Panamania

March 2013 Recently fellow Peace Corps Volunteer Tom Barnes stopped in my community, Piedras Gordas, on his way back from Panamá City.   When Tom arrived I invited my three closest friends, Pedro (25 yrs.), Yarineth (32 yrs.), and Alexander (30 yrs.), to come over to my house in the evening to meet Tom and drink a few beers.   Yarineth, Pedro, and Alexander are all members of our waste management group, and frequently come to my house to talk about work or just to hangout.   The three get along with one another very well, but I have noticed that when we are drinking Pedro always tries to separate himself from Yarineth.   He often stays in a different room, or tries to isolate me in conversation.   Recently Yarineth and I had had a conversation about how frustrating it is at times that there is a double standard for men and women in Panamá when it comes to drinking.   So, that evening when I noticed Pedro separating himself from the...

February 2013 Towards the end of each Panamanian summer (Decmber-March) Carnaval is celebrated in Panamá.   Although it’s not as famous as Brazil’s Carnaval , it is quite well know regionally and it’s definitely the biggest event of the year in Panama.   It starts on a Friday and ends on the Tuesday (“Fat Tuesday”in New Orleans) before Ash Wednesday.   Like most of the countries in Latin America, the Catholic church has a very strong presence in Panamá, so Carnaval is the last time that many Panamanians let loose until after lent. Although there are Carnaval events in Panamá City most people travel to various towns in el interior (the interior, basically anywhere outside of Panamá City) to visit family and celebrate the holidays.   The most famous Carnaval celebration occurs in the city of Las Tablas, in the Province of Los Santos.   Penonomé, Ocú, Santiago, and David are also considered to have some of the largest and most fun parties.    ...