’
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.
The link below is for the paperback version of my book from Publish America (the publisher) I have also included a link to my website where you can read excerpts of ‘Angels in Panama’ if you want.
Till Next Time. Pura Vida
click on the thumbnail to enlarge
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