Panama City Baby

I got on couch-surfing and was lucky enough to meet up with Jose Chandler an air stewardess. He had picked me up from my hostel and showed me Panama. We went to the renowned canal which was cool to see nothing exciting but one of those things if you don’t go you will probably regret. Inside there were a few mini museums on the canals itself and also aquarium/local wildlife. I was lucky enough to see the local tribal people here but obviously could not take a picture :o( After here he had taken me through a mini jungle looking park which took me (where I came across frogs, water tortoises, jesus runners and mango trees) to the highest point so you can see the whole of the city. Again as the weather was unpredictable it was ok when we were down but as soon as we reached to the top I could just about see the city – it was nice!
Once back down Jose took me to a local eatery place where I had a chicken soup dish which I hate to say it but my dad is so much better hahaha. The day was drawing to an end and we finished off at the old town which was so beautiful and romantic – just wished Wentworth Miller was there lol. I grabbed some coffee and a chocolate brownie and we sat in the Plaza which overlooked the skyscrapers from downtown. I have not been to Tokyo but from images that I have seen this just looked crazy you could barley hear all the traffic and on the other side you could see the Canal where all the boats where coming in and going out. Just beautiful – I was glad that Jose showed me around – thank god for Couchsurfing!

In my research I found out that there was a Sikh community in Panama and was excited to locate the Gurdwara (temple). I got hold of the address, took me ages to get a cab but finally was in one. In my Indian suit I was ready to celebrate Diwali Panama style. Was excited to see the Gurdwara and was greeted with a ‘Sat Sri Akal’ from the priest - I felt back at home. Unfortunately the Diwali programme of prayers was going to kick off at 6pm and I had arrived at the temple for 8am. I was grateful when I was invited to stay at the priest house (which was adjoined to the temple) for the whole day. His wife had made me a proper desi breakfast which was masala tea, 3 chappatis, mango pickle, yoghurt with a medley of vegetables…oh was I happy. During the day I was constantly given Indian sweets such as gulum jamun, ladoos to mark this special occasion. Around about midday I helped out preparing the evening meal with local sikh women. This was so much fun, felt like I was back at home. From 12pm till 5pm I had peeled and roughly chopped 20-30 odd onions, 2 dozen tomatoes, washed big utensils and prepared over 100 chappatis. We had a break where we all hurdled together munching on some samosa and tea…oh yes the wife is a chief at an Indian restaurant…sweet. I also watched her make jelebi. Come 6pm their 2 sons came back from school 5 and 10yr old who spoke the amazing Spanish and Punjabi that was so sweet to see. I was gifted with a pair of really nice shoes as I was only wearing flip flops and I’m glad because I felt underdressed. The evening was followed with some prayers, Kirtan (holy hymns), an amazing firework display and then we all sat down to eat what was we had prepared during the day. I was given 2 days worth of food for my journey – an amazing day!