Monday, November 18, 2013

November 11 to 17

This past Monday’s holiday (Independence from Spain) wasn’t as busy as the last ones. A few more people than usual, but really not a big deal.

Wednesday was busy at Picasso again. About 20 people at our table. Met some new people that just moved down and another couple that come once a year for a month until they can move down here. Family obligations are keeping them from moving now.
Thursday we went to the bank and Greg had all of the documents and the application filled out as well as answering some other questions the bank had. We go back next Tuesday to see if we are approved to open a bank account.
We then drove to Penenome for my hair appointment and to have lunch at the place we couldn’t find last time. We had been given the wrong name (not even close) so that explained why we didn’t find it. Mezon de Santa Cruz restaurant is themed like an old Spanish-themed monastery. Statues of the saints adorn the decor. Food was to die for. Beautiful setting. We sat outside in the courtyard and enjoyed the fantastic weather and enjoying Langostinos in garlic sauce and Corvina in garlic sauce.
 
 Greg in the courtyard of Meson de la Santa Cruz Restaurant
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Round building sells cakes in Panama City
My hair appointment didn’t go so well. Last time I was pleased. This time I don’t know what happened. I think I confused her with only wanting my grey touched up to my natural color underneath, since my highlights were still really good. I normally only have the highlights done a couple times a year. Since she doesn’t speak English and my Spanish is meager, I looked up a bunch of phrases and wrote them down hoping that would help her. The cut was good again, but somehow matching my natural color (which my old hairdresser told me is medium to dark blonde), meant to her dark brown. Plus, I only had spots of highlight left. There was a lady there that spoke some English and she was trying to help explain what I wanted. So, I walked out with dark brown hair and she added in some highlights (and charged me quite a bit more ($25 more than my last visit). So, I guess I will bite the bullet and put on my big girl panties (granny panties?) and try to color my own hair with whatever I can find in the stores here. There aren’t any places like a Sally’s beauty supply here so it will be grocery store stuff. I will ask around again and see if someone else can recommend someone who can do a gringas hair.
Tonight we went to a play at Picasso. "El Grande de Coca Cola”. Billed as a hilarious laugh-a-minute, "Spanglish" comedy by the Boquete Community Players. “A simple show that is a laugh a minute and ridiculously wonderful! The action takes place in a terrible part of Trujillo, in a nightclub, which isn't too far from terrible itself. A local impresario, Senor Don Pepe Hernandez, has announced in the local newspapers that he is going to bring international cabaret to Trujillo. Eventually he succeeds, and we see the cabaret within the cabaret as it unfolds. A company known as the "Low Moan Spectacular' causes all the laughs, as conjuring tricks don't work, people trip up, a blind American folk singer falls off the stage, chorus girls collide, etc.”
Exclusive Dinner-Theatre Menu: 

“We have had collaboration from external chefs for this show's menu and are super excited to share it with you. Dinner will be as follows: 

* A welcome beverage of Wine*/Beer*/Sangría/Iced-Tea/Mojito

* Fresh Seabass Ceviche with Tropical Salad

* Chicken & Veggie Jalfrezi Stew, Fresh Greek Yoghurt and Coconut Rice 

* Heavenly Coconut Flan (by Café Viana) with fresh Strawberries” 

Food was very good and the play was just pure silliness. The actors were hilarious and the Spanish easy to understand and there was some French and Italian as well. The premise of the play was Don Pepe couldn’t get professionals so he uses his family, who of course are not very talented. Very enjoyable night.  A nice couple that is staying for a month to check out Panama for retirement sat with us eager to pick our brains about living here. They have only been here 3 days, but so far they are liking it here.  

So, I bought some hair dye and despite the light blonde shade I’m still way darker than usual, but it is a start. I was worried with so much dyeing so close together my hair would fall out. LOL Next time we are in the city I will see if I can find a highlight kit that should help. This is closer to my natural color I suppose. I’ll try again in 4 weeks to give my hair time to recover.  

Today we ran into 2 couples walking on the beach that we met at Picasso over the past couple of weeks. Both seem to really like Panama.  

Dad is scheduled to come out the middle of January…exciting news! So I am busy researching things to visit.  

The 22nd of November is our 22nd anniversary though we have been together 27 years now! We are spending 3 nights at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. http://www.gamboaresort.com/ 

We leave on Wednesday and return on Saturday. It’s near the city and is very close to Gatun Lake. We plan on hiking on Pipeline Road and visiting the Discovery Center. http://www.pipelineroad.org 

Here are a couple of photos from this week’s walks.
 
 Clay-colored Thrush
 Crimson-backed Tanager
 Blue-grey Tanager
 Yellow-crowned Night Heron

 
This little House Wren appeared to be singing and bouncing along with the loud music from the house next door. The birds were really enjoying the ripe bananas and gave us great photo ops.
 
Greg is off to the dentist for a tooth that has been hurting a bit, tomorrow we go back to the bank in hopes of getting our bank account set up so I can finish my visa. Then Wednesday we are off to the Rainforest!
 
Until next time.....

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