November 17, 2000 Panama City, Panama

Panama City has been a whirlwind of social activity since the day I arrived. I had a contact here who welcomed me into his circle of friends and I have had the pleasure of experiencing a social fabric that is warm and easy going. I felt like a guest on “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”. And a very welcomed guest indeed. Perhaps because I am perceived as an “interesting foreigner” people want to get to know me. What ever the case, it has been enjoyable.

I experienced the business culture here as well, sitting in on some business lunches and doing some business here for a friend in the states. I dealt with a law firm in a situation that could only be described as a three-ring circus. I helped my friend switch to another law firm and got a heavy dose of the ‘manana’ mentality.

Perhaps the attitude that makes business so difficult is exactly what makes the social fabric so rich. “Let’s enjoy our time together now! Everything else can wait until ‘manana’!”

Business seems to happen mainly through social connections. It is a relatively small city in a very small country such that every one knows everyone. “I know someone who can help you with that!” A cousin, brother or friend of a friend is usually going to get the business.

I need to ship Baby Blue across the Darien Gap to Equator. I was introduced to someone in my new circle of Panamanian pals that could help. None other than the nephew of the deposed dictator of Panama, Edgardo Noriega. He hosted me on a nightclub tour that lasted until sunup. He was very open about his life and lots of fun to be around.

November 12, 2000
David, Panama

Late last night, on the highway back from Bocas, I saw something fly in front of Baby Blue. It was too big to be a bug, but the collision was too slight to be a bird. I didn’t give it much thought until I saw the victim by the morning light. Not a feathered friend but a creepy creature was lodged on the grill of Baby Blue.

Some themes in my photography have emerged and evolved on my journey. With enough interesting shots a theme is awarded its own gallery on the website. “Roadkill” and “Cemeteries” have had this special online status for sometime now. “Children” is another theme that doesn’t have a specific gallery but has been awarded its own line of greeting cards!

It has become obvious to the committee that “frogs” is ready and deserving of Galleryhood! Or would it be Gallerydom? In any case, soon they will have their own special spot with a listing on the home page!

And it is almost time for “Displaced Dolls” to make the trip to the big time! A recent shot on Bocas shown here plus one hanging from a telephone line in Costa Rica have merited serious consideration. One more good image could certainly tip the scales. Stay tuned.

November 11, 2000
Bocas Del Toro, Panama

I have fun showing my photos to people I meet in my travels. I keep file in my laptop with my up-to-the-minute favorites and a disc with the galleries from the website.

I made so many friends here in Bocas that I decided to do an informal show/exhibition. My hangout, Barco Hundido was glad to host it as a post-happy hour attraction. My pals, Paco and Susan, did promotions for me with flyers and posters while I organized my presentation.

With my laptop connected to a borrowed monitor, I did a 40-minute presentation to 30-40 people. I sold a few post cards, added to my Email list and made some more friends. I will certainly do it again in other venues along the way!