Rebirth
Maybe it was the cold medicine or images provoked by salman rushdie’s “midnight’s children”, but I experienced a rebirth out in boquete’s market square. I’m solo again and was able to nap and read most of the day. Late in the afternoon after finishing rushdie’s book, a feat I’ve been struggling to accomplish for weeks, I emerged from my hotel and into the square to find it full of ngobe bugle’ indians at their Saturday market. At the same time an incredible rainbow arched overhead. I found myself back in touch with what inspires me to travel. My medicine, pms, midnight’s children-filled head was reeling and I was on the verge of tears of relief.
The ngobe girls and women wear very colorful, flowing dresses and the men wear the plain clothes of men from the field. Their faces are distinct and serious. More serious than any culture I’ve encountered thus far in my travels. After watching a girl of about 3 run and smile and play I wondered at what age this behavior is suppressed. Or do they go back to their homes and party all night ☺? Probably not but I love to wonder. I was also surprised that in a town known for being gringo-filled, mine was the only white face to be seen.
So like I said, I’ll chill here and take advantage of the “services” boquete has to offer (like internet and laundry) before I head to more remote areas on the other side of volcan baru and the osa peninsula in costa rica.
Rest and solitude can be very theraputic!
Tags: boquete, central america, ngobe, panama, Travel
Peggy Rehm