Getting In The Swim of Things
Apr 26th, 2007 by Don Ray
I don’t know how many times I have driven to the airport and seen this facility hidden behind a large white wall on the left side of the road. Along the white walls it says Pan Deportes, which just told me it that it was associated with sports, but I didn’t know what sport. I always wondered what it was and today I found out.
I guess if I had been clever enough to decipher the entrance, I would have known that this was a figure of a swimmer and what was behind the wall was a large swimming pool.
I walked through the entrance and climbed up into the stands to take some photos. I guess there aren’t many gringos that do that because all of a sudden I got a lot of attention. I will come back to the attention in a minute, but first, let me show you the general layout of the pool.
Now back to the attention I started receiving once they realized I was taking photos. Here is the area that generated the most enthusiasm.
Let me highlight a few that really wanted their photo taken. These are cropped from the previous photo.
This one seems to be saying, “Hey, get my photo way back here”.
This group looks happy to see me.
Or how about these!
This young lady has a camera in her left hand.
Right after I took the photo, she came over and asked my name in perfect English. She asked if I would mind if she took my photo. Before she could take the photo, two other young ladies came over and wanted to be in the photo. I had no idea that Chiriquí Chatter was so popular. Maybe it was my new aftershave.
After she took our photo with her camera, I asked if she would take one of me with the two lovely ladies using my camera. There are many benefits to getting out and taking photos in David for Chiriquí Chatter and this was my reward for the day.
Makes me wonder if I need to return and start an annual Chiriquí Chatter bathing suit contest. Hmmmmmmmm!
Depends… would you be in a bathing suit???
I only evaluate those that are suited. I avoid being suited myself.
Nice post Mr. Ray. It once again underscores one of the main reasons to come to Panama - the attitude of the Panamanian people. If you had taken you camera into a similar swimming complex in the States, you probably would have been arrested for trespassing, and had your camera confiscated!
Great photos and post, Don. You are a ladies man. I also, as you, find Panamanians so friendly and happy. I see all of their smiles and know you made many people happy.
Really nice Cheshire cat grin!
Hi Dan - you might be right. I was not expecting such a warm welcome, but it is always fun when it happens.
Hi Jerry - Thanks for the comment. They really made my day.
Frank - you were not supposed to notice the grin. I must learn to be more reserved.
Hi Don:
Do you need an assistant to hold your camera?
Great pictures.
Regards,
Omar.-
Hi Omar. Thanks for offering a helping hand. Why am I not surprised. Sure come on down and we will see who is swimming today.
Hi Don - we recently bought a place in David, and on my recent trip there I didn’t have time to check out the pool, so thanks for doing it for me! I’m looking forward to using the pool when we come to Daivd.
Hi Liz. Thanks for leaving a comment. No need to thank me. I can assure you the pleasure was all mine!