 Panama
(Penas Canas - Santiago - Panama City)
The Canal and the "American
way of Life…"
[Dec. 2, 2004] The smile at the border made the difference
and we really felt welcome. What a treat and difference to,
well Honduras i.e.
The Panamericana and all signs are in an exeptional good conditions,
on an American standard I would say. The USA had left a strong
impression and wealth here with their presence in the last
100 years, although the locals had to pay that with their
freedom. You hear laugther everywhere, the people are friendly.
We make our first stop in Santiago, half way to Panama City.
Here the local Madonna statues are brought to the Cathedral
for their prayers, the total city is up and around the Plaza
dancing, singing and more. It is so good to see that the church
here is so close to the people, and the people are so linked
to the church. We stand close-by and take up this atmosphere.
Good vibes, as a friend would say.
The following day we arrive in Panama City after 4 hours
of pouring rain, crossing the big Canal bridge. What an impressive
piece of engineering, wouw. We check in a local hotel and
set up our headquarters for the next days. There are spare
parts to order, service repairs to do, flights and transportations
to organize and book, and places to visit. A lot to do and
plenty of time, a good way of life.
So the parts were ordered and we found a good and inexpensive
way for us and the bikes to Equador. But quiet normally nothing
functions unless you are "eye to eye", and then
everyone smiled again. An interesting way of life...
We got invited to the national Motocross championships of
Panama, not to compete but to watch. And again it is a dream
to see big and small guys to play in the mud. Seems to be
normal around the globe with men, todo loco...
Since Tuesday morning we are now the wild bunch of 4, Mike
from Scotland with his big BMW 1200 GS also on the Panam joined
the crew. Shipping 4 bikes gives us a better price for shipping
and handling. And that discount was instantly reinvested.
I leave it up to you to imagine the What.
We toured the Old parts of Panama, Viejo and Barrio Viejo,
the Canal at the Miraflores locks and of course the local
bars and clubs. Well, being so close to Cuba one can feel
the flair. And as an elderly Cuban guy asks us inside his
cigar shop we choose his Havana Club Bar for the next days.
Very tranquillo, quiet.
We like this Cuban distraction as one can see everywhere the
signs of the American Culture, Burger King, Pizza Hut etc.
But the locals like and live with this stile, work for more
tourists and are really open and welcoming.
The loading and packing of the bikes went quite smooth after
reconcidering and discussing the prices a few times.
I really hope that the KTM arrives in Quito in one piece,
she deserved it after already 15000 miles. And I don´t
have to continue my trip with a scooter bike, although they
have proven during the last 4 weeks their durability…
And after a short stop in Bogota (no, no courier job) and
a greeting for the first adveniat I am now ready for Equador.
How did I like Panama? Very well. How would I decribe it?
As a mixture of New York and the Caribbean, with a touch of
Asia in it. A nice country.
And as I am passing by Columbia for obvious reasons I will
soon be in Equador.
Keep your touch, Panama.
Just heading South again,
Your Panam
Rasmus
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