Good Morning Panama
Apr 24th, 2007 by Don Ray
Maybe you remember the old Robin Williams movie “Good Morning Viet Nam”. As a new disk jockey in Viet Nam, broadcasting to the US troops, he would start each broadcast with “GOOOOOD MORNING VIET NAAAMMM” and he stretched out each word for emphasis. As the sun was coming up this morning and I heard a chorus of birds across the way singing they own version of “BUENAS DIAS PANAMA”. What a glorious day to be alive. The sky is blue with a few clouds, the air is fresh and the bird’s music is in the air. Sometimes I wonder why I so lucky to get to live in this peaceful environment.
Recently, I have received more private emails than normal asking my opinions about Panama, Boquete, Volcan, Cerro Punta, and beaches and on and on. While I try to respond to each email, these questions are not easy and I am not sure that anyone can answer them except those asking the questions given the experience of time. I am one of those people who can not remember living anywhere that I did not enjoy.
As a small boy living on an Oklahoma farm, with my nearest schoolmates living 2 miles away, I had a great time. My dog, Jodie - a black and white collie, and I played every day and I had a vivid imagination to amuse myself. When my dad died and my mom and I moved to Odessa, Texas (sometimes referred to as the armpit of West Texas) I still found new adventures. I went to college in Lubbock, Texas and you have never seen a sandstorm until you have been in one there. I had some of the happiest days in my memory during college. Graduating from college, I moved to St. Louis, Missouri. I was told I would hate it because it was old and dirty. Again, my memories there are nothing but fond.
So when I moved to Panama and I was told I was crazy, that I would be bored to death, be the target of harassment by locals, and I would want to return to the US within a year, I knew this was just another adventure in the making. While things look a lot different now than I had planned, I can honestly say that it has been the best decision I have ever made. I am in the most stress free environment I have ever been in. In some ways, David reminds me of Enid, Oklahoma in the early 1950s. I have gone back in time to when I can actually talk to my neighbors and enjoy the smell of clean air and eat food produced within miles of where I live.
So you see, asking me for advice on the best place to live, is really a waste of time. I think the important thing is “to live”. Wherever you are, just live. Take the time to hear the birds chirping. Take the time to look at the sky again and imagine what shapes the clouds are forming. Take in a deep breath of air and say, “Damn, I am glad to be alive”.
The one thing I would ask of you, if you decide to come to Panama is this. Enjoy Panama for what it is and what it offers. Learn the culture and accept it. Learn the language. Get to know the people. Don’t try to bring your culture or way of life here with the thoughts of changing Panama. The reason Panama is a good place to be is because of its history and its people. If you come here, you will become a part of the future. Make sure the future is better because you are here.
Amen. Well said, Brother. It’s my greatest hope that those who can appreciate the song of a bird and a breath of fresh air are the ones who come to Panama. The “ugly” ones need not apply. Did I say “personal injury lawyers and politicians”, or just think it??
Hi Dan. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I read you loud and clear.
What a small world. My wife and I spent the 4 years before we moved to Panama in Odessa, TX. We have been in Cerro Punta for 1 year now.
Another voice from the Permian Basin is heard from. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment JP.
Don,
I absolutely agree with you 100%. We moved here seven years ago because of the differences and have no plan to change the beautiful Panamanian culture. We love the people here. Actually, our closest friends are Panamanian (and we are considered “family” to them). We also love the stress free lifestyle here. Keep the good thoughts coming.
Bob
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Bob.
Don,
Thanks for your post and expressing what you feel and think of Panama. I agree whole heartedly. Glad you stop to see and smell the roses. Wish more people would learn to do so. So many have no idea of what they are missing in life in their business.
Hi Jerry. Glad to see you are back online. Now you will have to pause from smelling the roses and take some more photos.
Thanks for the positive comments on your life and the life here in Panamá. I hope the new people coming to Chiriqui will be looking for ways to give back and not just to take.
Hi Tom. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.