Hammocks!!

Like so many nations, Panama's country folk love their fairs. One of the most popular is the Azuero Fair (Feria de Azuero) held in Villa de los Santos in Los Santos province of central Panama. Azuero is the name given to the "hump" of central Panama that sticks out into the Pacific. Along with the standard country fair events, there are plenty of vendors selling crafts. Here's one of a kind of craft that we all definitely enjoy!

Contadora Island and Punta Manzanilla

Here is something special about standing on this beach, as this man does near Punta Manzanilla on the Caribbean coast in eastern Panama. You may be alone, but the surf provides ceaseless motion and sound. It is huge, but id doesn't frighten you, it calms you. You don't really "look" at anything, you experience it. It is not static, it is a living creature in its won right.

Off the Pacific Coast, a few minutes by plane from Panama City, are the Pearl Islands. This tranquil beach is found on the largest island, Isla Contadora. The name translates to "Accountant's Island" as this was the location of the counting-house for the Spanish pearl trade of past centuries. The island has eleven white sand beaches, including Panama's only beach for nude sun-bathing, Playa de las Suecas, literally Beach of the Swedish Women and sea from Panama City. But unlike the city, "traffic" here adds to the relaxing environment.

Caiman, nokeys and cows....

This is a "caiman," a smaller cousin of the crocodile. This particular follow is a "Spectacled Caiman," called that because he has a ridge between his eyes. Don't worry, you wont find him in your backyard in Panama! Indeed, you will be very fortunate if you ever see one as they don't hang out with humans and live only in remote locations. Our friend here was found by workers for Futuro Forestal, a reforestation project in Panama.

They are called "howler monkeys" and they are the loudest land animals. Measuring up to a yard (meter) in height, these monkeys are "folivores" which means they eat leaves, fruit, buds, flowers, and nuts, not us! Indeed, howlers are relatively friendly animals and are not threat to their Panamanian neighbors. However, a mother is a mother, so keep your distance when baby is asleep.





Chiriqui province in the fart west of Panama is our equivalent of America's Texas. Local folks are extremely proud of their province, and there are plenty of cattle. This fellow is very typical. Most Panamanian cattle are hybrids, but you can see the influence of the Brahma family in this gentleman.

All about fish!

You might be surprised to know that salmon is a popular fish in Panama. Of course, our native varieties, especially corvina, are the most common, but salmon has its place in the marketplace too. We even have a local producer of a variety of smoked salmon specialties whose products are also exported. Where do the salmon come from? From fish farms like the one on the left from cocle province in central Panama.

You can see part of Panama City's skyline in the background. The city and the surrounding suburban area are home to well over a million people and nearly all have one thing in common...they eat seafood! This is one of the seafood markets near the city where fishing ships head with their catch. The main seafood market in Panama City is very well run. It's a project sponsored by the Japanese government as a gift to all of us who live here. Now, that is a thoughtful gift.
In a small restaurant on the beach near Las Lajas in the Chiriqui province, this was a lunch special. Those round yellow items in front are patacones, fried slices of plantain. The plantain is a member of the banana family, but it's larger, starchier and not as sweet. It is used much like a potato and it's a perfect accompaniment for a fresh fish.