Getting Settled: Panama

Words can describe the warmth of our hosts as we entered the airport waiting area. English-speaking, compassionate Rotarians who made us feel instantly comfortable.

Kim was whisked away by Alexei and his family, as his 2 children wanted to work on their English with their Canadian Girl. The rest of us piled into vehicles and took a scenic night-drive into the city. We arrived to an Italian Restaurant full of locals and tourists, and we rejoiced that we were on our first patio in months!

Our hosts for the dinner included members of three different Rotary Clubs. The food was great, and well needed after a long gap after our previous meal.

The conversation was great, and we garnered some interesting information:
1. Had we arrived on-time we were scheduled to see a baseball game...their national game, and an event my world-traveled brother insisted we try to incorporate.
2. Rodrigo (yellow shirt above) is the only Panamanian to participate in Le Mans 24 hour car race in France (11th in 79, 25th in 82)
3. Minimum wage in Panama is $450 per month
4. They are as excited to be hosting us, as we are to be travelling

Alicia headed with Andy to his horse farm out of the city, and the boys (Mark, Doug, Curt) piled in with Nestor Broce, our co-ordinator for our time in Panama. Doug was dropped with Mario, who had been at the PGA Tournament: Panama Claro Championship...won this year by Australian Matthew Goggin. Next, I (Curt) was dropped to Victor's condo. Victor was out at a concert, so I crashed immediately, saving introductions for the morning. Mark was headed to Nestor's parents house.

I'm writing on Monday morning, with the leisure/rest time we were scheduled. Only Mark has anything scheduled this morning: a visit to the Panama Port Authority.

I woke to meet Victor in his wonderfully clean condo. Plenty of food, a local cellphone for me, and promises of a big night thursday with a friend of his who owns numerous bars downtown.

Our luggage arrived early this morning as well, so my walk over to the best mall in the city will be to sample the coffee, and not to be purchasing clothes and toiletries...thank goodness.

For all you Canadians reading this, it's a balmy 26 C already this morning...