David Celebrates The New Year
Jan 1st, 2008 by Don Ray
I had this notion, last night, that I would just turn in early and bypass the entry of 2008. How naive of me. I guess this is the first New Year that I have been in David.
Early in the evening, there was a scattering of fireworks going off. Nothing major, just some firecrackers here and there.
Around 11:00 PM it started becoming a little more intense. I could also hear loud music coming from somewhere. Whether it was a mile off or not, I could not tell, but the volume made it appear that it was next door. Whoever was in the immediate area is probably suffering major hearing loss this morning.
I tuned in CNN and Fox News and started watching the Time’s Square coverage. The closer it came to midnight, the greater the activity outside. About five to ten minutes before midnight, I gave up and went out to the balcony.
There were a fair amount of rockets going off, but nothing like midnight itself. At midnight the whole world seemed to start exploding. It was incredible. I watched for several minutes before, I decide I should take a few photos to record this event.
I should have taken some photos of all the fireworks stands that have been set up in David. I mean there have been stands set up everywhere. Most were adjacent to large super market areas such as Plaza El Terronal or Super 99. I bet there were at least 10 to 15 stands near the El Terronal Plaza.
These fireworks stands were selling all kinds of fireworks from the smallest of firecrackers and sparklers, to very large rockets. In Panama, there is no organized fireworks display, put on by any group, that I know of.
All of the fireworks are purchased by the average Panamanian to celebrate the event. This happens throughout the year. Christmas has fireworks. New Years has fireworks. Carnival in February will have fireworks, and any other occasion where Panamanians get together to celebrate will probably have some fireworks. I expect to hear some firecrackers going off for the next few days.
You have to realize that the money spent on fireworks is a significant amount of money for many of the Panamanians that purchase them. That shows how important it is to the average Panamanian to have fun. I would bet that there was a large amount of Carta Vieja Rum sold as well and that many people are suffering tremendous headaches this morning.
With that background, I will post a few photos that I took a little after midnight. As you look at the photos, you might want to imagine the 1812 Overture playing in the background. What really makes this spectacular is that it is a 360 degree event. There were blasts going off everywhere! In front, on the side and behind. I even heard a couple rocket fragments hit the roof of my apartment. Thank goodness there are no wood shingled roofs in Panama.
Now for some photos. Excuse the quality. As you know, night photos should be taken with a tripod, but I didn’t think I had time to get mine out, so I did the best I could to steady the camera on the balcony railing.
Notice the large amount of smoke in the photos. I hope Al Gore doesn’t try to have these types of celebrations eliminated, as a contributors to global warming.
I also shot a short video to give you a little better feel. This was well past midnight, so the amount going off has greatly reduced. Also, I have not figured out how to get sound in my videos with the Olympus, so again, think 1812 Overture.
Remember, I said I had thought about going to bed at 11:00 PM? Well after the fireworks display, I was wide awake. I switched the TV over to TNT and the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” was starting. I have seen it several times, but not being able to sleep, I got into it one more time.
About 10 minutes before the end of the movie, all cable stations disappeared. Wouldn’t you know it! With about 4 minutes left in move, it came back on and I did get to see the end. I remember hearing the clock strike 4:00 AM and then I must have fallen asleep. Today is definitely going to be a day to take it easy.
I like your photo selection today. Sounds like you might have overdone yourself. LOL
I also wanted to thank you for all of the visits to my blog in 2007. And to wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy 2008 from me and Patty.
Hi Abe. Thanks for checking in. I always enjoy coming to your site. I currently have some sort of problem figuring out the trick that is necessary to leave a comment. It doesn’t want to make it easy for me.
I wish you and Patty a happy and healthy 2008.
dude thanks…enjoyed your blog in 2007 and i am sure 2008 will be great.
Dude - you are welcome. I hope 2008 is a good year both for blogging and for living.
if the video shows the fireworks after the majority were finished, then they sky must have been lit up! It made me smile!
Thanks for the pictures.
Happy New Year!
Hi Michelle. Yes, I missed some of the best parts of the fireworks. It was incredible. When some went off, it literally lit up the whole area like an enormous flash bulb just took a photo.
Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Hello Don:
I know exactly what you mean about light and noise at midnight. Here at El Bosque in PC it was like shooting a motion picture with the whole set lit and the sound effects at full blast.
Thanks for the photos,
Regards,
Omar.-
Thanks for stopping in Omar. I hope you enjoyed the noise.
Happy New Year! Here in Quito I didn’t know if it was a New Year’s celebration or Shock and Awe! Really enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work.
Hi Mike. Yes, shock and awe did come to my mind as well.
Thanks for leaving a comment.
Don Ray:
Thanks for your blog in 07. The video and pictures show what a great New Year celebration happens in Panama and how much I miss it! Feliz Ano Nuevo!
Jaime
Hi Jamie.
Thanks for the comment. It was a very good celebration.
Y Feliz Ano Nuevo a ti.
Feliz Año Nuevo Don! Cool photos! Un abrazo,
M
Hi Melissa. Feliz Año. Thanks for dropping in. I wish I knew how to make that bread that is on your blog. The last time I tried, I failed.