Arrival In Panama

Today was an interesting day.

I waited until the last minute to pack as usual for this trip. Alas, all is well, however and I even got to the airport on time. This morning seems like so long ago now.
We caught our flight to Atlanta and it still hadn't hit me that we were going out of the country. I have been out of the country before, but only on cruises. For whatever reason it just doesn't really count to me, ha!
It wasn't until we got in line to board from Atlanta that I even started feeling it. Before we boarded, we had to swipe our passports to get on - crazy!
The flight was long, but not too bad, only 5 hours. And 3/4 in I made a new friend when I went to go to the bathroom and instead ended up talking for about twenty minutes about the US economy and media in the North of the states with a guy who was apparently a regional media hit. Not bad. Super interesting conversation. We talked about how interesting it is to have a border of people who are adept with the internet and facebook, and those who are completely lost. And those who are any age and just block technology out. And of course those who are any age and excel with it. He lives here in Panama since he is retired and his wife lives in the states - she couldn't handle the move, but they make it work by taking turns commuting and still enjoy each others later years. I found that to be super cool. To be so unselfish about your relationship where you give and take some selfish. Even if it means living in another country.
As we landed I feared we were going to hit the water. I saw no lights (it was an evening flight) and could sense the horizon coming closer. All of the sudden there was instant tarmac. Just add water.
The power shut off on the plane as we reached the gate and I almost had a near panic attack. A lot of people around me kept their positive attitudes and said "well at least it didn't do this while we were in the air." People are quick to turn negative, but I love how, on vacation, they change. People, for the most part, want to have a great time and will maintain that fun attitude much longer.
Before we collected our bags we passed through immigration. A few dirty looks and GASP my first stamp in the passport later, we were collecting our bags and on our way.
After we met our driver he walked us out to the median where we were bombarded with what I call "tip whores." I find tip whores in most big cities in america with a lot of immigrants and especially in the Bahamas and Mexico. They want tips for everything. They tell you where a big rock is and request a tip. They snatch your bags out of your hands to put in the van where you already have a driver to help you. And open your van door back up with hands outstretched if you didn't hand over anything. Wow!
As we passed through Panama I realized what a thriving city it is becoming. We drove by so many high rises with condos and hotel rooms in the midst. Several classy properties as well. Once those were through, though, we went through the slums of panama.
I don't care how many TOMS shoe drops you have watched on t.v., if you love slum dog millionaire, or if you sponsor a kid across the ocean, it means nothing until you see that for yourself. I almost started crying it hurt so bad. We we first started I was like wow it is like the ghetto of Memphis. As we got deeper and deeper, I couldn't believe it, but it got worse. They went from concrete buildings to wooden barracks. I couldn't believe it was humane to allow people to live like that, especially when, back at home, my room look twice as big as their home.
It was exciting to pull up to such a nice Holiday Inn as this one (that even has a school attached just like ours back home!) in the City of Knowledge. When we got into our rooms, dinner was already waiting along with drink coupons (what, what! I love free drinks- I chose a tequila sunrise!). Our itinerary is sprinkled with awesome stuff with lots of free time to celebrate Carnival, here, and maybe even head to the beach! I am so lucky to be a part of the trip of a lifetime, but I can't help but remember that this small room I occupy is no where near the size of my room back home and it is still probably double those barracks.