Bienvenidos a Panama!

I arrived in Panama just three days ago and was rudely awakened to the fact that it’s winter here (a fact that I very well knew, just forgot about). Though that does not mean it’s cold, it does mean that the sun sets rather early between 6 and 7.

I was immediately greeted by Chris and Tim, the other people involved with Alacridad and the nonprofit that brought me to this adventure in Panama to begin with. We are staying momentarily in the Hostel Clayton which is on the edge of the city and literally right outside of a jungle. Also near our housing is the Panama Canal, so all the buildings in this area are converted houses that once served as U.S. military housing.

The U.S. does not occupy the canal anymore, but a strong presence remains. The most common question I have gotten here is “where are you from?” followed by “how is George?” as if the President and I are on a first name basis. My first thought of reply is to point the inquirer in the direction of George Bush’s daughter who is also in Panama right now working for UNICEF and apparently living right down the street from me. Then, I think to myself she probably already fills her quota of answering questions about her dad often.

December 31, 1999 is the day America finally left the canal. I remember this day vividly because it is not just a holiday. It was my 18th birthday and I was throwing a costume party for all of my friends in Longview with the theme “dress as your alter ego.” Any guesses as to what I was? In my little bubble in northeast Texas, the Panama Canal was furthest on my mind. If someone were to have told me that I would later be teaching English in Panama City, I probably would have said that I’m not the biggest fan of Florida. Instead, I was enjoying the turning over of another year by lighting sparklers and eating cake…

I have only been here a few days, but I can already tell Panama is a country rich in history and culture. These next few months are going to be exciting!

Take care everyone!