Random thoughts about Kaiden and his trip

I was walking on the beach this morning when I found a marble - this may not be a big thing to you but it brought me back to when Kaiden was walking the same beach with me.  He was  so thrilled to find his marble that had been left by the sea- and I got the same excitement finding my marble.  Kaidens time here was fantastic and now that I have recovered from him I have had time to reflect on his trip.
 As many of you know Kaiden and I do not have what many would consider a normal grandmother - grandchild relationship.  When he was 8 months old I became the only mother figure he would know until  this past year.  Raising him has had its good side and the not so good.  Getting the chance to help raise another baby at the age of 50 was different and so special in many ways.  But what I have said I did miss out on was being "grandma" getting to spoil him and send him home again.  If I spoiled him many times I was the one who had to put up with the consequences
This trip I really got to be a grandma.  I could let him have ice cream for lunch if that is what he wanted ( and yes I did)  I could buy him the stupid little junky stuff.  I could let him stay up as late as he wanted and enjoyed the mornings when he crawled in bed to snuggle with me. 
I hope this trip will have an influence on his life in the future.  He learned what it is like to be an orphan - he learned that even though 2 people do not speak the same language communication is easy- he learned compassion as he emptied the change in his pockets into the cup of a man with no legs - He learned to try new foods and that some are good and others - well lets just say you could tell by the expression on his face what he thought of it.  I was proud when he ate at my friends house and complimented the cooking , only later to lean over and say I really did not like it but did not want them to feel bad.
I have said that Panama has changed me.  Made me grow outside of myself and learn that there are many things I can do and try and that I will succeed at some and fail at others but that is okay.   I hope that he too learned that- a valuable lesson for life.  Having Kaiden here gave me a reason  to do many things I liked before and would not have done again without having the excuse of wanting him to experience it.
So this morning as I did my beach walk I reflected on how lucky we both had been.  I hope  that I will get the opportunity to share this type of experience with all of my grandchildren.  It probably will not be a month in Panama - but hey what is wrong with a weekend some where - anywhere that it can be just the 2 of us.  So I will continue to search for marbles where ever I am and will always think of Kaiden when I do it - hmmm wonder if he will do the same. 

Saying goodbye to Boquete

Kaidens last days in Boquete seemed to fly by.  He has met so many new friends and it amazes me that as we walk down the street he is constantly saying hello to someone- and then he will say he/she goes to kids camp- they are a friend of so and so etc.  How great is that for an 8 year old in Panama.  He had his last day at Kids Camp and from the look of him when he returned he took full advantage of it.  He even won a game of musical chairs and won a dream catcher- I found this so appropriate for him to "catch" all his wonderful dreams of his trip.

Of course he could not leave until he had his last night of playing the bongos at Amigos.  He has his own following of our friends and did not disappoint them.  I am thinking a set of bongos is in his future!!!
All too soon it was time to say goodnight and goodbye to the people who have taken them into their hearts and a happy boy made the walk in the dark for his last time.
The next morning we finished packing and he ran around saying his goodbyes to our fellow apartment people. His goodbye to Dave was a thanks for well just being Dave and  to Ann and Rick for the cookies.  Bob and Pat arrived to take us to the airport since with the Indian protests I did not feel comfortable taking him on the bus. Yes the roads were open but things are very unstable and I was not going to take a chance on getting stuck along the roadway somewhere. 
We were lucky the roads were clear and we had little traffic- our flight came close to taking off on time and it was a smooth easy flight.  Kaiden got a great view of the Canal and the Bridge of the Americas as we flew in.  It is one of the nicest views I feel- you see all the ships sitting in the harbor awaiting their turn and  I could point out where we were we would be staying with Goldie and Mary.
Albrook airport was part of the USA's canal and is a very small airport - You get off the plane and have to walk about 400 yards to a door and for some reason they will not let you in the door until you show your passport - then you are crowded into a room and wait while they unload your luggage and call out each number for you to come retrieve it.  I had arranged for our usual driver to have someone to meet us and Kaiden kept saying he just knew it was going to be Jose ( he is the owner of the business) and sure enough it was- Kaiden acted like they were long lost buddies for some reason.  It is a short drive to Casco Viejo and the condo.  Little did Mary and Goldie know what having a whirlwind 8 year old would do them.  Ouiji the dog immediately loved him and Kaiden was running around the 3 levels taking it all in - of course he wanted first to see the roof top veranda.  Me I had a cool margarita and sat and visited with our hosts. 

After I had caught my breath I decided to show Kaiden around the area.  Life here is very different the streets are narrow and dirty and people are everywhere .  We went to where people are set up selling their wares- stopped and got and ice cream cone (not the 45 cents like in Boquete but $2.50 YIKES) I told him he had better savor every bite. 
We returned to the house and poor Goldie - Kaiden quickly became his shadow-sitting beside him on the rooftop asking countless questions.  I knew I was exhausted so figure he must be too but getting him into bed was not easy - me I curled up on the couches on the veranda and felt the cool ocean breezes over me and yep you guessed it fell sound asleep.  I woke up several hours later - looking at the stars and wondering just where in the hell I was.  But oh what a place to be.

Kaiden Flies thru the Sky on a Zip Line

The Gnobe protests did affect our lives but mostly in small ways except for ruining our plans to go to Bocas Del Toro. I had been so looking forward to this trip to introduce Kaiden to dolphins and snorkeling.
We had planned on getting up very early catching the bus to David then the bus to Bocas but the day before we started hearing of road blockades on the Bocas highway.  You have to remember that Panama does not have that many roads and that when you block one that may very well be the only way in and out of a community and that is the way it is to Bocas. 
We delayed getting up early to try and get any news we could - one person would say we could get there then next that we couldnt so at about 9 we decided to try the trip.  We quickly through our stuff in a suitcase and grabbed the bus to David. So far so good we did make it there - but only to find out that no buses were running to Bocas.  Since we had our backpacks we decided that stay in David would be too much of an inconvenience so we hopped back on the bus to Boquete and headed home.  We had been wondering about the gas and diesel situation and learned first hand some of what was going on as our bus pulled into a gas station and the driver got out and seemed to be negotiating with the man there.  They finally agreed and started pumping the diesel only to have them stop at $30- at over $4 a gallon that is not very much for a bus to run on - I guess his hopes was to make it to Boquete and back again and find another station to get more fuel.
We were all tired and disappointed so ended up not doing anything the rest of the day.
I felt bad for Kaiden so decided to book him on the zip line experience for Sunday, and was I ever glad I did.  We had to be up early again and at the pick up spot by 8.  With the blockades it ended up being only us and one other couple making the trip up the mountain. 
When I booked the adventure I made sure they understood that I had already checked  this off my bucket list and I was NOT going to be going with him and they assured me that was no problem that the guides would take him and he would "piggy back" with one of them on the lines.  Kaiden was all eyes as we took the rough ride in the back of an open truck up into the rainforest. 

We arrived at the top and they got him suited up in his harness and hardhat and he was all smiles.  They loaded back into the truck and went the final distance and I stayed at the lodge.  It was one of the most beautiful mornings we have had and I walked the some of the paths and even worked up the guts to cross the new bridge ( my fear of heights makes me NOT fond of bridges of any type) .  They had told me that it would only take about an hour since there was just the 3 people zipping and it was not long before I spotted them on one of the platforms that I could see.  Kaiden seemed to be all smiles and waved at me.  Then it was wait the final minutes until they were on the 3 lines that I was in full view up.  It is a little strange and stomach turning to watch your grandson fly thru the air but the smile on his face said it all.

He had no more than "landed" when he said 'Grandma can I go again- they said the next time I can do it by myself"  and being the mean grandma I am I said No - once is enough this trip. 

The guides were all joking around with him and calling him Chief.  He received his certificate to prove he had completed the zip line and then of course in true Kaiden fashion asked if he could eat.  We ordered a sandwich and fries to share - but there was not much sharing as he inhaled the cheeseburger in record time.  They showed the video of the zipline and with there being only 3 people it was pretty much a personalized version and he was all smiles watching it.
Then it was back into the back of the truck and down the mountain.  He chattered on and on about how much fun it was and that he was going to come back and do it again. Me I will keep my feet on the ground and take the pictures - much safer in my opinions.

protest update and a trip to Volcan

Protests are still going on and they are moving from town to town. There are reports of another death and this time a 16 year old boy.  Yesterday it spread to Volcan the area that is known as the breadbasket of Panama as there is where most of the fruits and vegetables are raised.  It is on the other side of the Volcano Baru and the terrain is rough but rich black soil.  It is a beautiful part of the country - I compare it to patchwork like paintings of Iowa only instead of flat land it is all mountainous. We visited there a week ago - twisty windy roads thru scenic countryside.  We had use of a car and took advantage of it to tour around.   We stopped several times and asked for directions and once we remembered that the V is pronounced like a B we got the info needed.   Road and highways are not marked at all and luckily we were able to find someone sitting and waiting for a bus to get them to point us on our way.  We stopped in one place so that Bud and Kaiden could walk a swinging bridge- bridges are something that causes me to break out in a cold sweat - so I took the pictures.

I loved the signs that adorned the highways - telling you the elevation  is changing and that there are cattle etc,.  and yes they usually did mean it

v

our asking of directions did get us into a little problem as we asked some workers which way at a T to Volcan and they pointed to the right - I did glance up and see a sign pointing the other direction but what did that mean??? The did lead us to Volcan but it was the narrowest - windiest beautiful road.  But is also was up hill down hill and we did question whether it was going in the right direction knowing that at any minute we could be crossing into Costa Rica.  What seemed like  miles later we did find Volcan but one wrong turn led us to the most wonderful wood craftsman.  He makes custom orders on doors, tables , plaques.and even little key chains that in a short minute he had chiseled out Kaidens name. 

It was on in to town and grab a quick lunch then on to Punta Certa- a small little berg of  a town but surrounded by fields.  We got out and walked around and found you could buy a huge bag of vegetables for $5. I think what these actually were was 2nds - veggies that had some flaws etc on them and could not be sent to the larger stores.  What I saw was soup!!!

 We then stumbled upon a beautiful flower garden that I presume you could buy any plant you wanted - just walk out and pick one . The town really consisted of only 2 streets so getting lost there was not a problem.
Back to the protests. See all this farm land loaded with veggies I understand that if you were to protest then this would be one area that I would want to cut off from the rest of the country.  And cut it off they have but this has led to escalation of violence as of last night they had burned the police station to the ground in Volcan, also looted one of the government offices.  Once the national police were sent in it ended the roads were unblocked and there was quiet again.  But today they moved on down to the town on the international highway called Conception.
As one up rising is ended another springs up.  The Gnobe Bugle Indians have a huge support in Panama - today we were told that 83 % of the people of Panama support them.  This is causing the non Indians to join in the protests and start new ones of their own.  The National Police do have firearms  and tear gas- the protesters have rocks and trees to block roads . Thankfully this is so or the deaths would be growing far too fast.  
The only part left of our trip to Volcan that was of interest was the truck in this picture that must have misjudged the road - I think he needed to call AAA - or 911.

Grandma it tastes like salt

Keeping up with an 8 year old grandson has been a challeinge.  I have been lucky as there is a school right across the street that has a playground when all else has been exhausted for him to do he asks to go play there - I can sit on my balcony and watch him.  This has reminded me of how kids used to be - how a swing set, slide and teeter totters can keep a child occupied for hours and nothing has an electrical cord.  I am sure he has not swung this much in years. What he does with the teeter totters has surprised me though - he does not sit on them but works to get them all balanced then walks away with a very satisfied look on his face.  He has gone both up and down the slides and of course has crawled across the top of the swingsets like a monkey. A  kid and his imagination is such a great thing- too bad at times electronics gets in the way.
But his time in Panama had to be more exciting that that!!!!
One Sunday we went on what is called the Island tour with Boquete Outdoor Adventures.  We leave at 7 in the morning and take a van ride for over an hour to Boca Chica- this is different than the ones I went on last year going to a different place to take the boat and also a different island. Kaiden was all smiles knowing he was going to the sea.  The look of surprise when we pulled into meet the boat and the area resembled the Mississippi river banks - what we were in was an area of Mangroves trees that spread through out the edge of he ocean- but once we left that area he once again was all smiles.  It takes about half an hour in a small boat to get to the island and it is very pretty huge beach - with rock outcroppings.  Kaiden jumped in and came up with a confused look - "grandma it tastes like salt"  I guess when you grow up in Iowa the idea that water would taste that way does not cross your mind. I said yes the ocean is salt water to which he replied "well where does the salt come from" duh......... where does it come from but I now have the image in my mind of a huge salt shaker somewhere over the ocean with salt coming out it as it slowly shakes.

Needless to say he loved it - when we were loading up the boat a little Panamanian boy was helping out - I am sure he was looking for a handout - and so our guide said do you want to ride along and he bailed in.  I wonder just where his mother thought he was all day???? He was 9 years old and of course the 2 boys got together.  It crossed my mind that the world could learn alot from 2 boys on a beach who do not speak the same language - they got along fabulously and never even asked each others names.  His dark tropical skin and eyes being such a contrast to Kaidens white skin and blue eyes- my own little United Nations right on a beach.

I took Kaiden out snorkeling- he was in a life jacket and trying to learn how to use the mask and snorkel correctly - I am swimming along without the jacket and trying to keep us both from crashing into  the rock outcroppings - I dropped my snorkel one time and the Panamanian boy got it for me - then dropped it again and lost it.  Meanwhile I am still trying to steer Kaiden who is totally engrossed in what he is seeing.  Finally I just gave up and on my snorkeling and stayed along side of him until I was too tired to swim anymore and make him stop.
When you go on this tour they provide a great cold lunch of fresh fruit, meat cheese bread etc and you make what you want when you want it. Together we walked the beach picking up rocks and shells- each one more exciting than the last.  Then the boys started playing and my relaxing time came to an end- as they kept going where I could not see them  I could not make the other kid understand that he has grown up swimming in the ocean where this Iowa boy has pools to swim in.  But play they did.

 The day was near perfect- but then anytime you put me on a beach it is perfect.  Seeing it through his eyes made it more special. He is making memories but so am I.  Ones that cannot be taken away from us ever .He was amazed as our beach disappeared to the tide- loved running into the rolling waves and being knocked down by them.  Finding shells, coral, and rocks of so many colors and shapes.  I had brought several grocery sacks and needed them all to hold his treasures.  We were able later to make a couple of necklaces out of them but the rest will be returning in his suitcase.
The day went by way too fast and soon it was time to take my slightly red, sandy boy home.  But the question keeps going through my mind - just where does the salt come from????

Protests still going on

Since I last wrote I was telling you about Indigenous people protesting about the mining of their land - at the time this was just a little story that added to my stay in Panama. But in the week that this has gone on it has escalated .  As of yesterday there is no gas or diesel to be found in Boquete- this has affected the traffic and the amount of tourists in town.  Yesterday the streets were almost silent. 
The protests now have gone violent- One Indian was killed by gun shot and I have read of others having gun shot injuries.  The National Police have sustained injuries from thrown rocks. The police are using tear gas as its first line of trying to break up the protests.  Several times the road to David has been blocked but reopened but I read again tonight that it may be blocked again as will the other 2 access roads that lead you to roads that would end up in David.
One town on the Americana Highway has taken the brunt of the violence as I have seen pictures that the police office has been burnt to the ground and a bank has been looted. The government ordered that the cell phone towers in that area be turned off to limit communication between protesters.
This afternoon there was a demonstration here in town - I have no idea who it was as they were dressed in white and carrying white flags ( I wondered if they were medical people) and as they marched many of the Gnobes in town joined in. I just read that the a college in Panama City is closing tomorrow and that the Presidential Palace has added security. In David students and workers have also joined in forming demonstrations.  Truckers blocked the border at Costa Rica cutting off supplies that way also.
We are not under too much inconvenience - we did have to cancel our trip to Bocas Del Toro as we could not get a bus to take us there but that did mean that Kaiden got to Zip Line but there were only 3 people on the tour.
I feel we are safe as we are miles from where the actual violence is - but I am going to book flights to Panama City for next Friday - I do not feel comfortable taking an 8 year old on a bus and on that highway at this time.
It is very strange to watch a foreign country that I live in go though this type of thing.  It is not like I can turn on the TV to get information- I do that but I have my computer with Google translate on my lap trying to type fast enough to figure out what is being written on the screen.  The gringos here rely on each other for updates on road closures and fuel situations etc. 

Indian Uprising

I am going to bring you all up to date on what is happening in Panama this past week.  Starting last Monday the Gnobi Indians started protesting about from what I understand is part of a law being passed that involves mining.  This area it has been discovered is rich in copper and there are plans to start mining it - but much of this rich deposit sits on Indian land.  Now I have heard varying stories about just what the protest is about -I have heard that President Martinelli has sold Indian owned land that holds around $300 billion of copper and yet the Indians will not receive any of it -  but I cannot confirm this but it sounds very Panamanian like that this could take place.
To protest what is done is close down the Intercontinental highway - the ONLY road that goes across Panama- this does cause the country to  come to a standstill in many ways .  All fresh produce comes from this area and we are on one side of the blockade so Panama City by this weekend will run out of fresh vegetables and fruits.  What is affected on this side of the blockade is that no fuel can come it and it comes from the port at Panama City and also some food supplies. 
The protest spread as of Thursday and they blocked the roads going to Bocas Del Toro and I share this because that is when it started affecting us personally.  We had reservations to take Kaiden there for a weekend of snorkeling - seeing dolphins etc.. We got up yesterday and took the bus to David in hopes that that a bus was running to Bocas but no luck - we ended up returning back to Boquete with our back packs.
How they block the highways is to pile up cut down trees, tires and rocks in the roads often times setting the trees on fire.. As of yesterday the protests took on drastic changes though. The truck drivers who are setting with semi loads of rotting food etc have now joined in with the Indians and formed a blockade at the Costa Rica border - from what I have read there are over 50 trucks blocking both lanes of the road.
Hundreds of people who were on buses are stopped at Santiago the city that is about 1/2 way between David and the City and is always the stop you can get off and buy food. One of the buses was filled with tourists from Costa Rica and as of yesterday reports are that this bus load was taken hostage by the Indians.  I am not sure exactly what they have done as no one can leave the are anyway but they must have them in a  restricted area. 
I have no idea just what this will mean as of today- Panama is a VERY peaceful society - will the national police attempt to rescue them?  Panama has no military so the police that guard the borders etc are what will be active.  It seemed like yesterday there was more of a presence of uniforms right here in Boquete and I have no idea why. 
Boquete is now being affected in many ways from the protests.  The gas stations are all out of diesel which is what most vehicles use here, especially the taxis and as of yesterday most of them were not running.  The streets have few cars and it is so quiet from the lack of traffic.  I went to Romeros the grocery store and was shocked to find that over half of the meat counter was empty and that I got the last loaf of prepackaged sliced bread.  The shelves are somewhat empty.  It reminds me of the predictions of a blizzard in Iowa but no snow shovels!!!!
How long will this last is not known - everyone thought it would be over in a couple of days as this has been done before and that has been the duration.  The Indians are demanding to meet with officials and they want the officials to travel to them.  They are making a huge economic impact on the country not only in produce etc but in tourism.  This is dollars that Panama cannot afford to loose,  and a reputation that is not wanted.
I look at is as another adventure in Panama and feel no danger but it is suddenly a different mind set.  Kaiden and I are to return to Panama City next Friday and I am considering flying instead of the bus. I took to the tour office here yesterday and she said to wait until Monday.  Then I read last night that the government is paying Copa airlines to fly people free of charge from David to Panama City.  So will see what Monday brings. I am hoping that it brings peace back to the country that will help both sides.
 If you want to see pictures and read more here is a web site.  http://www.panama-guide.com/