Takeaways

It is obvious.  I love being here.    I could live here.  But the funny thing is I’ve felt that way after spending time in several other places I loved.  I could live out the rest of my days in a stone farmhouse in rural Italy where we’d grow our melons, tomatoes and make our own wine and cheese.  I could live in Beaucaire, France alongside the Rhone River, and see ancient castles from my window every day.  I could live in a cabin overlooking the Buffalo River and while away my time gardening, watching a family of raccoons, and fishing for trout. 

I could and would be very happy. . . as long as I’m with Stan Weeks.  But Panama has been among my favorites . . . maybe it is because we have lived here so long and made connections that after a while began to feel like home.

Although I will always have a deep affinity for Panama, we are moving on.  We will start a six-week stay in Colombia on Monday and then spend a summer in Canada and then . . . who knows

But as we prepare to depart a few wonderful things come to my mind.  I will close this portion of Our Next Adventure with a recap of the little things, simple things that when stirred together made our time in Panama something extraordinary.  Please indulge me as I remember . . .

• Warm exchanges of Buenos Dias, Buenas Tardes, and Buenas Noches with the apartment building security guards each and every time we leave and return.

• The morning view from our balcony.

• The nighttime view from our balcony.

• Random displays of fireworks.

• The city’s skyline view from Cinta Costera, from Amador, from Cerro Ancon, from Parque Natural Metropolitano, and the skyline view when its colors change moment by moment as clouds pass over the sun.

• Stan’s daily morning report of the number of ships on the horizon waiting their turn to enter the Panama Canal heading toward the Caribbean.  It’s especially exciting when he spots a cruise ship or a car carrier.

• Enjoying icy pasadas made by our amiga Dianna.

• The convenient handwashing station available in all restaurants that eliminates the need to go inside the banos to wash hands before dining.

• The people’s consistent diligence in wearing the mask.  No hardheads here.

• Fondas!!!  What a great idea! Get a home-cooked tasting lunch with chicken, pork, beef, or fish with three accompaniments plus a cup of soup and fresh juice for $5.50.  Esta una Proteina Completa!

• A mobile kitchen attached to a motorcycle where empanadas y patacones are pressed and fried right on the curb.

• Mobile juice stands with Igloo coolers of just squeezed juice.   For just $1 or 1 Balboa, pedestrians can get a large cup of refreshing, ice-cold jugo de naranja or de pina to quench their thirst.

• Fresh fruit stands everywhere.

• Beautiful manicure and pedicure for only $23 plus tip.

• Pilates studio across the street from our door.

• Market San Francisco!!!  Watermelon and pina just unloaded from a small truck direct from the farm.

• Efficient low-cost, minimal footprint consumer packaging:  Mayonnaise, catsup, and mustard in squeeze bags.   Shelf-stable, non-refrigerated milk in cartons that when left unopened can be stored in the pantry for 6 months.  Oatmeal in bags like rice and beans. 

• Their love of fancy things and festivals.

• Friends!

• Tipico dancing.

• Sweet Francia who comes to clean our apartment each week and checks on our progress in learning Espanol.

• Luis, the head attendant at the nearby gas station.  Luis made a point to befriend Stan.  There is a bit of a language barrier; still, they communicate loud and heartily . . . somethings are just meant to be.

• The increasing number of visitors we’ve noticed recently.  Tourism, an important industry in Panama, is on the rise again.  Hurray for Panama!

• LifeBridge International Church where we heard the Word on Sunday and found new friends to enjoy and remember.

I think it boils down to this though. While I will miss Panama terribly, the prospect of one more year exploring new places with Stan and another year after that and then yet another frees me to be able to say adios to Panama in love and peace.  Farewell Panama.  Ve con Dios!

Before I close this chapter I am compelled to denounce Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. At this very minute many of us are enjoying warm houses, the closeness of loved ones and relishing in life’s joys while others just like us are suffering unimaginable terror and grief. I’m praying and will continue to pray for all those involved in this war they surely didn’t want. I am praying for a miracle. I know God will listen. Good will overcome evil.