Day Six of the Hostages

Can't believe it has been 6 days - feels like 6 weeks ! We have packed  so much into our trip so far that we are measuring the time in "dog days ".

As Team Lider, I am pleased to report that "The Team" is a pleasure to be with and representing Rotary and Canada with pride. They have taken their roles seriously and with great enthusiasm. The blog is evidence of this (except for Alicia's (Alice) grammatical errors).

Our departure from Panama City on Friday  morning culminated in a dim sum Chinese breakfast with our Host families and a stop to pick Alicia up at her Estate in the Country .

I was fortunate to spend the week with Mercedes and  Mario Typaldos and their two sons, Mario and Juan Andreas who were most gracious as hosts.  

 

Below is a picture of the view from their very large mid town Panama City condo overlooking New and Old Panama. I learned a great deal about Panama's history from  them as  both of their families played key roles in that regard. Merecedes' Grandfather was a Past President of the Country of Panama and Mario's Great-Grandfather founded the first English Speaking Newspaper and it remained in the family for several generations.

Among many things, we have learned that Pamana is a very Cosmopolitan Country with a storied past that is very much related to the real estate adage - location, location, location!  The discovery by  Balboa that  the Pacific Ocean was only 80 kilometers from  the Atlantic and the related trials and tribulations of the  building of the Canal have factored prominently in its Current Economic State ; which by all accounts appears to be that of a leading Central American Economic force that is ahead of its Counterparts and well positioned to grow in the future.

Having said that , it is not without its growing pains as some feel it is growing too fast and there exists a real dichotomy between the "haves" and the "have nots."

However, one thing is readily evident - once a year there exists an Event that brings the entire Country together; that is "CARNIVALE". Rich and Poor , everyone is the same as the entire Country closes to celebrate . And now it is  time for this Team to dress down and hit the Streets to experience the festivities of this National Event.

Respectfully submitted,

Doug Moody Team Lider