Wednesday, July 21, 2010

What a fun fun day. I finally got to meet my “virtual” friend that I have been corresponding with over the internet for the past several months. We took a Diablo Rojo (Red Devil) bus to Cinco De Mayo. The bus charges 25 cents to go almost anyplace (if you dare!). They are “retired” school buses (usually driven down from the states) and they are in horrid mechanical shape, but painted bright colors. But oh, how much fun to ride with the locals. One gentleman saw us two “older” women get onto a crowded bus and made a younger gentlemen sitting across from him get up and offered us his seat. Such a sweet man. These people are so sweet here. Unfortunately, it doesn’t translate over to customer service, but hey, this is Panama. Cinco de Mayo was so much fun. The streets were packed with locals, vendors, open store fronts, men playing board games, women selling lottery tickets, kids running all over and loud loud music. I guess the only place I have ever been to that was even remotely like it was Chinatown in San Francisco. I can’t wait to go back again. Afterwards, we went to the large fruit and vegetable market that sells to the locals and to vendors. I am just bummed out that I forgot my camera. Apparently, no prices are posted since the color of your skin can dictate the price. If only I knew some Spanish, it would be the place to bargain, but, alas I don’t. I finally got the “cuanto” down after asking many times. I am trying to listen carefully to understand the price they quote me after I ask “how much”. Thankfully, my friend was there to navigate. How can you beat new friends, new places and new experiences? A great day for sure!