hello loves,
my first official day in panama was yesterday and i could not have had a better start. woke up slowly around 9:30 and all of the volunteer were supposed to have been in by 11. after waiting around until 2 a group of us got restless and ventured to the super 99 for some grub.
prior to leaving i chilled in the hammock out back and read more of the secret life of bees. i started the book on the plane and will probably cut this entry short to go read more. it is an enthralling tale, and for anyone looking for a new book i recommend it. sue monk kid has the ability bring the reader in immediately with a mix of emotional, philosophical and societal description... back to the day...
the super 99 grocery stores are massive and 24 hours in the city. i attempted to convince everyone that we should pick up some rice and chicken and make arroz con pollo back at the hostel but only a few others we ready to delve into the communal experience. once the two women arrived in after a grueling couple of days of flight cancellations and delays we started the shift from mellow to tourism. they were exhausted and if i were them i would have loved to stay behind.
we all hopped in our bus and went to casco viejo (the second center of the area) which was built in 1673 after panama vieja (the first center) was burnt to the ground by the one and only captain morgan (yes, the rum). captian morgan and his group of pirates attacked panama vieja under the authority of the welsh crown in 1671 and we get drunk off his rum (i may reconsider next time i have the chance to enjoy his spirit).
walking through casco viejo we were all reminded that june 13 is a national holiday to celebrate children. we stumbled upon a speaker outside a simple yet elegant church explaining the importance of children in panamanian society. in the crowd were hundreds of children, all in matching uniform, their parents, and others all holding candels in solidarity. as the service continued we had our first extended interation with a panamaian who happened to be a top security guard for the first lady. he was quite sociable (explaining his cultures view on children among many other things)... we shared a lovely dinner, returned home for drinks and late night conversation and then i crawled into bed.
so much for brevity. even after all that i feel that i have left a ton out. maybe tomorrow i will write about today...
off to seek refuge from the mosquitoes in a tiny room with six bunked beds, a flash light, and the wonders of honey in south carolina.
love and peace,
cait
ps - thus far, the group of LE volunteers is fun loving and filled with beautiful intellect. i am so lucky.
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