How to crash 2 weddings in one night

Last Saturday night Bud and I headed into town.  We called up Dave and he was still at a wedding reception of a couple that we just knew from seeing them around. The man was a  Gringo and the women a Panamanian both in the 50s..  The reception was at the BCP theater and Dave said come on down and he would "buy" us a beer.   We felt slightly uncomfortable but went anyway.  There was loud music, alcohol, dancing - in reality it was a lot like weddings at home.  We left there and sat around Amigos for a couple of hours just visiting with friends. 

We left there around 11 and headed back up the hill to "home".  We had forgotten that when we had left earlier  they were setting up in preparation for a wedding at the chapel and at the pool area.  For some reason it seemed like a good idea at the time to stop in and check it out.  We were standing looking in when one man asked if we wanted a drink.  Of course the answer was yes!!! We talked with him and another man for about 1/2 hour and I kept looking in the doors at what looked to be a beautifully decorated room.  One of the guys saw me looking and said to go on in. 
I have never crashed a wedding in my life ( well not until earlier that evening) - and doing so in another country seemed really bad but then when would I get to see another wedding like this? So in we went and I quickly realized that we were SO under dressed.  The men were all in black suits with white shirts and ties- the women were all in long shimmery fancy dresses.  I tried to become a wall flower all the while taking pictures like crazy.  It was like a fairyland.  I found that they had covered the pool area with a floor.  The decorations were fantastic with huge fancy flower centerpieces.  The bride looked much like a bride would in the states.  There was a live band with loud Panamanian music.  I did not see anyone that I would call bridesmaids in matching dresses though. 
Yes they did throw the bouquet and the garter and yes it was the same as home.  I did not see a dollar dance though !!!
Around midnight the waiters came in carrying trays of masks, hats, and noisemakers- much as you would see on New Years Eve here.  They were beautiful mardi gras type masks but the mens hats reminded me of the Cat in the Hat type. 
Yes we draw a few looks, but for the most part no one seemed to notice we were there.  I will admit to grabbing a few desserts off the pastry area on the way out - and yes they were very good.  We finally left and I have no idea how long the party went on but it was going in full force when we left.  It was beautiful, wonderful, interesting and yes I did feel like a real wedding crasher. 
But to do not one but two weddings on the same night was maybe just a little over the top!!!
But I do not regret it, just add it to my list of Panamanian experiences.

The pictures are all from the wedding at Valle Escondido.

A Trip to the Frontera

 Last Tuesday our friends Gary and Madalane asked if I wanted to go to the Frontera with them. The Frontera is the border between Costa Rica and Panama and is a duty free tax free area. It is a thin strip of land between the two countries that from the outside the stores look like nothing but holes in the walls.  When Bud and I did our border hop last year we were afraid to go anywhere near them.  Little did we know what great shops were found through those little doors.
We left Boquete around 10 and made a couple of stops in David. One stop was at the drivers license office to see if Gary could get an extension on his 3 month license.  Once again the door is watched by an armed guard that made us remove out sunglasses.  Mine are prescription and so unknowingly I put them back on and shortly felt a tap on my shoulder and pointed to the glasses and shock his head - and then my cell phone rang and I got another tap and a no - so in drivers license offices you cannot wear sunglasses and cannot talk on a phone.  Gary found out that he cannot get an extension - in order to stay legal he has to leave the country for a border hop so that it will be good for another 3 months.  The really strange thing is that he owns a car has the insurance etc but cannot get a license????? If you are picked up and your license is not valid they will take your car and who knows what will happen then.......
We proceeded on north to Frontera. About a mile before reaching it we were stopped at a checkpoint and had to produce our passports. Normally I carry a copy of mine but when ever leaving Boquete you have to have the original.

unloading granite to sell 

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tanks of gas that are purchased for homes they cost around $5 each

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the narrow strip on the Costa Rica side with little stalls selling all kinds of stuff

We arrived and parked - the street is narrow and very dirty - cars parked everywhere and the outside of the buildings you step over running water filled with items that have been just tossed.  I asked Gary if I needed to worry about anything and he said safety?  and no not at all - It is not  a place that looks safe.  I stepped into the first store and found it to be stacked floor to ceiling with tiny narrow aisles.  It did not take me too long to remember the feelings I had in David about being so blonde tall and whited.  I am something to be looked at and it is not a pleasant feeling. I think I feel it more when I am along though.  I mostly just looked. You can buy anything here from toilet paper (which I did) to appliances and furniture.  Some of good quality some not so much.  Gary said the items are much cheaper here than in David plus you do not pay the 7% sales tax. 
One of the strangest things about it is you go in one door and you are in Panama and if you step outside of the other door you are in Costa Rica.  Some of the stores are so long and confusing that I found myself turned around and finally asked a gal while pointing Panama and she shook her head and said no Costa Rica.

 I did find a top I wanted to try on and asked the gal for a dressing room.  She took me over to a small area  and I thought I was going to duck under a stairway - No she unfolded a piece of material that was hooked to the wall - draped it across to the other corner and put me behind it - let me tell you one thing - this make shift dressing room is not made for tall gringo women- it is hot I am sticky and I am struggling to pull off my top and try this one on - all the while bending over so at least most of my upper body is not showing to anyone who walks by - but then I though who i the hell am I going to see again anyway???? And it was all for no good as the top did not fit anyway!!!

On the Costa Rica side when you step out side of the store there is a long narrow alley like place - lined it area all little "store" selling a little of everything.  I did find a back pack there to haul my stuff around when I walk into town and only gave $5 for it - at that price I did not negotiate.  I did find a Subway to grab a sandwich and yes it was good but not sure it is what I thought I ordered????
It is very hot here - the sweat was running off me .  I shopped for several hours but mostly just wandered around looking.  One thing that is very different here is that you are not allowed to carry packages or backpacks into stores - they have areas with shelves and a person staffing it who takes your items and gives you a 3" square piece of wood with a number on it that matches your cubby. I was so afraid that I would get turned around and not find the door I came in and my items would never be seen again and all I would have in my possession was a wood block. 
I waited for Gary at the truck and got to people watch.  I saw the one lady pictured come out of a store with a huge bag of rice I think - they hauled it across the road for her and sat it down - she waited for the bus to show and then yes they loaded the bag onto the back of the van- a strange way of life compared to ours.
The street is busy with huge dump trucks and semis.  Pickups with their back ends filled with boxes and people of all shapes and sizes but very few whites.  This is truly a unique shopping experience. And  I know I will return.

On the way home we were cruising along and suddenly there was a cop on a motorcyle waving us over.  He walked up and told Gary he was speeding and we all were confused - the signs said 100 km - in fact that is what the sign said RIGHT BESIDE THE COP.  But no there is a short area no more than 1/2 mile that is 50km-the only thing we could figure out was that it is where there are larger crossroads - no not any paved roads etc just a bigger dirt road.  So they slow down traffic for it and yes Gary got nailed.  Now it is very easy to buy off cops here and Gary has done so several times bu this young man actually had ethics and would not take a bribe - or least Gary did not ask soon enough and it was already in the computer!!!! The fine was $55 and it has to be paid in David. That surely made up for the bargains he found!!! And as we drove off the next stop was made - wonder if he took a bribe that time????
We made another stop in David and I did more shopping and actually  found a couple of stores with clothes my size- oh it only took me a year to find them though.

First Communion Panama Style

Last Sunday we were invited by Bob and Pat to the first communion of Jarellis a young girl of 12 who lives with her family on the land they own.  Bob and Pat have assisted the family for years in helping pay for unexpected expenses and helping out with school costs.  There are 5 kids in this family and the oldest will be graduating this year and going on to the Universidad.   This is a Panamanian farm family that our friends Butch and Patsy Niemeyer pay for 2 of the girls education at a private school. When we sat down her little sister presented us with a small pink cross and girl frame that on the inside of the picture area it read "recuerdo de mi 1ra comunion Jarelis Omaira Quiel 20-11-11 which means "my first memory of Communion".  I am not sure if she knew we were coming or if this was meant for someone else but given to us  because of our place of honor with Bob and Pat we were presented with it. 
You need to first realize that Bud and I are not Catholic so the goings on during the service are not what we are accustomed to.  But you have to add in that it was entirely in Spanish.
We arrived early and sat with the family. Our understanding was that service was to be at 10:30 but as with so much here in Panama it did not start until well after 11 and concluded around 12:30.  As we sat and waited it gave me a chance to people watch- you could tell that this is a huge event in the families lives and the church seemed to buzz with excitement.  Finally the service began and in through the balloon arch marched all the kids. The girls dressed all in white with lovely head pieces, some with white gloves and some of the dresses were very elaborate. They all were carrying candles.  From the balcony came live music with guitars etc and it was some of the most beautiful music I have heard. During some of the songs the people clapped and swayed and many joined in singing.
We sat in pews that were very hard and very upright - the kneelers did not fold up out of the way but were boards with iron work to hold them in place.  One of the things I found strange was the comings and goings of the people - it was not a sit quietly, it was children and adults walking around.  There were people who came in long after the service had started.

 Parents of the children got up took pictures even going right up to the pews at the front where their kids sat.  When it came time for the actual ceremony a man with a lighter lit the candles and the children held them high over their heads while the priest spoke.  The candles were blown out and then the communion- the front of the church was totally crowed with parents taking pictures.  Communion was then opened up to the remainder of the church. 
I did discover that Amen is the same in both languages- they also did the greeting and sign of peace among your friends.
Jarellis is a very shy little girl and she reluctantly allowed her picture taken with her family.  She is one of 5 children in the family that is a blended family.  She has aspirations of becoming a doctor and is a leading student in her class.  We had taken small gifts and Bob and Pat gave her a small cross necklace that brought tears to her eyes when she opened it.
The entire experience was fantastic and gave me a true feel for some of the Panamanian culture. We two gringos sat for almost 2 hours not understanding what was being said ( but I did take it Father was somewhat of a comedian as there seemed to be a lot of jokes which were greeted with much laughter) 
 I was amazed at the beautiful floral decorations that were white roses - not easy to find here I am told. The entrance of the church is undergoing renovation with new concrete steps and a ramp being put into place.  In fact we walked by on Sat. and they were working - mixing the concrete in a wheel barrow and on Sunday there were not barricades but the piles of sand and mix were removed.
It was a day that we will long remember- attending Panamanian church all in Spanish yet getting the same feelings I would have at home.  No matter what the religion or type of service it is a bonding expereince with those around you.  Language barriers come down when a common thread runs though life.

In a couple of weeks we will be attending her sisters 15th birthday party - this is some what like our sweet 16th - it is a very large affair we have been told and hers will be held at the fairgrounds

In a couple of weeks we will be attending her sisters 15th birthday party - this is some what like our sweet 16th - it is a very large affair we have been told and hers will be held at the fairgrounds

13 years old with a baby

I had a totally different experience at the orphanage this week. I arrived as usual and entered the preschool room and made the rounds.  I have started doing this as I can get a feel for the "attitudes" this way and who needs me the most.  Children that I had played with previously always come to me first.  I turned to step around a chair to see who the girl was sitting in it and did a double take.  Here sat a very young lady with a tiny baby on her chest.  I walked around in front of her and used my Spanish lessons to learn that yes this was hers. A little girl name Abril ( April in English) and that she was 1 month old.  I tried to cover my shock and asked if I could hold the baby - she gladly handed her over.  A beautiful little dark skinned baby dressed in a fancy crocheted dress that would have come from the room full of clothes given to the orphanage.  Under it was a cloth diaper with one single diaper pin holding it in the front.  She was a tiny angel who would open her deep chocolate eyes and gaze at me or fuss until I gently swayed back and forth with her.  The mother never looked my way, almost as if it was a relief to be shed of the burden of the care of her child.  But she was a child, being only 13 and dropped off at the gate Trisker while pregnant.  The father- who knows could be a relative a neighbor?  The girl sat watching cartoons and for a moment escaping the life she has.  I do not know if she will leave here or if she does if she can take her child with her - or if she would even want to.  She is a child, a young girl who should be learning how to fix her hair, do her nails and all those things that girls in middle school do.
I sat with this baby Abril for 1 1/2 hours- looking into her eyes and wondering what her life would be.  I have always loved tiny babies and this girl touched me.  For those who ask how I can do this, I say how can I not. For a few hours each week I do my best to make a child or two feel special. 

Clearing the land for $10 a day

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From the last blog you found out that I did not get to see the cleared land of my friend Dave.  That was on Wednesday but on Thursday it was clear and sunny and once I again I donned by rubber boots and off we went.  The road to Caldera STILL was filled with rocks to protect the filled in pot holes and Dave seemed to really enjoy my complaints.  We crossed the river again which was much lower and up the road that is just the width of his truck and parked.
Once again  Dave pulls a machete out of the truck and off we went.  This time it was much different- the land had been cleared for a long ways and what was left was only trees that their base was 3" in diameter.  We easily walked to the river with only stones and boulders blocking our way.  Once we got to the river I could see why Hillbilly was so excited - the land is flat perfect for building- it drops off about 10" to the river which is rushing over the stones and rocks curving along.  I can see steps down there from the house with a sitting area right on the river.  Dave says he is going to damn an area of and have his own "natural pool".  We kept walking and found the 4 Panamanian men whose saddles we had seen sitting on the ground by the gate and their horses tied up farther in.  Their dogs were also running loose chasing anything that moved.  I thought this was good- what they were chasing I did not have to worry about!!!
Clearing land back in Iowa means tractors, bulldozers etc.  In Panama it means men with machetes and their pay???? $10 a day.  From nearly sun up to sun down.  Yes it is hard work and yes they are happy to have the job.  Hillbilly did not tell them what they were being paid he asked and that is what they requested. In a country where $300 is an average monthly pay this is right in line.  But Dave also went and bought them pop. beers and snacks.  He is appreciative of their hard work and plans on keeping them busy for a year in assisting him in his house construction. 
We walked until it once again became jungle then back to the path.  We came to another fence of sticks and barbed wire - Dave raises his machete and chops easily through the wire, and entered land I did now know he was buying.  He called it his field and you can see the outstanding crop of corn that was grown there.  This is their "crop" the corn is planted in flat areas around stones and probably hand planted as no machinery could get there.  No fertilizer, no weed control but from the looks of it no crop either.
In cleaning off the land they are finding rock walls that have withstood the time - dry stacked and now covered with moss and vines. A paradise in the making like Dave calls it "Hillbilly Acres" and I hope to watch it develop and one day to see his dream a reality.