The flights in were perfect. Tucson to Houston to PC. As we approached the Gulf Coast, the clouds gave way to a scene of pearls of light on the dark water, a line of cargo ships lined up to enter the Panama Canal. We overflew the narrow isthmus and then there were the lights of Panama City and, again, a line of ships dotting the Pacific side.
Then darkness. The approach to the PC airport is over dark swamp, devoid of reference. Nothing, nothing, nothing and then runway. It's a little spooky.
Panama immigration and customs are not spooky. They are downright friendly. There were no problems, the line was fast and my bag was there. Hooray!
My ride was also there, holding a sign with my name. We swept off into the heat of the night and thence to Hostel Mamallena, where I am now ensconced. Think seriously funky traveller hub and you've got it.
The morning started with rinsing off the sweat in a cold shower. It didn't matter as the sweat was back before I stepped out of the water, but it felt good. Luxury was self-cooked pancakes followed by coffee and a morning cigar. Ah, laziness. Hey, it was already 85 f.
I set out through the heat for the old town and ran right into a Panamanian national holiday. How nice that the local folks set up a holiday on my first day!!
People were everywhere! The seafront glistened with light and heat and vibrated with crowds of Panamanians lining the promenade for a huge parade. It was a party!!
And then came the rain. Heat, then torrential showers, then heat, then steamy heat. Then more rain! And did any of this slow the party down? No way! These folks know how to get down with it. Drumming in the rain just means the drummers don't sweat as much.
Here is a link to my video of parades Panama Style.
I waited out one cloudburst over a plate of grilled chicken, rice and tomatoes. Fondas are local cafes, usually tiny and hot, where food is ladled up at the counter and seating is communal. Tasty, cheap food and instant dining company at no extra charge!
The soaked revelers were still going strong as I slipped from awning to awning, stopping when the rain got serious. A delicious tropical afternoon and there is still the promise of evening.
A day full of promise fulfilled.
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