Life is Just Life March 18, 2009
Posted by Ken Newton in : Life in Panama , trackback
I know I should be writing most days. Always something that I find interesting. But that I am not has me thinking that I am starting to settle in. Things that would otherwise stand out in contrast to life in north america are becoming simply life here in Panama. Waking up to no electricity or water is just an extension of the first big yawn of the day. Annoying, yes - but to be expected.
The sensational is just not. We have experienced floods of proportion to nothing since the 70’s. Hurricane-force winds. Drought that is outside of the normal range of acceptance. Fields on fire continuously, and the smell of smoke forever in the air. Just last week we experienced 4 earthquakes, 3 of which had their epicenter less than 50 miles away and with a force ranging from 5.1 to 6.6 on the Richter. Anywhere I have lived until coming to Panama it would be all over the news, and as always occurs when 1/2 a centimeter of snow falls in South Carolina, people there line up at the stores until every loaf of bread and carton of milk has been sold. Life becomes a crisis, and life is in dire jeopardy.
Not here. Not anything close.
You drive here with hopes of missing every pothole, but never succeeding. You drive up saw-tooth mountain roads and keep a close eye for where half of the road has fallen away down a cliff, and you had better be on the right side (as opposed to the wrong side).
And, when the day ends, you talk about other things. The new lamb that was born overnight at Steve’s finca. The sky and the stars. The sounds of birds and creatures that you have never noticed. The wonder of family and friends that you were with that day, and those who you haven’t seen for months and miss so much. The dream you had last night. The seriousness of your finances and the uncertainty of the future. Forcing creativity and finding solace in some options yet to be developed. Wondering why life was so messed before and that you didn’t know to what extent nor did you ask the questions until now.
It comes down to the reality that life is just life. Take it as it comes. Not much can change it, nor is the descriptive all that important. Certainly not to the extent that potholes become someone’s lawsuit, and water-turned-crystal creates life in a bunker. OK - earthquakes are still significant enough that I would make a certain amount of noise, but even for that here, it seems like I am the the exception. Don’t misunderstand - stress isn’t absent. Some things still elevate themselves to crisis level, although it seems more in mind than most events themselves.
Panama is a great place to live. It is still an unfolding adventure for Lynda and me. I think it will always be, especially for the friends we have made and the values they exude within the life contributions they make. Dead Wheat continues to unfold, probably more for my understanding of its potential, and also for the new elements of functionality that appear out of nowhere. I talked in my last blog a little about our newest team member, Andrea, and what her role would be at Llano Nopo. Andrea ended up staying at our home for an extra week because of an unexpected delay, but she finally made it to her new location last Friday. She will be returning tomorrow to report on her initial experiences and observations, and we are excited about what she will share. I still intend to tell you more about Llano Nopo, and after meeting with her, will have current information.
On another note, Lynda and I made an impulsive decision on the weekend to go to Los Olas. This is a beach-side resort about an hour or so from here. It was like a warp-drive shift into another world. Pools, 27 kilometers of sandy beach, ocean-view rooms, showers with water pressure, incredible sunsets, food, wine and relaxation. It felt a bit like a 2-day “fix”, but it was really only an ethereal moment within the reality of life here in Panama. Then again, life is just life, including these self-absorbed moments.
Oh yeah - it was only $35 per person. Didn’t mean to spend that much, but then again, it’s high season here right now and rates are off the charts.
Panama is good….
Comments»
Certainly, the picture of the beech is inviting and brings to mind some of the waters in Saint Lucia (windy with surf). I am glad to once again read your adventures in Panama. There was a period of time in January that I could not seem to link to the web site. Certainly, glad that you are “officially” retired. I know that it took me several years to accept that fate or better stated that new chapter in life. Best wished to you and Lynda