A lot more of Panamá

A lot of no hello’s

I didn’t fall in love with Panamá. And besides the littering behaviour of many people, there is another reason why. It seems to me that, compared to many other countries I’ve been to, Panamanians are not very into tourists and gringos. ‘They’, to continue generalising, might have issues with or hard feelings against ‘us’, because of historical, political or whatever kind of reason, but that’s not just the case in this country. And in most other places, I would at least be greeted back when giving someone a ‘hola’ and a smile. But even in (should be) service orientated places as super markets, there were many silences and unfriendly looks in return to my always friendly greetings. It got under my skin and felt kind of unhappy when stepping into supermarkets at the end, as I felt disappointed and sad, realising that I couldn’t continue being super friendly myself anymore.

A lot of love

Because of the complaining it might look I didn’t enjoy my time, but let me get things straight here. First of all, the many friends I made, from a ton of countries, have been amazing. Besides enjoying ourselves and exploring the country’s stunning nature, they help me grow and become a better version of myself. Sometimes by listening and speaking to them and having the most interesting chats, sometimes just by being around them and letting them be a mirror.

I’m very thankful for everyone I’ve spent a little or a lot of time with; from the ones with whom you share a deep understanding from the moment you introduce oneself, to the ones that you first need to figure out a bit more.

Tons of heartwarming moments

And let’s not forget the first times and magical moments, such as that lucky night that the rock steady Playa Venao crew saw a 70-year-old sea turtle laying her eggs under the full moon night. Someone mentioned a Hawaiian tradition, while we were hoping and waiting for eggs to hatch on a turtle project area, which says that we should draw what we really wanted. Clearly, a variety of turtles started to grow in the sand. Small and huge ones, flat ones and 3D ones, all created in moonlight only. And we played Pictionary too, to be honest.

On our way back, no babies seen, our shared wish became reality, when we saw a trail and found the hard working momma turtle. To be so close to this dinosaur, hearing her breathing heavily on laying her eggs whilst we sat with her, made everyone happy and silent.

And then there was the day that I woke up the first morning in a new place, getting ready to try the early morning waves, when I was yelled at to come quickly and see two adult whales and a little one flapping around in our bay.

So, there’s been lots of magic, but for what I know of it, it is not really ‘my’ country. Which I’m actually happy about, because what if you never want to leave every place you visit? So.. up to Costa Rica, a whole new country is awaiting me!