Isthmus of Music: Journey to Panama

On Monday, I started my journey to Panama. I have to admit—I was kind of a nervous wreck traveling by myself. The fact that I was leaving everything behind also hit me like a lead balloon right as I got to the airport, but after a quick pep talk with myself, I was excited to be going again.

The plane I rode on to San Salvador, my connection, was quite tiny as far as international planes go. At least for my experience, but then again, I have only taken planes to Europe, so there you go. Eye opener number one. The flight was good. We only hit turbulence right when they were handing out the on flight meal—of course. The layover in San Salvador was ok. I was worried that I was not going to make my connecting flight until I realized that El Salvador is an hour behind central time. Then everything was ok. Fwew! I could use the bathroom after all—though I was very glad I had my Chlorox wipes handy for that expereince... The airport was a bit hot and stuffy but not unbearable. This is definitely something I will have to get used to. I have not been silver spoon fed necessarily, but I have always had air conditioning. I am so spoiled!

I arrived very late and was very tired, but there were many things to see. Panamanian supermarkets are open 24 hours so I was able to get a big bottle of water right when I landed in the middle of the night.

I am staying at a house instead of at the nunnery, like originally planned. It is nice though. I have my own room and bathroom and my very own fan to combat the heat. I do not have air conditioning, which seems to be a theme for residences and many stores, and the weirdest thing is not having any hot water. Before three days ago, I do not think I have ever taken a truly cold shower. I think it was the fastest shower I have ever taken… hacía frío!

I am now all settled in at my housing and at my job. I definitely have a lot of work to do but it's a good thing. It is keeping me busy for sure. I have also already been given a contact for an equestrian trainer here. I am going to try to meet him this weekend to talk about lesson possibilities.

Here are some pictures. Panama is a beautiful place and very different from any other place that I have been. This is going to be such a good experience!

When I arrived in the middle of the night, we stopped at a supermarket (which are open 24 hours here) and I got a giant bottle of water for 69 cents. This is what was behind the market. Pretty cool!

My bedroom. I now have a fan which is a super life saver. J Also, I am a little tall for my bed. I guess I am tall here, I am taller or as tall as most of the men here. LOL

My blue bathroom. No hot water here- eek! Cold showers are going to take some getting used to.

The living area. I sit at the table there to do work on the computer.

Kitchen. Gas stove is very nice J

My front porch.

I work in the red and cream house on the left. This is in Casco Antigua which is the antique town or the old town. It is a very beautiful place (when you are looking in this direction-the other way is kind of a rougher part of town, but they are renovating it)