December 30, 2000
Rio Canitas, Panama

I’ve never seen so much rain nor so many exotic birds. After being shut in by the rain for two days we took a chance on a trip on a remote lake. The rain let up but not for long! We were two and a half hours out in a small boat when the buckets started coming down.

Looks like Lunchtime!

Before the downpour, and in spite of the overcast, I got some good bird photos. We also had fun chasing crocodiles in the reeds.

On the way back, our young skipper sought out a place to take a refuge from the storm. He had a friend who lived alone on remote spot on the lake. His name was Salamanca and he was pleased to have visitors in spite of the reclusive life he seemed to live.

Sal's front yard

Sal's car

Our little break proved to be a fascinating peak into the mind and life of someone who had chosen his own private exile away from humanity. He is probably in his mid-forties and originally from Columbia. He had no formal education and was regretful of that.

Salamanca

He was however, well versed in the health benefits of natural foods. Surrounding his open air hut on the lake was a veritable grocery store in the trees and bushes. 

Sal's Kitchen

Coffee. Oranges. Papaya. Avocado. Pineapple. Lemongrass. Oregano. Mango. Fish and fowl rounded out his diet and almost eliminated his need to ever leave his isolated homestead.

When the rain let up, he sent us on our way with a half a dozen “native” oranges and extended a warm invitation to return. A very friendly hermit, he was.

December 28, 2000
Canitas, Panama

My cousin Molly was a Peace Corp volunteer stationed in a very small town in southeastern Panama. There she met and fell in love with a handsome young man named Victor. At the end of her stay they returned to the states together. They made plans to return to Panama to formalize and celebrate their relationship.

I was invited to the wedding but did not plan to attend, thinking at the time that my itinerary would put me somewhere in Brazil by now. Needless to say, I am a long way from Brazil and I was happy to extend my stay in Panama to attend the special event.

Molly is a saint in this tiny town. And as the cousin of a saint, I automatically had special status too. I was welcomed into the family and the community.

The ceremony took place in the Catholic Church and the reception in the open-air town hall. It was a combination of customs from both cultures. Panamanians apparently do not spend six to twelve months in the planning of a wedding. Most arrangements were made in the two days prior. Decisions about many details were made by the bride while her hair was being done! 

Panamanians like their music loud and their beer cold! Atlas was the beverage of choice. The only choice! The foreign family was in charge of stocking the freezer! The local family lovingly prepared the food. Gallina de Patio, chicken from the backyard! Ceviche, raw fish “cooked” by the acidity of lime juice! Perhaps not so artistically presented, but very tasty!!

I must admit my extreme disappointment about one Panamanian custom: you can’t have your cake and eat it too! There was a large cake and a cutting ceremony but it is not served at the reception. Portions are delivered to the homes of the guests the following day.

It was a pleasure and a privilege to be accepted and included in the culture and customs of Canitas. I was, indeed, touched by the open-hearted innocence of the townspeople! What a treat!  

***CONGRATULATIONS MOLLY AND VICTOR***

December 21, 2000
Bocas, Panama

It was certainly sad to leave Sweet Bocas, the home, but we did have an opportunity visit Bocas, the town. They love their parades in little Bocas and we got to be part of the Chrismas event. On a tropical isle, as one would expect, Santa arrives on a boat!