Lemon Tree

All good things must come to an end and that is what happened at Hard Rock. Three days of amazing food, swimming, staff, relaxation-I truly did not want to leave, but hotels go on and on. 

The next destination was in one of the best areas of Panama, which was right near the Mega Plaza-the huge shopping mall. This was not exciting, but the area was adorable. It reminded me of a Gauthier in Morocco or a Beverly Hills in California. It was super posh with cafes, bakeries, an Arabic restaurant, Spanish restaurant, and various sushi spots. This is clearly where the rich people are hanging out and I could tell by how they were dressed-nice, but not impressed. It’s just money and you need to detach from it.

Again, I struck gold with this hotel.  I mean can I really complain about Panama attitude when I have these great experiences?

This hotel was small with only 10 rooms. It was full with a few Colombian girls, a few Americans, and a couple business men.

The room felt cozy and was well decorated like a room at home. The bed was super comfortable and the air was blowing cold(important in Central America). The breakfast was included in the $ 20. It’s funny when you go from $$$$ to $.

At the front desk sat Alfredo, a friendly, chubby Colombian guy. He became my new friend who I would share candy with and talk about life in Colombia.  His life was a difficult one with his ex-wife taking custody of their daughter. It’s hard for him to go back to Colombia because he is always working the graveyard shift. Despite missing his daughter terribly, he still has that smiling shining on his face. 

After excellent sleep (3 nights in a row), I would wake up to a breakfast of pancakes, peanut butter, nutella, eggs, coffee, and fresh fruit. I would sit and watch CNN with the newspaper and then I would head to the church.  This was the routine each day for three days.

On the second day, I met with the co-owner.  It was him, his brother, and his mother who turned their house into a hotel. It was a recent hotel only open for two years. His mother and sister were the designers as one can tell the rooms have extra racks and hooks for clothing. The rooms are extremely accommodating.

Unfortunately, their hotel was sitting right next to a construction site. This was the common site that doesn’t get things done on time. They are constantly standing around with nothing to do. It’s quite a sad case because the hotel had to tear their nice patio down because the scaffold was falling into their space. When you look at this construction building, it looks like none of it is finished. They started over a year ago and they have another year to go.

This is definitely bad for business especially when this is such a great hotel.  The owner is clearly frustrated in his voice, but he tries to remain optimistic.  He’s a nice guy, his brother his arrogant, and his girlfriend is dressed like a princess. In other words, he is a sincere, nice person and I wish the best for this small boutique hotel. There needs to be more places like this one. 

                  Buh Bye Panama

Being Nice...It Does Matter

What happens when you are extra nice to service people?

You get extra mints on your pillow and your room has an extra fresh smell

You get hot towels when you are swimming

You get consistent service and asking if everything is okay

You get a VIP room for a standard price

You get an extra appetizer you didn’t order or complimentary desert

 

You have the bell hop walk you out to the street to get the right taxi

You get the hot food when it comes out instead of picking at leftovers

You get an extra hand with your luggage

You are respected and listened to more because the attention you give THEM

 

Some examples: 

                         

                        

Are you Colombian?

Are you Colombian?

In the Hard Rock, there are all kinds of nationalities of staff. But the main two are locals from Panama and Colombians. Many Colombians come over to work in Panama City- not quite vice versa. 

Staying at the hotel for three days, I became very friendly with most of the staff. There were some presenting the “Panama attitude” and I tried to engage with them, but it went south. After a couple people, I just allowed them to continue on with their unfriendly ways.

When you need something, receiving food service, or housekeeping-the Colombians are smiling and happy to help you. They are always making you laugh, free-spirited, good workers, helpful, and caring.
 

One would think that the Panama locals would learn something from this happy and positive behavior. Unfortunately, they just remain cold and rude.  My friend Marco felt horrible because he said I was meeting the wrong Panama locals.


Again, I met nice ones, but most presented with attitude or with arrogance.  Of course, I did not get to meet all of Panama, but that was my observation.  The border experience did have a negative impact on my belief system, but I still remained objective. 

When it came to my interaction, I started to ask, “Where are you from?” They would say Colombia and I scored a point. After the first day, I didn’t need to ask anymore because I knew if they were from Colombia.
After studying their differences in behavior, it was clear who was Colombian even the reserved ones because they had good manners. I would share with the Colombians that I love how positive and kind they are and I appreciate it.  When I asked they what they thought about the Panama locals, they presented with negative body expression and no comment.  They would laugh and agree with me! “Yeah they are not good with people.” “They are not happy people.”

The Colombians did not favor them either and they had their own personal experience to influence their thinking or beliefs. Colombians have many things going right for them, especially their happiness, looks, spirit, and personality(oh I guess that is everything;)

Buses and Shopping

Chilling at the bus station, I meet a nice man as I am waiting for the Western Union to open. He's a bus driver and he works 7 days a week. This is common you will hear that bus drivers and taxi drivers work 7 days a week.  People don't realize what a hard job it is, which is what I emphasized to him. 

We are standing there waiting a line about 20 of us. It is 9:05, 9:10, and 9:45, this girl finally comes strolling in late. This should really not happen with Western Union because people need their money. She tells me that mine is not there yet and I sigh loudly.  My friend tells me about a mall across the street that also has a Western Union.  

I walk out to the hot weather and cross the street to find a huge mall full of everything you could imagine-every brand, yogurt places, Americanized restaurants, Starbucks-it was pretty much like a mall you would find in US.  How genius is it to put a huge mall directly across from the main bus station. What a money making idea. 

 

While I heard the shopping in Panama was good, this was great. I chilled out until I picked up my money and I went shopping. This probably could be the worst location for me to pick up money-worst. I snacked on some candy, frozen yogurt, and a Mrs. Field's cookie. 

I bought some new dresses that were super affordable at the Conair. It was surprising they had this store from New York. The stores were loaded with dresses, shorts, jumpers, skirts, pants, scarves, jewelry, accessories-you name it, they had it. 

They had some department stores with amazing prices and good quality. Not to mention, they were packed with women ready to shop. These women seriously shop! They have huge baskets and carts full of stuff-it's like there will never be shopping again. I can't recall ever seeing a woman buy that much unless it was a store closing or maybe a sample sale. 
For lunch, I decided to be an American go to TGIF Fridays where I enjoyed some nice salmon with rice and beans. As mentioned, the people working at American restaurants have total respect for their job and they take pride in their work. They want to impress you and make you feel good when you are an American.  They could not be any nicer and cuter at this restaurant. 

 

It was around 5pm and I was still there walking around. It was clearly time for me to get over to my accommodation.  I found a nice taxi driver who was fair with his price and knew where he was going- thankful.  While I wanted to go to the Hard Rock, I was going to go there all disheveled. I decided to go to the famous hostel that's found in different cities all over the world. With it's reviews, I was definitely interested knowing that they had a spot for me and it was clean. 

Overprotected

 

When it came to the hikes in Matagalpa, each and every one is unsafe.  The hikes lead to areas that were unsafe villages.  The locals and the tourists were both saying that it was unsafe. It’s just the areas of town that people don’t go exploring. For me, it is an exploration. I love these people. They are beautiful, kind, full of spirit and religious. Of course, there are those reacting to their environment. They are angry, confused, stealing, misguided, and liars.  I love these people just as much because I know they all have potential. They are going through a difficult time, but inside they are good people. They are on the wrong path, but people have to believe in them in order for them to change.

The biggest advice was to watch my stuff because there were reports of theft-stealing phone and cameras. The most recent report was about a year ago. 

If I had to count the number of hikes I did on a tour, it would probably be on one single hand. I do them alone, I have my time alone with my higher power, I take a lot of time staring at trees, staring at the sky, and smelling flowers, and I’m content.  I don’t need a group of tourists flashing cameras in my face and talking about what they miss about USA-no gracias.

Off I went up to the top with not one person bothering me. People think that there are some guys hanging around waiting to bother you. The only men I saw were working and focused on their job. This hike, specifically, was completely peaceful. The weather was cloudy with the sun making an appearance on occasion. Some kids were on their way to school-my favorite part of traveling-watching kids get an education.

When it came to the view point, I wanted to get to- I asked for advice from my fellow security guard. There were some beautiful houses that he was protecting. He was adorable, just love security guards ugh.


He said there are some “ladrones”-thieves and I should be very careful.

Now when a security guard at the top advises you to be careful-you take his advice. People who are stereotyping-no.

He did say, he would keep an eye on me and the area. He was able to see me walk up to that area.

 

Then I pass by a gardener who is lifting a bush on his back (not something we see regularly). I ask him exactly how to get to the top (I don’t use a map. People are my maps). He tells me to just keep following the dirt path so I do.

There I am walking and walking, the view is getting nicer. I am almost up to the top when I feel a tap on my shoulder.

“Ahhh.” Priscilla

I turn around and it’s the gardner from below.

“I just wanted to make sure you are okay. My friend told me that there can be some thieves up here hiding. You never know what could happen.”

This kid was on the job working for a wealthy home. They could fire him or scold him for disappearing and he came to make sure I get up there safely.

For me, this does not surprise me because I see beautiful people do these acts of kindness over and over. This is what beautiful people do because they care. If these people who talk about how dangerous is it could just read this post.

Anyways, he told me he works as a gardener and works on a family coffee estate on the mountain opposite to us. This boy was angelic, so sweet, innocent, and working to help his family.  He offered to take photos for me and I didn’t even ask him.

I told him that I wanted sometime  to meditate and I didn’t want him to get into trouble. As expected, there were no thieves so I was safe. 

 

It was just me and my space to breathe.  The time on the top just “alone” is priceless. Moments that can’t be replaced with a car or a tour bus. Thank you my legs work just fine. 

A surprise on the way down...

It’s just incredible how safe and protected, I can feel from local people. It’s the opposite of the tourist expectation and I write this so travelers can believe in people. Believe the best and your will receive the best. Believe the worst and you will receive the worst. Please look at the evidence. Both these local people were concerned for me going up by myself and they wanted me to be safe. There was a possibility of someone committing a crime, but there was no one there. The locals protect the tourists because they also have a fear that something could happen. Both sides are juggling fear back and forth.  If there was a seriously dangerous place, I would take people’s advice, but I know this is not.  It’s just local people living their daily lives-this is not crime rather this reality.

Nice place near the top is Lomas De San Thomas, which is a resort. This area could really be that bad that close the a resort? Most likely not.

Nature's Way Guest House

It's amazing how far kindness can go with people.  Being kind, courteous, respectful, interested, and caring has opened up so many doors for me when traveling. 

When it comes to finding a place to stay, there are specific ways to get yourself ahead of the game. When talking with the owner or initial person(usually referring to the owner or person in charge). Instead of thinking about your needs, the price, where you can go to eat, what to do-try the opposite. Ask what they enjoy to do, where they like to eat, when they started the guest house, comment on the atmosphere and decor positively-make a positive imprint on their memory.
 It's okay to spend some time talking with them instead of rushing in and wanting to plug your phone in and go on WIFI. When you take time and acknowledge people, it will change your stay in extraordinary ways.   

When I arrived at Nature's Way guest house, I was shouted at from an office. He told me to walk forward and I did towards his office. He was sitting in the chair with his feet up on the desk. It looked as if he was swimming in a pile of books and old posters filling up the walls.  For me, this is just like an instant conversation starter. My being gravitates towards scholars and well educated people, especially of the older generation. I always want to learn from them-always, always. Professors, supervisors, and those with true life experience, which is how our being learns just through experience.   

Therefore, I told him that I was only in town for a night and was headed to Honduras. I shared with him my mission and we talked about his amazing travels and work in the military. We shared what we love about Mayan culture and Guatemala.  He had two daughters and you could see the pure passion and love in his eyes.  His pride towards their accomplishments and his desire to Thoughts always cross my mind with this generation,

 "Wouldn't it be great to have a father to discuss all these theories, experiences, passions, epiphanies, and beliefs with?"

Anyways, we just kept talking until his other old friend named Charlie chimed in with our conversation. I was standing there with my bags at my feet and after all this conversation, we talked about the room. You have to put the effort in first.  
I put my bag down and I am all ready to put my bag away and take a shower. 

" We don't have a room- we are completely full with the private group here, but I can help you find something else."

" Sure, that would be great." Still extremely nice and happy. 

He drew a small map and pointed them out and I am thinking, "Please don't make me do this." It is pouring rain and I do not have the energy with my backpack and extra bag.  

We still keep chatting a bit more and then he tells me he is sorry because he knows it's raining. He is looking at me and I am putting my backpack on and he says,
"You know what I never gave you a tour."

I am thinking, " Does this man know how exhausted I am."

I smile and say, "Ok sure."

He says, " I want to show you the part upstairs we are going to remodel." 

We walk up the stairs and there is a nice bathroom, 3 bedrooms, and just some construction pieces here and there-nothing major. We walk towards the corner where there is a bunk bed, a fan, mosquito net, and a cool breeze coming from the window from the beach. 

He says," If it's okay with you, you can stay here tonight."

I smile brightly, "Yes, it's definitely okay. 

His wife is downstairs grumbling a bit at first because I heard that no one except family stays upstairs. 

I made friends with his wife and gave her some nice compliments and I was thankful to have a nice place to stay. 

It's amazing how far acknowledgement and time can go.

PRIS

If I would have just rushed in and said, " Hi, do you have a room? The answer would have been, "No, we do not try two hotels down the street."

Inside Out Car

After my speed boat adventure, I had to catch the bus to Punta Gorda, which would then be an overnight stay and a morning ferry to Honduras border(again emphasizing the never ending journey). 

When I arrived to the other side of Placencia, there were no buses or taxis there. This is a rare occurrence because usually there is a taxi waiting around to make some money off a tourist.  The area was highly questionable to walk with all my stuff.  It was a good 3 or 4 miles away and I did not have time to walk because I could end up missing the bus and that would have a domino effect. 

This kind man who was answering my questions offered me a ride over to the bus station. I did not want to inconvenience him or waste his gas, but he insisted it was on his way. 

We walked out to his car and it was the typical Belizean car with the cracked windshield, missing rims, and paint chipping off in all different areas.  The exterior did not matter, but stepping inside was a whole new experience.  The seat was collapsed and the whole front consisted of just wires.  There was no dashboard or center consul or turn signal or place to put a KEY.  We had discussed the bus departing at either 4:00 or 4:15. It was 3:50, which left me focused on the time and just getting there.

To start the car, he made two wires spark together and did not some other maneuvers.
It is possible that a smart person would have maybe not stayed in the car due to, well what's that word, "Safety."  That thought did not even cross my mind as I was focused on catching the bus. Also, I trusted that he knew what he was doing. He did apologize for his car and I told him to not worry about it and just expressed my appreciation. He was so sweet that he truly melted my heart.

My biggest thought going through my mind, "This poor man has to drive around  with a car that functions like this. This is so unfortunate. People who offer rides driving cars like this can barely put gas in their car, but they care about giving someone a ride? Isn´t that the most beautiful way a being can give? He also had three children at home to feed.

As we drove down the streets, it was an impoverished area and small town with kids running down the streets playing and mothers hanging laundry.  It was just a transitional stop and not a touristic city of Belize.  It was the reality of Belize-just like MH community. 

When we parted ways, he said again he is sorry for his car and he showed me the bus to catch(bus present because he got me there on time). 

The reality that people have to try and keep their car together in their most creative ways possible. 

The reality that some of the nicest people have completely nothing.

The reality that we don't appreciate our transportation enough whether a car or a subway. 

The reality that altruism has nothing to do with money
PRIS 

Real Village Exploration

After church, I was captivated by the neighborhood. With a beautiful day and a love for villages, I was ready to explore it.



What does Explore mean for an Average tourist?
It means go in with a guide, stop with the group to talk to a couple people living in the village, take photos, talk to people in the group, take more photos, and after an hour-leave.

What does Explore mean for Priscilla?


It means to use all five senses to fully take in the environment. This means to examine, analyze, observe with your nose, eyes, ears, and touch. The fruits, the plants, the trees, the grass, the housing, the animals, the front yards, the sky, the sounds-fully immerse yourself into what's in front of you.  Put down the electronic device or limit your use.


When you are walking through the village, let your body take you somewhere else in time.  Let yourself wonder about how this village came about. What was it like 100 years ago? It's a time to use your imagination and creativity and this happens the most when you're alone.  

When you're alone, you are more likely to meet locals and talk with people about their customs and life traditions. It may feel outside of your comfort zone, but once you get past the fear it's a wonderful feeling. Instead of feeling afraid of being in an unknown place or working off false stereotypes-give people a chance and you will be pleasantly surprised. 

Some people truly do not feel comfortable and prefer to explore with the group-this is okay.
Although, there are many who have the desire and need to truly explore and they just don't properly utilize it. 

After I realized that the tourists are given tours through  these villages. My own tour was much more pleasurable, educational, and interesting.  For example, I spoke with a beautiful women and her son about her turkey farm. How many turkeys does she have? What do the turkeys eat? What's her family life like and is she happy living in this village? 

I walked around the village  utilizing all my senses-petting the horse, smelling flowers, eating a fresh mango, and learning children's play games. I helped a lady carry her enormous jug of water, which she said they use for everything including bathing, cooking, cleaning etc. 

A couple men were pulling weeds and I smiled at them, but they were not interested in the tourist-fair game-can't win them all. Baby chicks were following me straight into a coconut tree in the middle of a farm. The sun shined down in between the clouds alternating between

.bright sun and clouds

                                 

While the label of poverty would be mainly associated with these shacks, I do not focus on the label. It's a matter of the person, their lifestyle, and happiness. These people in this "touristic" village were content with their lives. They had the church, support from the Mayan center, a few local made restaurants, and plenty of nature and livestock. It was not a village to feel bad for rather it was one to feel proud for in a real way. Again, religion was sliding these people down a rainbow into a happier tomorrow.  And the best part was that you can see God's presence amongst this divine setting. 

Leaving Monkey Bay

It's funny when you stay at a place for a short period of time, you still manage to get yourself connected to the people and place. Of course, this depends on the person, but for someone like me- I connect. 

With such short time, you can be setting yourself up for disaster with deep connections and no time for follow up, continued sessions, or even continued contact. This is difficult for clients, some more than others, and it's just important to be professional and realistic with your goals, building connections for the client, and community supports in place. It is always important to set up boundaries and reminders that your time is short, but to make the most of every day and every moment.  There is always those sad goodbye's and hopes to see one another again. It stings at first, but it gets easier with time for both the therapist and the client. 

This does not always apply to clients rather it applies to a whole community. The guy who works at the local shop, the local family you get to know, your director, the restaurant owner next door, neighborhood kids. As a connect with an organization in one city, I connect with who surrounds it as well. It's a beautiful experience, which takes it's place staying in the heart and then I go onto the next one.  

Working with the whole MG community and with Monkey Bay created more connections and more difficulty saying, "Goodbye." The words we shared were so profound involving how blessed we were to be brought together. One of the Directors, Mrs. Francis who brought the cake, said the nicest things that I am forever thankful and adore her. The same goes for Mrs. R. When people appreciate you and acknowledge your work, your passion, and your existence-it's priceless. That is what the work is about working together and not competing against one another. In US, many people recognize how amazing I work with people and they don't want to give proper recognition because they are jealous and competitive. Don't get me wrong-there are many who give me amazing praise, but there are also those who are envious and want to see me fail.  This was not the case at Monkey Bay or MG Heights or almost never when I am traveling.  It's my own work, my own passion, and I make it happen.  People see it, they are thankful, and we make lives better together.  

Unfortunately, I did not get to say goodbye to my favorite cook. I wrote her a letter and made sure she knew that she was the most amazing cook ever.  Also, I did not get to say my goodbyes to the other director. Another one who was appreciative and amazingly smart creating a wonderful organization 20 years ago.  

Of course, Mrs. Francis had set up the bus for me to leave with my boys. They were going the same direction and I decided I would check out Placencia for a day on the way to Punta Gorda- if the weather would cooperate.  The bus was leaving at 6am sharp and I made sure to get myself out on the bus with 2 buddies from the camp.  The three of us were ready to leave and just pulling away.  There was a knock on the window and I was thinking who could be knocking that be this early. 

It was my Director. 

He smiled brightly and said, "Thank you for your incredible work here." "Please come see us again and we will work something out for you." 

"Bye.", Priscilla is blushing with pink cheeks.

"Okay guys. Vamanos"

And off we went South where they dropped me off at the Mayan Cultural Center.

   

Kindness Home Runs

With the spirit of my higher from above, my kindness and warm nature goes very far with people.
With buses, boats, tourist offices, police officers, civilians, elderly, kids, airport agents, strangers- I make friends with everyone. It's Gods ways of extending me into the lives of others to be kind, acknowledge their being, make them laugh and smile, empower them, challenge them, question them, and believe in them. It's hard to not believe in something so beautiful-people

-PRIS-