By Wary Bradshaw for Panama-Guide.com - Is it possible to be truly infatuated with a geographical location? A dot on a map? A metropolis? I never thought much before about the now legendary slogan, “I (heart) N.Y.” The classic oldie, “I Left my Heart in San Francisco”, never fails to inspire fond memories. “I Love Paris” is synonymous with romance. I’ve visited and been temporarily smitten by these world famous cities. However . . . The first time I crossed The Bridge of The Americas my on-going love affair with Panama City began. It was love at first sight. My eyes grew wide, my pupils dilated, my head swiveled. I had met my City-Soul-Mate! The sky was blue that day, and the sun shown down on the sail boats moored in the canal where huge ocean liners were slowly traversing. The sky line of The City glistened in the background like a fantasy jewel, a mirage. My heart pounded, my pulse raced, and a huge smile broke out on my face as I recognized instantly my long sought after “Home” . . . (more)

I remain steadfastly loyal to, admiring of, and head-over-heals-in-love with, Panama City. My “lover” asks little of me in return, while consistently and predictably providing my emotional and physical needs, day after day, month after month. Who would have believed that a city could actually smile back at me? This one does! Every morning. All day long. Without exception . . .

It is my habit to rise early and take to the streets walking. Those passersby who are also availing themselves of the cool morning air smile and greet me, my “lover’s” ambassadors. I have never before felt such palpable warmth as so genuinely and spontaneously emits from Panamanians. Their conviviality and acceptance of me, a foreigner, feeds my soul. In this melting pot of a City to which I am addicted, all people are truly created equal. Prejudice appears to be a word not translated into their language. I’ve traveled much of the world and never witnessed such a phenomenon. And yes, before the nay-sayers scream out their “Yeah, buts”, I do choose to view life through rose-colored glasses . . .

My lenses blur out the inevitable warts, frustrations, and proverbial irritations that walk hand-in-hand with humanity wherever it settles itself. I sharp-focus on the many positive things, even those that are invisible! I realized one day that in My City, graffiti is rarely if ever seen! Spray paint corporations must have gone bankrupt and moved to other locations where wanton vandalism is alive, well, and thriving. I love the fact that the majority of dogs are leashed and pets are well loved and cared for. (I do use selective viewing and then zigzag avoidance when presented with “surprises” on the sidewalks!) I never fail to wave my appreciation at the drivers who generously stop and interrupt the ocean of traffic on main thoroughfares, so I may safely cross. This curious phenomenon makes me feel like Charleton Heston re-enacting The Parting of the Red Sea . . .

I feel very safe in the arms of my “Lover”. Crime is much lower here than in other cities of comparable size and particulars. I walk alone without fear, but I don’t make dumb choices either. I avoid suspect locations. I take normal and sensible precautions. I don’t however, feel threatened as I did in the country in which I last resided. Where one had to watch their front, back, and sides, while walking in broad daylight in its capital city . . .

Once I inadvertently (read stupidly) exited an ATM, leaving behind my tiny credit card wallet containing what amounted to my “life”. Forty five minutes later after I’d made the discovery I returned to the scene. When my heart wasn’t busy palpitating, it was securely lumped in my throat. A panic attack was waiting in the wings. I entered the cubical to find nothing except the money dispensing machine. As I morosely exited, a woman rushed up to me from the parking lot sporting a wide grin, along with my credit cards in her hand. She’d been patiently waiting for me to return and recognized me from my photo I.D. Yes, I offered her a reward which was adamantly refused. Yes, I gave her a huge hug, which she accepted and returned with enthusiasm. And yes, this amazing gesture turned what had the potential of becoming a really bad day into one that I celebrated. How could I possibly not love and honor Panama City? Until death do us part . . .

One is never at a loss for eclectic entertainment, unique restaurants, or interesting things to do, in or very near The City limits. It is a Big Town with a Small Town atmosphere. Choices abound. They are presented like mixed candy in a jar, rides in an amusement park, unopened presents under a Christmas tree. Boredom is definitely not an issue. Well, for me it isnÂ’t . . .

On a recent Sunday a friend and I sat under an umbrella table provided by AlbertoÂ’s Restaurant on the Causeway. It was a perfect day. Sea breezes cooled us as we took in the yachts bobbing in the marina, shared an excellent pizza washed down with a cold beer, and listened to live, mellow, jazz music. People-watching was supreme. All was right with my chosen New World as my City/Lover beamed approval from across the Bay . . .

Comments are welcomed by e-mail: warybradshaw@yahoo.com

Copyright 2007 by Wary Bradshaw for Panama-Guide.com. Please post your comments and feedback, and feel free to use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Thanks.
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