My Arrival And Settlement Pt 2
Panama City - First View
As we approached the city, I was struck by the multitude of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. I knew about the ongoing development in infrastructure in Panama city, yet somehow the quantity of these buildings was a surprise. It was a huge sprawling city that appeared to have a large population. There were all the usual signs of a prosperous cosmopolitan city, complete with the traffic, scary driving and need I mention it - on the right hand side of the road!
We headed toward Colon and the driver turned onto what looked like a recently constructed Highway - and also took the wrong exit so we were ‘lost’ for a while:-) Nice start! He corrected his error and we were off again, this time the rain was pouring and it was even darker. The 1 1/2 hour drive turned into 2 hours before we arrived in Colon.
I am not ashamed to admit that I was wondering - “so where is the Canal?” I would have thought the Panama Canal would be running through the center of town…hahah (NO I did not think that!!)
Home and Welcome Reception
After what seemed like ages, there was a buzz of excitement in the bus and the announcement that we are a few minutes away. I did not take that seriously, because I had already experienced an approximation of distance similar to ours in Jamaica. “It’s just up the road, a few minutes more” are never reliable estimations back home and its the same thing here too. So I really was unprepared when we pulled up at a gate and they announced “we’re here!!”.
And the pouring rain had turned into a serious thunderstorm. And here the story gets too good to tell it here…ask me and I’ll tell you in private. You’ll die.
Finally, I dashed through the gates of what would be my home for the next two years and there were many more warm smiling faces, and laughter, more hugs and kisses. And yes, you guessed it….more puzzled frowns, involuntary glances, mouth opened in an ‘O’. More surprised reactions (see previous post). And I was laughing even more.
We, [Stacey and I] joined everyone for refreshment and the initial introductions. Stacey was not a stranger to most of the persons present as she had been to Panama before, plus several of them have been to Jamaica on several occasions, especially for the JBU Annual General Assembly.[Read more here] She had come to Panama this time, to be the Preacher for the Youth Campaign at First Isthmian. For me, it was very good to have her arrive with me as it made settling in the first two weeks so much easier, especially since she is fluent in Spanish.
We were given a quick tour of the house and shown where things were kept or stored. After, cleaning up and chatting for a couple more hours everyone left for home. It was now time for Stacey and I to catch our breaths and for me to let it all sink in. Slowly.
After more hours of chatting (so much for catching our breaths) we eventually turned in. The thunderstorm and the kind of lightening that kept my room well lit - did not make for a good nights rest and I was very happy to see the next day.
I would now get my first glimpses of the famous Colon City. I had great satisfaction in humming the popular Jamaican folk song I knew from childhood going to Festivals…”one, two, three, four, Colon Man, a come.”
Read about it in My arrival and Settlement Part 3
Marvia
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