Panama 2015 Week 2

We had a very social week. Our Spanish vocabulary is increasing at sloth speed as we have been to dinners, Happy Hours and had several lively conversations around the pool and in the grocery stores  with ex-pats and vacationers from the U.S., Canada and UK.

Most residents are here for 3 to 6 months although the majority of condo owners are from Panama City, enjoying the beach on holidays and weekends. Technology has allowed professionals in North America to continue employment through their computers and using Skype.  Couples with young families are relocating for a warmer climate, relaxed working enviroment and a career with less stress. Others fell in love with the salt and pepper beaches of Coronado when Panama was their vacation destination 20 years ago.

This weeks weather...winds seem to blow just below hurricane force. We had to laugh because opening the front door created a wind tunnel through the condo and out the balcony door that can send anything not held down to fly through the air. Beth opened the front door and her ball cap flew off her head and sailed a good 40 feet. You have to put your full body weight against the door to close it and the blinds in the bedrooms fill with air like a spinnaker sail under full speed.

On Thursday, Bill and I had a consultation with a local dentist. Several ex-pats have had extensive dental work done at this clinic and are pleased with the results and the 50% savings.

Meals - still on the beans and rice diet but we bartered for delicious sweet pineapple, avocados and mango from Señor Fruto at his local fruit stand.

Today we visited Beth's friend who has a home approximately 3000 ft above sea level. We drove serpentine roads through cloud forests, enjoyed amazing views and cooler temperatures. If you climb higher you could see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

We stopped for lunch at a Panamanian "fondo" (where locals eat) in El Valle which is a picturesque town situated in crater of a giant, extinct volcano that erupted 3 million years ago.

A view of the Sleeping Indian Girl. The myth, she fell in love with a conquistador who her father forbade  her to marry so she took her life and she was buried in the mountain which took her prone shape. She is still awaiting for her love.

At the market in El Valle purchasing Molas, traditional fabric pictures hand made by indigenous Indians

Stopped on road side to watch dressage competition. Note the sponsor's name on the blue tent!