Sunday, November 29, 2009
Hola from Panama
Almost two weeks out of the states and honestly, not missing it very much.
Panama is a real gem. Spent 5 days at Rio Mar beach last week, now back in the city.
Surfed, hiked the rain forest and stood under a waterfall, eating MUY BIEN.
I'm even thriving on the sounds and bustle of the city, which is the most insane that I have ever experienced.
My time living in NYC and Miami was somewhat helpful but could never ready me for this kind of congestion and disorganization. Panama city is a narrow strip of land running a short width between the Caribbean Sea, a mountainous/tropical rain forest and the Pacific Ocean.
Nothing makes sense here. I think West, Pacific side, California, opposite the Atlantic, okay I could drive here w/ a bit of direction, No! The ocean is South and my home in S FL is up North, weird.
And everyone speaks English right? ¡Pero no! I'm finding my self out of the loop w/ my hosts, and every venue we visit.
"NO HABLA ESPANOL, SOY UNA GRINGA!"
"I need a Rojo dress" doesn't work.
Truth be told, I love being dumb.
I'm swimming in the idea of finally learning Spanish, hanging my clothes to dry and drinking ice cold liquid out of a coconut w/ a straw cut down 5 minutes ago by a Panamanian w/ a mashedy.
The main city park here is close in comparison to Central Park, NYC. It's vast, and green, and the sounds of the city are apparent but so far in the distance that it makes me smile cause...I got away from it. Running streams and tropical birds are the sounds that those over the counter "sleep" cd's are made of and if you live in the gorgeous surrounding neighborhood of "San Francisco" this is the soundtrack of your residence!
My other favorite spot is Casco Antiguo (The Old Helmut). I've never been to New Orleans, but I imagine a similar look. Double decker, ornate balcony buildings w/ a bizarre combination of low income residence and high end businesses make up this district. We eat regularly at the American owned deli and ceviche bar and our fav cocktail spot, Relic is host to 20 something travelers from all over.
The new city is lined up with swanky hotels and casinos along the Pacific corridor.
Heading back to FL this week. Hoping for plenty of waves to catch on the in between.
-V
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment