Colon At Last
It was a deflating first experience. I have no basis for the stereotypical image of Colon that was in my mind. All I know is that I anticipated seeing really old Spanish architecture and a city full of character and an ‘aged’ feel. It was not there. This was like being in downtown Kingston, Jamaica – nearby Parade. That’s the closest to ‘aged’ I could find.
Colon is a bustling city with a predominantly African, and Native Indian population. Brightly coloured buildings, familiar looking people and you won’t believe this (unless you have travelled the Caribbean and experienced it before), the loud Dancehall music!! Yep, definitely downtown. There is no escaping it.
I also saw the First Isthmian Baptist Church for the very first time. It was a large and somewhat imposing structure with a staircase, designed to keep the members fit! There was a brief tour and introduction to members of staff who kept the office running and the building maintained. It was a good experience and I looked forward to the actual first day at work.
Then we were off to the Colon market – a real market. Now this was Market! I went wild with all the locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and ground provisions. Panama is truly blessed! I am yet to find out to what extent they realize how amazing this is – to still have so much local produce in your market. This reminded me of the days when Linstead Market (St. Catherine, Jamaica) was a real market. So I was in heaven. Stacey and I bought so much food and vegetables and we could not get over the prices. Truly amazing. I could tell It was going to be easy to follow a healthy diet here.
So now we were done with the shopping and heading back home when the burning question popped into my mind, and out my mouth before I could stop myself. “So, uummm excuse me…Where is the Canal?” Boy, I have a serious fixation on this Canal I tell you 
Well after everyone stopped laughing [at me] they graciously told me that I would have to go to Gatun (a little outside Colon city) to see that part of the Canal. They also assured me I’d see the entire thing sooner or later. I was satisfied with that….for now.
Until pt 4,
Marvia
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