Breaching the Cultural Divide

Posted by Lee on December 23, 2009

This is not the first time I have decided to write about the cultural gap in Boquete Panama between the old and new immigrants. I am using that expression because everyone in Panama is an immigrant, the only real difference is when and from where they or their ancestors immigrated.

Tomorrow night I will celebrate a traditional Panamanian Christmas dinner, turkey at midnight with friends from several continents, some born here, some born in other countries all living in Panama. For me it will be a new experience and I will write about it.

On January 1st and 2nd we on Jaramillo will have another real cross cultural opportunity.

This is an open invitation to the Boquete community to join the community of Alto Jaramillo in a two day fiesta. The fiesta will be to raise funds to pay for the new Jaramillo Acqueduct . The party will be a cross cultural event at its best. We start at about noon January 1st and end when the last person leaves or drops, January 2nd.

We will feature food from Panama, chili prepared by several new immigrants Puerco Pibil cooked by me. I find myself a product of my New York birth, my years living in the Sonoran desert and now Panama. Cooking Mexican food comes to me more naturally than anything else except pasta with red sauce something all four of my children learned to hate as they grew out of childhood. Maybe it the reason they all cook better than I can and none of them knows how to make a red sauce?

You can come up to the Cosita Buena on Jaramillo by crossing the Feria bridge, turning right or left. If you turn right just follow the dangerous road slowly and as you approach the peak of the road about 4 kilometers of twists and turns the location will be on your right before you hit the top of the hill. If you choose safety turn left after crossing the bridge, and then take the first right after the Ladera hotel and go 5.5 kilometers to top and starting back down the mountain.

If you live on Jaramillo this is your event and you can cook, sell food, help with music just please contact me.

This is an excellent opportunity for the community to breach some of the language and cultural divides. Music, food and rum do wonders to help neighbors meet each other all over again.

Comments

One Response to “Breaching the Cultural Divide”

1. Sarah says:

   December 23, 2009 at 11:34 am

   Hi, I just stumbled on your website. I’m coming to Panama City alone this Saturday for 5 days and I’m curious abuot traveling to Boquete. Do you know how long it takes to go from Panama City to Boquete and what the easiest way is?

   Thanks!