New Political Unrest in Panama---This Time in Colon

In record time today, the Panamanian National Assembly approved Bill 529 and sanctioned Law 72 of  October 19, 2012, allowing for the sale of public lands in the Colon Free Zone.  The controversial project also contemplates the sale of some adjacent land, outside the free zone, under certain restrictions.  Apparently in the third and final National Assembly debate, there were 41 votes in favor and only 4 opposed.  President Ricardo Martinelli has been in favor of the measure since its introduction.  He expressed his opinion that opponents of the measure are posturing for purely political reasons and are unpatriotic; ie people who "do not love their country".   He argues that currently the lands are generating little rental income and the sale of them to business enterprises to allow for improvements will actually bring better revenue.  It is estimated the income from the sale of the lands will  provide around $ 100 million annually and the current plan is for  $ 35 million of that income to be invested to solve social problems specifically for Colon,  thus making the initiative "good for Colon".   

 

President Martinelli is also citing a particular "foreigner" as the impetus behind the current protests against the law, and reports that it is only a small group protesting.  The administration is vowing to start an investigation process against that person, alleging him  to have serious legal problems regarding his nationalization. The President is saying that the sale of the lands in the Colon Free Zone is supported by all the people of the business class of the province.

 

Today, two Panamanian attorneys appealed to the Human Rights Commission of the Organization of American States (OEA) to assure the life, physical integrity, personal security, and human and procedural rights of attorney Walid Saied, who is accused by President Martinelli of financing the opposition efforts of the Colon community against the sale of the free zone lands.   President Martinelli reportedly told journalists for the local newstation TVN 2 that attorney Saied is of Palenstinian nationality and entered the country under fraudulent means. The President is pushing for expedient deportation and revocation of nationalization for this individual.

 

The oppositional activities carried out in the region last night and today were sufficient to result in road barricades and closures, destruction of businesses and properties, burning tires and vandalism, and injuries to 16 people, six of whom suffered gunshot wounds. One death occurred, of a nine-year old child, from three gunshot wounds. Tear gas and pepper spray were also used for riot control.

 

Law students of the University of Panama also vocalized protests and demonstrated, but stressed peaceful opposition. 

 

The US embassy has issued warnings to US citizens to avoid travel into the city of Colon, as well as the province for the coming days.

 

It will be interesting to follow the accusations against attorney Saied as well and observe the outcome of the protests against Law 72.

Boquete Public Library

Finally got around to visiting the new library, which actually opened months ago.  Parking in the area is kind of a hassle and I always seemed to have somewhere else to go when driving by it.  But today I was on foot when passing by, and decided to stop in.  The building is pretty from the outside, but even more impressive from the inside looking out.  Funded completely by private donations  and supported by the Lion's Club, it really is an example of a community making something happen... 

 

 

Jazz in the Afternoon at La Jungla

 



In the middle of the rainy season, Boquete has been going through a dry spell as far as entertainment and night life is concerned.  For a respite, though, this afternoon the Fantasy Jazz band played at La Jungla for about 3 hours.  It was a welcome change.   John and Gaye Dodge, plus their daughter as vocalist and Caesar Sherard on drums, entertained a good crowd to classic tunes.  The mood was friendly, mellow, and informal.  As always, male dancers were sparse to absent, but one thing I enjoy about being "senior" is that you learn to not let things like that bother you.  In my younger days I wouldn't be caught dead dancing alone or with another female, but at this stage of life, I just don't give a damn.  Music is to be enjoyed, and most of the fun-loving women I know feel the same.  Group dancing works fine,  is good exercise, and lifts the spirits immensely.  We had a good time.

 

The abrupt onset of seasonal afternoon monsoons sent the crowd scurrying indoors and darkened the sky,  but  we've learned to be adaptable and the party went on.  Below is a photo of Frank, the restaurant owner,  (under the waterfalls) and sitting to the left is the Dodge family vocalist.  Unfortunately I didn't catch her name, but she's a sweetheart with a melodic voice.  She does great Joni Mitchell tunes.

 

 

 

 

The last round of tunes played were a special treat for me.  And a first.  I'd never heard Willie Nelson tunes interpreted by jazz artists before.  Country music isn't my favorite genre, but I do enjoy Willie.  The band's rendition of Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain was one of my favorites and I hope to enjoy it again.  I've been advised the band will be playing tomorrow night at Mike's Global Grill and we'll just have to find out!

Branding Iron has Re-opened

 

It's easy to drive right past this small restaurant on the David-Boquete highway at the Portrerillos intersection.   But today a friend and I stopped for a quick lunch on the way home from shopping.   She'd heard the food was good and wanted to see for herself.   There were approximately six  menu choices, with more planned in the coming days.   Offerings included a fish fillet entree  (flounder), two "tipico" plates with rice, beans, and either chicken or pork,  hot dogs, and regular or quarter pounder hamburgers with fries.   The owner, Neil, from Bocas del Toro via Oklahoma, explained they only recently re-opened and are bringing in imported beef with the intent of becoming known for steaks as their specialty.  They will also have a full bar in the near future.

 

We both opted for the 1/4 lb cheeseburgers.  I ordered a soda as well.  The total was $6.50 for a very tasty burger and homemade french fries.  Service was quick and courteous, and we were given coupons for free drinks upon our return visit. 

 

I believe this is my first cheeseburger ever in Panama.   Because fish is so prevalent and tasty in this country,  I rarely order anything else when I eat out.   But my cheeseburger wasn't disappointing. The french fries, although a little dark brown upon gross inspection, were super delicious.   I had to exercise self-control not to order seconds. 

 

We were shown a preview of the menu-to-be and both my friend and I  felt we'd like to return in the future to sample the steaks and other items.   This could be a regular stop on our Boquete-David jaunts.  Time will tell...

 

  

Less than 6 Months til the 2013 Boquete Jazz Festival

There were several activities going on in town this Sunday.  Amigos de Animales held their annual Venta de Patio sale at the Feria,  La Jungla was open for lunch and Turtle Races, and the Jazz Festival sponsored the third, free, pre-festival Concert in the Park. 

Compared with San Francisco's free concerts at Sigmund Stern Grove and similar gatherings, this would appear to be a nothing sort of event.  But for small town  Boquete on a Sunday morning, it was typical.  Adam Rodriquez and his band performed for two hours in the square, and people sat on concrete benches listening & enjoying the latin tunes.  A few crazy gringos ventured up to dance.  The kids, as usual, stole the show.

 

 

 

Quick Trip to Punta Burrica & Hooked on Panama

Took a quick trip with a friend to Punta Burrica on Thursday and Friday.  It's about a 3 hour drive to Puerto Armuelles and then a 1-1.5 hour drive off the beaten path into Punta Burrica's beach areas.   The road from Puerto Armuelles to Punta Burrica is a bit of a challenge, but driving that kind of terrain is now something I can scratch off my bucket list.  We had a wonderful, relaxing, and interesting trip. 

The closest lodging in the area is the "Hooked on Panama" beach-front resort, which captures a lot of the sport fishing business.  It's owned by five american friends / business partners.  Our visit there for cocktails and dinner [on two separate occasions] leads me to characterize the culture as friendly, hospitable, and reasonably priced.   Very generous cocktails ran under $ 5.  Dinners ran between $ 12-15.  I enjoyed a spicy, seared tuna plate that included a fresh garden salad, a large portion of steamed vegetables and dessert for $12.  Although I didn't tour the overnight accommodations, there are 10 individual cabanas with private decks providing spectacular views of the ocean.  The main lodge is spacious with a high beam hardwood ceiling, pool table, and well-stocked bar.  The resort offers week-long sport fishing vacations utilizing their own fleet of six custom-built boats. 

 

 

 Although the Hooked on Panama resort was a pleasant side trip, our objective was a more grass roots experience.  We stayed in a private, Panamanian-style home much further down the road and about 30 feet from the beach.  Most of our time was spent socializing with the locals and beachcombing during low tide.  Lots of driftwood, small seashells, and sand crab distractions...  Before leaving, we were visited by a family of howler monkeys that ranged in age from infant to "teenager" to adult.  Other animal life featured this trip were horses, cows, and interesting birds, including a snowy egret.   There was also a beautiful scenic beach close to PetroTerminal de Panama that merits mention.  

 

 

 

 

Great Food and Turtle Races at La Jungla

FORMULA "T" RACING AT JUNGLA ON MONDAY AUGUST 20, 2012

THIS IS THE GRAN "T" OF TESTUDINE RACING

Racer viewing and interviews start at 12:00 Noon.     First race starts at 1:00 PM.

Turtle Racing is fun for the whole family.

Not sure where to begin on this one...The above announcement went out to the expat community three days ago regarding an event held to support Dorothy's wild life refuge, as well as to draw clientele to the re-opening of the restaurant under the management of Frank and Carolyn, new proprietors.  The event was a definite first in Boquete.   The weather cooperated, providing sunshine and moderate temperatures for most of the day.  A friendly crowd developed as the afternoon wore on.  After close scrutiny of the bio for each participant turtle, attendees placed bets on their selected competitor, and elimination rounds were initiated.   My contestant, Leatherback Larry, number 13, unfortunately failed to place.  I had to leave before the qualifying rounds were completed, but did manage to snap a photo of the main contender as he crossed the finish line.

More noteworthy than the reptile race, however, were the changes to the restaurant.  The tropical mural paintings have been completed, and the bar is tiled and spruced up.  The menu now features Thai, Caribbean, and local fare.  After enjoying two meals in the restaurant on two occasions in the last two days, I'd give the cook 100% on her satisfaction rating. Being a fussy diner, I seldom eat everything on my plate, but both times at this new La Jungla,  I barely left a fingerprint.   My first pleasure was Jerk Chicken, delightfully flavored with exotic spices, a hint of sweetness, and just the right amount of picante "kick" that kept my mouth tingling for a lingering time afterward.   My second experience was a Thai fish fillet that was also excellent.  A tender, moist, flaky white fillet was grilled to perfection and then topped with a coconut cream sauce and oh-so-pleasing Thai condiments.  Entrees come with a wonderfully-dressed fresh garden salad and your choice of either rice & beans or boiled, butter-herb potatoes.   All but one menu item was under $ 10, and the remaining item was just $10.  The bar serves local beers, well-drinks, and can also accommodate a variety of special orders.    They are open six days a week, from 11 am to 7 pm.  Closed Tuesdays.   I highly recommend La Jungla for an alternate dining experience and for the friendly ambiance.  Both indoor and outdoor dining available, but outdoor seems to be the preference as it allows customers to view the resident rescued animals and the grounds.



What a Lovely Day Today!

Boquete was unseasonably warm today, missing the typical afternoon rain or bajareque mist.  Spent most of the morning in the yard, tending to my garden.  The narajilla plants I started from seed are fruit bearing, but not yet ready to pick. 

Was told they need to turn yellow first...

Made fresh salsa with cilantro and chombo chili peppers from the garden.  Then picked fresh citrus, chayote squash, bananas,  and maracuya.  Had a surprise visit from a friend, which helped wile away the afternoon hours. 

What do you do with a yard full of mint, a lime tree, a friend who used to be a bartender, and an aging bottle of light rum?   You learn how to make and enjoy mojitos. I think I have a new favorite drink!   Can't see straight, but I learned they are just perfect for sitting on a shady deck in the hot, humid, tropical afternoon, while listening to light jazz,  staring up at Jaramillo, and contemplating absolutely nada!   Made a conscious decision to plant more mint tomorrow....Life's good.

As the night unfolds,  from my house to yours,  have a wonderful evening!

 

El Estero Beach, Veraguas, Panama

Escaped the mountains to accompany a friend to the beach in the final days of her much-needed vacation.   There is a well-known surfer's beach, called Santa Catalina beach, about an hour and a half outside Santiago going southwest.(?)  But heading a little more east upon reaching the Sona crossroad is a less populated locale called Playa El Estero.  That's where we went.  It's a less rocky-bottomed spot, with challenging albeit not treacherous waves, and provides a comfortable overall surfing experience.  (So I'm told, given I don't surf.)

While we were there, I observed a 3 yr old practicing his surfing skills and was suitably impressed.

Accommodations in the area are rustic, but we found lodging with air conditioning and private bathrooms right on the beachfront.   There is  an "eco" resort nearby that I passed up without hesitation.



My apologies to the proprietors, but I want screens and plumbing if I am going to pay to sleep somewhere.  And my needs are not all that demanding, really.  We settled for a funky place right at the road's end and on the waterfront.  Private baths, window screens, and air conditioning made the difference.  It turned out to have the best restaurant and bar in town, as well.     Stuffed my face to the point of shame.   I highly recommend the coconut shrimp curry or fried fish fillet with an ice cold Atlas.  And they also have excellent salads.