The PANANOLE News: FSU-Panama Student E-Zine

     Let me begin by saying I’m going to miss this country, and most especially this city. I have enjoyed my time here and I’ve learned a lot about what it means to be Panamanian, and although I will remain a gringa (not necessarily by choice), a bit of Panamá will always reside in my heart.

     I’ve learned things both in the classroom and out. I don’t know if I will ever know another Latin American country’s history as well as I have learned that of Panamá. It really should be a movie, perhaps beginning with the independence movement or even with Henry Morgan and the burning of the city, but it should culminate with the U.S. invasion and the removal of Noriega, detailing the fascinating story that comprises Panamá. I’m afraid, however, that it just wouldn’t do the country justice because there’s more to this country than what a film could document.

I’ve learned about Panamanian reggae, Son Miserables, Ruben Blades, polleras, and típico. I’ve even danced típico, and although I’m definitely not any good at it, I enjoy watching it. I still don’t understand the aversion to the music. I don’t find the accordion offensive. And I absolutely love Ruben Blades; of course, it wasn’t until I got here that I realized that everyone in the States says his name wrong.

     I’ve seen and interacted with many of the ethnicities and religions that make Panamá such a diverse place to live. It really adds flavor and spirit to the country. I’ve even gone to Catholic mass, something I didn’t know that I would ever do since I’m not Catholic. I have a rosary, even. Now, I just need to learn to pray it, I guess.

     I’ve drunk chicha and chicheme. I’ve eaten sancocho, hojaldre, carne frita, empanadas, tamales, bollo preńao, and arroz con pollo, among other things. I’ve eaten Chinese food, been to Niko’s, and eaten my favorite desserts of flan and tres leches. I’ve been to Las Tinajas three times and experienced dance and food in the same night.

     I went to Colón, Bocas del Toro, and El Valle. I’ve seen the ruins of the old city and been to Casco Viejo. I went to the top of Ancón Hill. I’m still hoping to walk across the Bridge of the Americas before I leave. I’ve hung out with the Emberá in Parara Puru. I got soaked on the Chagres River. I missed the opportunity to travel to Boquete, San Blas, and Santiago, but I hope to come back in order to visit these places and maybe even Darién and Coiba Island.

     I’ve been down Avenida Central and shopped in Los Pueblos. I’ve gone to El Rey, Machetazo, and Arrocha. We discovered the best ice cream in the world on Avenida Central. I’ve been to see Einstein’s head and eaten churros at Manolo’s on Via Argentina. I survived staying in El Chorrillo at night, and I even walked around at night on Avenida Central. I crossed Avenida Balboa on foot without getting hit by a car. I’ve argued with taxi drivers and been scared to death when driving with them.

     I have friends that are yeyecita and friends that are considered by the yeyes to be racataca. Of course, it’s the area that is considered raca that I have fell in love with. While my friends in the University might be scared to associate themselves with El Chorrillo, it’s been there that I’ve had some of the best times. Those are the people that I consider to be the “real” Panamanians. When I’m at school I feel as if I’m still in the States, but when I’m in El Chorrillo, it finally feels like I’m in Panamá. The entire mindset is different. I love it.

     Panamá has been a wonderful experience. I’m going to miss this country so much. I’m going to miss the culture, the food, the music, and my friends, most of all. When I go home who else will call me Bat or Murciélago? I’m going to be in culture shock. Panamá has won my heart, and although I physically have to go back to the States, parts of me will always remain here and I will always have the memories of the things that I have experienced while I have been here.*

* Beth Hartsfield is a student at Florida State University, in Tallahassee. She wrote this while studying here at FSU-Panama.