Happy 3rd of November

Sometimes it feels like I'm in my own little world out in the jungle.  Without regular access to internet, TV, or news, I often have no clue what's going on in the rest of the world.  Every once in a while I'll get a little piece of news from another Peace Corps volunteer or a family member on the phone, but it's like a quick snapshot without much background.  Apparently there was a hurricane in New York, and Obama is still the president.


The month of November is patriotism month in Panama, with many holidays including two independence days - one from Spain and the other from Columbia.  We celebrated the 3rd of November (separation from Columbia) in my community last week.  There was a parade with so many people in it that there was hardly anyone left to watch it.  I also joined in the marching up near the front of the line, representing Peace Corps.  Before the marching started the entire community sang the national anthem.  I didn't actually know the words so I pretended to sing.  It reminded me of the time when I was helping teach a ninth grade English class in the school.  The teacher randomly asked me to sing my national anthem in front of the class.  She wanted them to practice listening to English.  I was not prepared for this.  I told her I wasn't much of a singer, but she insisted.  As I was singing I remembered there are some really high notes in there.  It was a struggle.  Then the teacher asked me to translate the entire song into Spanish.  Everything is a lot harder when you're standing in front of a bunch of giggling teenagers.  I don't think I'm cut out for that, I don't know how teachers do it.  Speaking in front of adults in the community is a lot easier.

The kids representing all the cultural groups of Panama

The parade marched around town

The 3rd of November celebration was sort of like our 4th of July, except instead of fireworks and burgers we had loud drums and arroz con pollo.  American holidays here have been pretty disappointing so far, since generally nothing special happens.  I forgot about Halloween until the day of, when I realized what the date was.  Fortunately Thanksgiving will not be forgotten, since I'll be celebrating with other volunteers who are making all the traditional Thanksgiving food.  Not sure how my stomach will react to that sudden change in diet, but hopefully it will be worth it.

More pictures...

Helping make some arroz con pollo with the women