update on the construction site: and a person not met- but close.

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Been a while since I filled you all in on the comings and goings next door.  Well this is primarily for Isaac since he likes dump trucks and excavators.  We have been busy.  After a seemingly interminable amount of drilling and pouring concrete deep into the ground for some reason, we commenced digging out a major sized hole.  

Traffic flow over there on LaGuardia, I believe it is, at times was a hoot, as the trucks entered and left the construction site.  Horns blew, helping the situation of course.  The construction workers were sincerely concerned with maintaining traffic flow.  I could just tell.

Then they moved sides of the construction site to my street, brought in more trucks, a second excavator and in short order had trucks doing some serious traffic flow problems right here on calle cinquenta y uno, calle con restaurante La Pappa ( a famous landmark restaurant here in town and how I tell taxi drivers where I live).

These next photo is special for Isaac to see the workings of loading a truck.  I liked watching too.

and wouldnt't ya know it.  Just when they finished it rained.  Well actually it rained most every day and water management is a big part of the construction.  I get to hear generators and pumps start early to remove the water, and they do and then we proceed.

now if you look closely you can see construction has moved into the street, hoo boy, and water is in a deeper hole.  This is not from rain.  We have serious water leaks around here.  This became apparent when the site was filling up with no rain.  so we have multiple operations going on.

and who was the person not met, why none other than former President Bill Clinton who stayed in the beige hotel in the photo above.  The Bristol Hotel, making a significant addition of its own to it's side there, but remaining open and still very fancy.  Often I see or large fancy  or vintage cars or limos pull up for parties in the evenings.  Jen and I went there one evening for sandwiches at the bar -- talking fancy.

 Anyway a couple of days ago, Bill hisself was there.  Stopped the late shift construction as this machine seen below was apparently causing a disturbance.  The mayor came over and asked my neighbor, and owner of the Executive Hotel to stop the construction in the street, because the President was next door.  Asked might not be the right word here, but I am being nice to Peder, my neighbor.

It was common knowledge that the former president was going to stay in Casco Viejo, but apparently spreading false rumors regarding where the former President is going to stay is part of standard security procedures.  Anyway there the President was, just half a block away and we could have had such a nice discussion.  I would have taken his picture too and put in the blog.  Oh well, perhaps he just did not know I was here.

Oh and you should hear this guy reverberate off the buildings.  Like canyon walls,  the buildings seem to magnify the sound and send it up and out and all over the place.  I showed the operator the photo after I took it.  Got a thumbs up from him, then I hurried on with fingers in ears.  I understand why the mayor asked Peder to stop for a while.

people I have met

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Since I am now fluent in Spanish, I get to talk to lots of people.  This is one of the first people I started talking to right after we got here.  His name is Guerra.  War in English.  I also call him the professor because he helped me with my Spanish lessons.  

Guerra worked as a doorman at my apartment building.  These pictures were taken on his first day back visiting after leaving to have surgery on his knee.  I told him it did not make him any prettier.  Guerra laughed with and at me a lot.  I have missed him during his surgery and recovery.  I plan on making copies of these photos for him.  We took multiple trying to get one that would make us look good.  I told him it was necessary.

This guys main job is to look tough I think.  I wanted primarily to take a picture this particular day of the entrance to the ally behind him and asked if he would mind if I took his photo.  I showed it to him and he was pleased.  Upon taking a second photo, his scowl deepened and when I showed that one to him he was happy as he could be-- smiled and said it was good -- and here it is.  He has lived in Casco Viejo his entire life -- now 73 according to him, and also likes it.  Also now when he sees me riding through this particular square, he calls out to me.  He also will get a photo.

As a boxer, you know, when I saw this statute of Roberto Duran, it was time for some photos of me in proper position.  Patt took this when she was here.  One of our favorite restaurants is on this corner.  Can not remember the name and do need to do a review.  anyway back to Duran.  Duran was a sports hero of mine, and one whose career I followed as he was a many time champion during the 70's and 80's in several different weight classifications.  He is considered one of the all time greatest boxers  - up there with Ali,  by boxing writers and fans.

Well guess who met Roberto himself ?  That would be me .  We were at the same drinking establishment in El Congrejo not half a block from this statute one afternoon.  Stephen called me and asked if I wanted to come join him, Jen and their housemates out for an afternoon.  I did and low and behold, Roberto was at the next table.  He appreciated seeing a fan.  I kinda liked seeing Duran myself.

Bocas II: the underwater sights were awesome !

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all along there, up close to the shore and extending out about 15-20 feet from just a couple of feet deep to 10-12 feet deep is a beautiful coral structure.  After  about 15-20 feet there is a sharp cliff that drops off to the deep end.  I do not know how deep but it seemed and looked very deep.  there was a coral wall along the drop off as deep as I could go.  The entire place was like a fish tank with more tropical fish than you could count and more varieties too.  

Some schools of fish were as big as your hand or forearm, but most of the varieties of course were small.  And the fish were so beautiful.  and of such different shapes.  I really liked watching them.  I swam and snorkeled here at this location on two different occasions as it is close and easy to get to.  Once I went by myself, and the other time with a small group.  This was my favorite spot.  I got out of the water on that small beach back under the trees in the center of the photo too.  Really nice.  But you knew that.  

This is the kind of boat that was available to take you around the islands.  These water taxis were for hire and many were associated with tour operators.  This picture was taken in dolphin bay as I was with a tour to see the dolphins, and there were schools of them in this bay eating jelly fish (go dolphins - eat well and a lot).

I took this photo from were the same tour had lunch after we had snorkeled and swam.  These fish were around the pier we ate lunch on, waiting for scraps.  Earlier we had been swimming with them.  The tour group was interesting - three from Belgium, two doctors from LA, and a couple from Argentina, and me.  We were together most of the day going sightseeing, snorkeling, boat riding,  and of course lunch.

This is me after getting out of the water.  I wore the swim shirt all the time.  The sun is really direct.  Unless it rains, and then we can talk about rain.  Good thing I had on a swim shirt.  It was about to rain again.  It is the rainy season.  Figured that our Dick Tracy, didn't ya?.

Notice those clouds, they are breaking up.  You should have seen them earlier.  This is one of the famous beaches near Bocas, Red Frog, I think it was called.  We are talking car wash style rain, fire hose rain, and it started while we were in the boat on the way here.  Then we walked through the jungle on a little road to this beach in the rain. Actually it was kinda like a bit of an adventure.   of course there was a drinking establishment here at the beach for those who wanted to stay a long time and apparently a lot of people do.

The Bocas chamber of commerce must hire a lot of actors or summer help to go around providing scenic scenes like this.  There were numerous old time visuals.

Leaving was of course necessary, and the airport was still under construction.  

Looking under the tail of the airplane towards the end of the runway, which is "right there", we have a ball field with kids playing baseball and a soccer team warming up in the outer reaches of the outfield.  I did not see a right field fence.  Oh well, we passengers all went through security.

went to Bocas

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a couple of days ago I went to Bocas Del Toro, part of a series of islands on the Caribbean side of Panama.  To get there I flew one of the local airlines.  and I do mean local -- see below -- fear not I have returned -- not even as noisy as American Eagle and a lot more comfortable.  

now the airport at Bocas, as we call it, is a bit small, at the edge of the water, as is everything else on the island and is a bit short on buildings, the shot below is of just a storage? building - and yes that is a dog in the picture - there were a lot of dogs in Bocas -- not so many cats.

Bocas Del Toro is part of an island chain where Columbus went on his fourth voyage to America.  A little history there and there are nearby islands named by him for himself.  I think I would have done that too, and after all he probably could see the writing on the wall about not getting to India and all -- and fame and fortune being somewhat fleeting when dealing with Kings and Queens as he was.  So time to name something.   After all who wants the state capital of Ohio named for you. (and he probably didn't know that either)   Well perhaps if you were from Ohio you wouldn't feel this way.

The main terminal in Bocas was under construction, and I mean under construction, like walk over wet concrete, around re- bar construction.   Careful there, I said to myself- no one else did, nor were there warning signs either.  We are talking lets build this place - or remodel this place right around the passengers and terminal employees, so they are.

The town is slap full of young kids and people that looked a lot like me.  There was the sweet smell of wacky weed in the air, as well as lots of opportunities to buy a beverage of choice.  I think this is what could be called a tropical tourist town.  Lots of water based activities, surfing, diving, snorkeling, boating, swimming, hanging out, buying hammocks (apparently that is a good business as about one million were for sale).  The dining opportunities were numerous and seafood great.

I, of course, enjoyed especially the boat riding and swimming and snorkeling.  this is a view back towards town.  Seafood too was awesome -- and they do fried right.

The guest at the next table one evening at an outdoor -- as were most - restaurants.

and this is the view from my breakfast table looking towards the left and the neighbors taxi boat dock and laundry ? room, or day room ?- with privacy shields.  I stayed in a water front 4 room "hotel" it called itself.  and it came with "order your breakfast- and lots of fresh fruits and such.  Really really nice.

My day time activities were spent on the water, as I joined various boating tour options for snorkeling and touring.  The second day, I spent just snorkeling as I really liked that and it was spectacular.  Subject for next post.-- spoiler alert--  I did not have an underwater camera, but I will try to describe it.  Awesome starts.

some random stuff

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Perhaps you haven't, but if you have ever wondered what happened to old school busses, well wonder no more.  Many of them end up here in Panama City without muffler and with a new paint job.  This one is one of the more family friendly ones that I have seen and this being a family friendly blog, well you know what I mean.    These bandidos, as they are affectionately called, start early, blow loud horns, in case you did not hear the motor back fire or just plain sound like a motor cycle repair shop.  They also run late.  Calle cinqqunta (50) a half block in front of my apartment is one of their main routes.  Lucky for me I guess.

Few portions of the bus are left unpainted.  Including the front windshield.  When you are loud and large, who needs to see where you are going?  And yes that does say racing along the front fender of the bus.  and no I have not ridden one.  It is on my list.

A couple of days ago Stephen, Jen and I were having lunch out on the causeway, watching the fishing boats come in (if these guys would have had me along, there would be more fish in the ocean today) and this was happening below us.  So thinking quickly, I said to myself.  here is a photo opportunity.  and here indeed it is, -- after most of the fish were cleaned.

Also on the causeway, I created a bit of a stir for a father and daughter.  I think they thought I was a bit odd looking or something, so at any rate, when they sit around looking at photos, they will have one of me -- taking a photo of them.  Got 'em.

random thoughts.  I think Panamanians like cats.  Here in Panama City, I see lots and lots of cats, healthy cats.  So I figures lots of people must be setting out cat food for them.  This is one of the cats that lives near my apartment building.  I like him/her because he reminds me of our Deacon and Sweetie Pie, both now deceased.    Deacon from our time in Wilkesboro, and Sweetie Pie from Cole St and early Edgehill Ct.

and lest you think it is all roses and sunshine, this scene below is from a bridge I cross regularly.  It is on a street with shops, restaurants, a hospital and empties into the bay at the beginning of the Cinta Costera.

Some business owner is avoiding those pesky burdensome environmental regulations for his waste that would cost him money so he has just shifted his waste costs to all of us. (there is not tooth fairy and someone has to pay).  so we ll pay in dead flora and fawna and just plain stink - cause it does stink, especially at low tide in the bay here in front of the city.

Panama is probably a generation away from getting this type of thing addressed according to several people with whom I have spoken.  The potential problem is of course corruption and lax enforcement.  Same problems that plague parts of the US of A. ( See cancer ally in La. )

the other difficulty for Panama ( and for us ) will be lack of political willpower,  someone will have to pay -- either the public or the waste generator.  There really is no tooth fairy-- or you can always just say it is not a problem -- sorta like pretending there is a tooth fairy.  you would not be the first person to do that.

restaurant Review #13 -- in Casco, its the Deli Gourmet

At the corner just off the main square in Cacso Viejo and one block from the waterfront - on the canal side, is the Deli Gourmet -- also just a couple of blocks from Top Level Gym where I work out often.  And as I have mentioned before:  you wish your lunch were this good.  

When lunch time comes -- you think I am up for breakfast -- well when lunch time comes, and I am in Casco, the special here for me is it.  (They do have a fairly large sandwich menu and other hot/cold food - drinks)

The little guy at the door, and lots of cars parked close to the door normally make for a bit of an obstacle course most days.  (I do not know how I got the this photo with open space.   But then I do stage photos well and know how to use my crew of gaffers.

dinning area, grocery, hardware, shoes, magazines, internets, (well perhaps not all of that stuff) -- They do have the internets which is nice.

Katie, seen below, who with Blayne, runs the place.  from somewhere near where I am from,-- that's my opinion based on accents and  their ability to speak English.

and Audina, not from where I grew up based on her accent and ability to speak Spanish.  The lunch specials are out-of sight.  usually something with arroz y ensalada.  The breakfast I am thinking would be great too, will have to work on my timing. -- I like breakfasts too.

part of a normal day

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A normal day, well normal and me are like hand and glove, OJ's that is, it just don't fit, but I will try.  

It begins with coffee and devotions and reading news on the computer for at least an hour, sometimes more, as I am not a very fast mover in the morning and I make a lot of coffee and the coffee is very very good here.  Also I like to read the news, especially sports news.  

This is the view from my kitchen window.  Parrots make a rather lot of noise in this tree, (the other side of the house, the jack hammer will start about 8 AM,  these Panamanian construction workers, though fond of noise, are not early risers.   Blessing abound.

My kitchen, spacious, you will note and Patt would be pleased to note that I had left only one drawer open.  Of course I use only one, but still, that is pretty good.  I did have both of the cabinets that I use closed.  I was setting up for the photo shoot this day.

Well not really, the photo shoot happened on a day that was not the day after a Saturday or Tuesday.  Those are days the maid comes.  I forgot how to wash dishes.  Amazing how fast that happened too.

now you all know since I have time, and have been studying Spanish, reading real books, not trash, working out, spending time with photography, I have also taken up gourmet cooking !  To much stuff here, fresh, easily available, and so on.  and whoa babe -  that also contributed to the pile here in the sink.

Breakfast is served.  Canadian oatmeal raisin cookies with peanut butter, wheatgerm in yogurt, cold water, (out of bananas).   I also have granola I put in the yogurt and a wheat cracker for the peanut butter for variety.  Sometimes this is dinner instead of breakfast -- that is days I eat eggs for breakfast.  Last night I had eggs and toast with cheese, and ham.  So I sort of alternate.

Lunch is out of the house - and I have a good lunch place.  Sometimes I eat dinner out too.  You all did not really think I cooked much did ya?    This retirement is good, but sometimes I appreciate a meal too.  Oh I have several kinds of juice too, but most days the water does the trick.  It is hot in the kitchen.  I do not cook a lot.  I have warmed up a delivered or brought home pizza too.  Now we are cooking and part of a normal day does not involve much cooking

El Valle been there before will go again

Driving into or out of El Valle you have to go through mountains.  You just do.  It is a mountain valley town.  A pretty mountain valley town surrounded by mountains.

Edgardo and Heidi live there, they are friends of mine and Patt's.  They are also friends of Stephen and Jen.  In fact, Heidi was one of Jen's bridesmaids.  (see blogs from July of 2009- for photos from prior trip to ElValle, photos of Edgardo, Heidi, and of course the wedding).

On the porch with William the lessor and Pepi, the bold, -- my signature naming.  In the morning when Heidi and Edgardo would go on their one hour walk (Heidi is with child -7 months already) I would sit on the porch, drink coffee and read the news on my computer -- like I have said, right now, this retirement thing just might work.  The dogs would keep me company, or rather, I would comfort poor William, the lessor -- or not bold--especially when Heidi is not there.

At the frog center at the zoo, Edgardo providing some conservation education to third graders

The third graders themselves.  They were very attentive, saw me taking all sorts of pictures and thought Edgardo was some sort of famous person (actually he is).  I think I looked sorta wierd to them,  shorts, columbia baggy shirt, jobst hose on one leg and a tilly hat.   Dark socks too.  Stephen would have been proud.

The famous golden frog

Below is "Mikey"  I think Big Mike is a better name but no one asked me.

and these following are out of sight beautifull, the photos leave much to be desired in the way of showing just how beautiful these frogs are.

Edgardo has a real fancy car with exhaust up over the window, running lights all over it, wheel clearance like a state fair truck, monster tires and so on -- it is for field work in these mountains and valleys and streams.

Well apparently, one of the axels, gears, somethings stopped working, fortunately as we were approaching Panama city.  So we got a tow truck.   I got to ride right there in the front seat in the middle of the big ole tow truck too.  Fortunately Benjamin, our tow truck driver wanted to live.  Therefore he did not play his cd player in his truck.

On the way to El Valle, a two hour drive - give or take 30 minutes - I rode the bus - for $4.50.  Tell you anything?  Well at the bus station, I quizzed the ticket seller to be sure I was on the rapidamente bus.  Assured I was, I was pleased when we began stopping at every crossroad, driveway, for every pedestrian, roadside store or where one could or should be.  Actually I was not pleased, that was sarcasm in the previous statement.

The really really good thing was that the bus driver, purely for the benefit of the passengers, who filled the bus, by now, played bad Panamanian rap music really really loudly.  I mean I like rap music as much as any other 63 year old white guy who thinks some of Elvis's best work was his gospel album, and whose idea of good current music is Enya.

So you know how pleased I was to learn the words to "Pero- Pero - Pero - Pero - Pero - Pero - Pero - hey - hey- hey - Pero - Pero - Pero - Pero .  Now if you can get that base from the guy whose car is shaking all those other cars at the stop light there near the mall, (you know the one) include some real strong base.  You too can start shouting Pero- Pero-Pero.    (be sure to trill the "r")

I was about 7 minutes from taking the radio, speakers and trying to impale the driver with them, then I planned to burn his house and village, and sell his family to Arab slavers.  The world would be a better place, but you probably would not know the words to Pero Pero Pero.


oh and I will definitely go back to El Valle.  It is that kind of place and I like visiting our friends Edgardo  and Heidi -- the bus ride, just one of those things.  Perhaps the next driver will like Patti Page?  or Connie or Rosemary Cluney, or Scotty McCreary.  Who knows.