Panamanian Pandemonium
I’ve got to admit I get the opportunity to do some very cool things. A couple of weeks ago I was MC’ing a gala dinner for an NHL superstar and then acting on the set of of a movie about Donald Trump! I’m back on stage and between two continents for my latest adventure.
I’ve just wrapped up MC’ing a three day conference in Panama. I must admit I was somewhat oblivious about this place. Petty much all I ever really associated with Panama was the canal. That and Van Halen’s song of the same name which actually had nothing to do with this country. The song, incidentally, referred to a girl named ‘Panama’ with questionable morals! Coincidentally you’ll find them in Panama as well.
However, you’ll find many more people that are absolutely the happiest on the planet. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively around the globe and the people here are some of the finest. Case in point: I had to rent a tux for the gala dinner which I was Master of Ceremonies for last night in the El Panama Hotel. I took a cab (and survived!) to a formal wear shop to get fitted. They did the tailoring and promised to deliver it to the hotel in time for my function. However, I realized I didn’t bring enough cash and I left my wallet back at the hotel. Travel much? The lovely senorita said it would be “fine to pay when I brought it back”(in broken English).
That was just one of several refreshing social exchanges I experienced while staying in this hot and humid city. By the way, if you don’t like hot conditions this environment is as tolerable as Quiet Riot and Guns’n'Roses at a Manuel Noriega house party. But there’s always the hotel pool. Oh yeah…and the Atlantic and Pacific only 50 miles apart!
There wasn’t much time to bask in the sun or sip on funny libations with umbrellas. I basically hit the tarmac running once I arrived. Very busy. The inaugural conference (financial theme - Panama a hotbed for offshore investing) was such a success that I’ve been invited to MC the next one in December 2005.
Things to know about Panama City, Panama:
A population of 1.3 million
Boasts 182 banks from 35 countries
Looks like Miami (especially with its impressive skyline)
The people are amazing!!
The scenery includes mountains, rain forests, spectacular beaches, 2 oceans and the canal
It’s hot and humid
The second language is the car horn!
Crossing the street at rush hour should be an event on ‘Fear Factor’!!
Can’t wait to return 