note: location is panama city
today was the innauguration of panama’s new president, ricardo martinelli. i wish i had known the president’s name the day before….so i would not have embarassed myself after inquiring if the man seated next to me on the bus (from colon to panama) was involved with martinelli’s cider (he had a hat which said ‘martinelli, president’ on it)
but i diverge. everything was closed today (which is why i had to drop off the car at the port yesterday). instead, my roommate (at the hostel) and i went to the roberto duran stadium for the festivities. outside street vendors sold hotdogs on sticks, steaks on sticks, and soda. inside, we got a free bag of lay’s potato chips and coupons for free cups of soda and water (unfortunately, they were using styrofoam cups). along with the crowd of a few thousand, we watched several artists perform on stage. while a couple of the groups were very talented….the majority were dj’s/mc’s….which are apparently very popular here….but also seem to have very little musical talent. the pairs get on stage and shout. then a part of a popular song is played…while they sing along (often out of key)….then make a joke or laugh….and repeat. maybe it’s an acquired taste, though, since the crowd seemed to love the hour and a half of it. moreover, the radio here (and in parts of mexico) is often similarly annoying.
unfortunately, brendan and i could not take anymore….and decided not to wait till 7pm to see the president talk there. instead, we took a taxi to calle argentina, and met up with some friends of his at a restaurant. it was quite good. we also went to the only microbrewery in panama. it was ok…but overpriced. they import most of their raw ingredients from chile. afterwards, we walked to the nearby casino, hung out for a bit, then headed back.