Panama Bay. This has been my beautiful view from the dining room. You can see the ships lining up to go through the canal. On the left are the Islas (Islands) Flamenco, Perico, and Naos and the Amador Causeway leading to the mainland.
This summer I have the good fortune of spending some time in Panama. For the remainder of August, I’m taking a break from my usual blog style and going into vacation mode, sharing pictures of things that catch my eye and a little about my experiences here. I’m getting some much-needed rest, absorbing local culture, and taking the chance to refresh my Spanish. (Info on fall Spanish classes, click here.) If you feel so inclined, I invite you to follow along! I’ll be back again in fall doing the Italian thing. 🙂
First stop, Pamana City. I thought I’d be here for just a short visit before traveling to the interior, but the opportunity arose to stay on, and I said “¿Porque no?” (Why not?). I’ve been in Panama City for about two weeks now, and I’ve been able to take the time to explore it slowly, and to feel a little bit like I live here.
I’ve learned to navigate the oft-unmarked, nonparallel streets of my neighborhood, find my way without getting lost to the local supermarket, how not to get charged ‘foreigner’ rates by taxistas, and I’ve made a few new friends. It’s been fun — a wee bit unnerving at times — but mostly fun and very interesting. I’m in a very safe part of the city (Panama is for the most part a safe city), with lots of beauty to admire, and lots of green and birds and mango trees dropping their fruit to the ground (yum!).
These are a few images from my neighborhood, aptly named Bella Vista.
Parque Urraca. This sweet little park is nestled amidst old colonial houses, tall buildings and modern skyscrapers, and there are always lots of people enjoying it.
Ana Alejandra, 3 years old, playing in the park.
Mamá y hijo (mom and son) playing on the subibajo (teeter-totter).
Big pink house across from the park, surrounded by the lush greenery so common here.
“Speak English in 4 months, and dominate it completely in 8 months.” Dang!
Colorful neighborhood scene.
Jasus (pronounced Ha-soos), smiles for me while waiting outside the market for his human.
Los carritos (shopping carts) at Riba Smith, the neighborhood supermarket.
Riba Smith, where people shop… and meet.
Duran, Duran… it’s in my morning cup! [I dedicate this pic to my dear friend Peggers.]
So random I just had to try it… helado de grape nut … and that’s exactly what it is… vanilla ice cream with Grape Nuts cereal mixed in! Mah!
The Mini Super Parque Urraca, a Panamanian convenience store/mini mart.
Una niña (a little girl) does her tarea de matemática (math homework) in her family’s “mini super”. Notice how familiar the product brands are. The dollar is legal tender here. The Balboa, the official Panamanian currency, is scantly circulated, and only in coin form.
A ‘living wall’ on the side of a rascacielos (skyscraper) up the street. Look closely, there are plants and grasses growing on this landscaped wall.
Mundo de los Globos… An old colonial style building turned party store. The sign says “Yes, we have helium!” (Si, tenemos helio!) Whew! Cuz there’s a shortage, and… what’s a party without helium balloons??!
Banco Pichincha. Say THAT 10 times fast!
Some friendly folks that wanted to get in on the picture. ¡Muy amables! (Very friendly!)
On my way out for a day of sightseeing. The umbrella serves for both rain and shine (paraguas y parasol) … There’s plenty of both here!
¡Adios y hasta la proxima! (Good-bye and until the next one!)
Have you been to Panama? Which of these is your favorite shot? Love to get your comments!
Che bello ; ) Grazie per l’invito virtuale… Love you, Girl.
Grazie e prego bellissima 🙂 TVB!
Querida Jodina, Las fotos son muy bonitas y me hacen recordar del tiempo que tuve en Panama City. Muchos colores, muchos pájaros hermosos, gente amable y interesante. Me alegra que te estas divertiendo asi tanto. Me encanta la foto con hija y mama’ jugando en el parque, tambien me gustan el perro sonriendo, la casa colonial y la foto de Jodina, la chica tan bonita. Muchos saludos, besos, y abrazos carinosos.
Grape Nuts Ice cream? Love that you bought it! Liked the living wall too – fun! see you soon! Deneen
Ciao Jodina,
Grazie for the photo tour.
Happy Panama is opening up
to you bringing joy-filled memories.
See you on your return…
Baci and auguri, Theresa
Voy a probar el helado con Grape Nuts!
Jordina, I was surprised to see the helado de grape fruit; growing up in Maine (USA) we had grapefruit ice cream but I’ve never seen it anywhere else in my travels. What a wonderful, exciting time you are having in Panama!! Hasta luego!
Querida Frnacesca, gracias de tus comentos amables! Aqui me estoy divertiendo tanto… faltas solmante tu! ‘b
Un grande beso y hasta pronto.
Ciao Danina! I know, right… gelato di grape nut?… boh! Grazie del commento e a presto 🙂
Ciao Teresa del mio cuore!
Grazie del tuo commento. Si, il viaggio si sta avverando benissimo… e grazie anche al tuo appoggio quando mi serviva. Ci vediamo a settembre… ne avro’ da raccontare… Un abbraccio forte forte.
Hola Sharona!
Parece que el helado de grapefruit se compra en Maine (veas el comento de Meredith), pero deberia ser bastante facil hacerlo de Grapenuts en casa… se necesita solo helado vainilla y cereal de Grapenuts!
Hola Meredith, gracias por tu comentario! I ate Grapenuts cereal as a kid, but I have no idea what they really are… do they come from grapefruit, or grapes?
Hasta pronto!
Dear Jodina,
I’ve read with great interest your recent visit to Panama, where, in spite of you’ve gone there for a short visit, you had the opportunity to stay there for more than a few days. Judging from the photos that you’ve posted on your site, the place looks lovely and I do not deny that I’d also like to visit it. I noticed that you can capture some details of daily life that are frequently overlooked by distracted tourists that are always looking for different emotions than can offer the life of every day. Congratulations, you are very good with the camera! In the meantime, if someone of your students wants to practice a bit of conversation with an Italian native speaker, I am available on Sunday afternoons through Skype. If you send me the address of the school I will send you a postcard from Rome.
Ciao.
Ciao Giovanni, grazie per i tuoi commenti gentili! Panama was indeed a lot of fun and I’d recommend visiting it to anyone. I found the capital city to be very international and welcoming. It’s a very rich country in terms of natural beauty, and there are so many things to see and do here.
I’ll send you the address so that you can send us una cartolina from Roma!