The People of Panama (Side A)

     Well, now that I have been in the tropics of Panama for nearly two weeks, I feel that I am uniquely qualified to speak for, not only the country of Panama, but anyone who has ever traveled here. It is time to get down to the

brass tax, separate the wheat from the corn, and get to the bottom lime. 

     Today the subject matter will be:" La Gente."

     Now, before you cover the screen and rush the children out of the room, La gente means "the people".  As in 'We la gente', and has absolutely nothing to do with a person's genitalia - although I am told that there are some women (and men) in Panama City were it is entirely reasonable to blend the two phrases, but that is a subject for another day.

     The Panamanian people are open, caring, and loving...to each other.  To the gringos they are suspicious, courteous, and tolerant.  Unless you were smuggled into the country in the hubcap of a Volvo you will have more money than they do.  Of course, that isn't your fault, but add to that the fact that you don't speak their language, are demanding (as only we wacky Americans can be), take pictures of

nothing, are constantly trying to be too friendly, and sweat profusely; and you will begin to get the picture.

     Don't get me wrong; gringos contribute a lot of money to the local economy.  So much, in fact, that there is 'special' pricing for us; 'Gringo Pricing'.  For instance, there is a Dollar Store here in Boquete that charged me $1.25 per item just to make me feel at home.  Sweet folks, really.  It's kind of like the 7th Calvary buying Indian blankets from the Lakota after

Wounded Knee.  Buyer beware! It is something about the twinkle in their eyes, and the 'Ventosa' sign they slap on your back when you enter the store.
     Of course, the young natives are much more tolerant than their elders.  An elder can be easily identified by the resentment in their dark, dead eyes which peer from the deep crags of their weathered faces - also by their colorful, festive dress!  They have been here long enough to understand that what has been gained by this influx of American dollars is out weighed by the loss suffered because of  the

influx of Americans themselves.  On the up side; you can rent an ATV to drive up into the hills and cut cookies in their dirt yards.  Yay!

To be continued...End of side "A"