August 29, 2010

We had one of those “lockdowns” Friday right at the very end of school. But, there was a funeral in the cemetery behind the school for one of the “bad guys”. Apparently someone heard what they thought might be a gun shot. One teacher who was sitting outside and could easily see into the cemetery only saw one of the men take a leak on a tree. Yuk. Thankfully, the kids were all in classes. Granted, there was a high fence between the school and the cemetery, but yikes. Lockdown was only just a few minutes until they realized there was no danger, but certainly didn’t want to take any chances.
Saturday, we went to what is becoming one of my very favorite places in Panama City. Cinco de Mayo is just fun. Lots of people, LOUD music, vendors. The street is blocked off from traffic for people to walk. Check out the pictures. Lots of the Kuna women there. You can see them in the fabric store where the most colorful fabrics are sold. If only I was a seamstress. Fabric is so cheap here and such beautiful colors. Because the country is really trying to eliminate smoking, the price of cigarettes is very high. High for everyone, but especially people who are poor. So there were vendors on the street with an open pack of cigarettes and a lighter. They sell them ONE at a time. Not one pack, but one cigarette. I guess lighting it is a free service. Lots of vegetables are sold by vendors as well. The only problem is trying to carry things. There is no parking, so I guess all these people must live in the area. But pineapples are 3 for a dollar! Cucumbers were 12 cents. But you have to consider that we drove to the mall and then took a cab from there.
There is a picture of the Coca Cola Café. It is told that this café is the oldest café in Panama, the first place in the world that Coke was served outside the United States, and the only café in the world with Coca Cola in its name. It has been around since 1875. Lots of history, although now it is a favorite hang out spot for the working class.