The Lost Paradise of Panamá

It’s been two years since I decided to jump in and start a blog, with the main theme being about Panamá. I felt then as I do now, that I knew and understood Panamá more than most; not as much as some. I’ve roamed its jungle, desert, and mountains. (Yes, Panama has a small desert-like region). I’ve traveled through its villages, towns and cities. I’ve navigated through some rough areas, although not without consequences. There’ve been more good times than bad. And through it all, guiding me along the way, have been the wonderful Panamanian people. Happy. Caring. Quick with a genuine smile.

There’s an ingredient in Panamanian society that I just can’t put my finger on, but without it, life wouldn’t be the same. It’s that ingredient that makes a soup good or excellent. It’s that smile that makes a painting just a painting, or a work-of-art. And it’s that ingredient that has intrigued me over the years. What is it?

The first anniversary of my Panablog was during my father-in-law’s funeral. He passed away at the age of eighty-eight. He knew the land, the sea, the weather–as well as he knew his children. In my mind, he was Panamá. He is greatly missed, and I think of him often.

I want to thank all of you who have stopped by to read a posting, view a picture, or leave a comment. As with all travel, it’s good to be a little cautious, a little skeptical, a little inquisitive, and follow your instinct in uncertain situations. But most of all–study your destination before you go. I hope that I’ve shed some light on traveling through the Isthmus.

Thank you.

A good cup of coffee in Panamá can easily be taken for granted because it’s so prevalent. Whether it’s Cafe Tule in Santa Fé, or one of the numerous selections such as Cafe Ruiz available in the Volcán Barú region–you can’t go wrong. You don’t have to visit the Western Highlands to enjoy a good cup since many brands are readily available throughout the country. And if you really want to splurge, there are some brands that will cost what a night in a good hotel would. From the time the ripe cherries are picked, up until the coffee is ready for sale, extreme care and precision is taken at every step. The final product is a very fine, rich, dark powder. I’ve always been a little partial to Cafe Duran, in part because when I first lived in Panamá, it was next to a Cafe Duran warehouse. I could smell the sweet aroma every morning.