Panama City
All The Sudden A City Appears
14.02.2009 - 14.02.2009
30 °C
It's been a while since I wrote on here last. I guess I've become a bit undisciplined with the blog. My friend Travis, who also blogs, was telling me the other day an interesting fact; that despite his love for writing it is always the last activity he gets to in his busy day. I suppose the same rings true for myself too sometimes.
Anyway, the past month has really been wonderful. I've not been in school but have just been enjoying myself in DC, growing closer to important people in my life. And yet, I'm shifting to another great trip right now, Panama. It's a multigenerational adventure, with myself, my dad, who will be joining us tomorrow, and my grandfather. The two of them are here looking for possible real estate options and I'm along for the ride, lending as much assistance with Spanish as I can.
We flew in today, and drove through the typical lushness of the Central American wilderness from the airport, until, all the sudden, a city appeared. This city is really so developed that it caught me off guard, reminding me of any American one. The view from the hotel is spectacular, you can see the whole skyline...the Panamanians really have a fondness for tall and sleek looking buildings. It is an all together modern looking city.
Knowing Spanish has also really come in handy, and, so far, to my great delight my Spanish has been coming right back to me; most of the time I have been able to be entirely conversant with the people here. It is really incredibly exciting being able to speak in Spanish, it is a thrill every time I'm understood or I understand someone else!
The city, while from above may look just like an American one, has quite a different feel to it on the ground. It all looks so organized from above but all the sudden a sidewalk may end, and it may be impossible to cross a street because of construction, etc. It's just an entirely different feeling. From the onset the people seemed friendly and carefree, though they are not the best drivers! You have to be more aggressive crossing the street here than even in NYC! Anyway, so far I enjoy the atmosphere of this country and find the culture inviting.
Posted by mginsberg 14.02.2009 19:53 Archived in Panama
