April 2016 Edition

TAMBIÉN EN ESPAÑOL www.TheBocasBreeze.com

APRIL 2016 | VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 1

The Breeze is Back!

Inspired Artists in (Sweet Love) Bocas

My Collection of Cultural Treasures

Team Cayuco Paunch: Ya Son Campeonas

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Give & Surf Raises over $17K for Education

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History of the Bocas Breeze La Historia del Periódico

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Community Rallies in Support of Solucion Fire Victims

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Publisher Information / Información Editorial

Editor’s Note

The Bocas Breeze is published monthly in English and Spanish with a circulation of 5,000 free copies distributed at airports, restaurants, retail stores, and local businesses throughout Panama (Bocas del Toro, Panama City, David, Boquete) and Costa Rica (Puerto Viejo, San Jose). The Bocas Breeze is also online at www.TheBocasBreeze.com

I arrived to Bocas del Toro as a 22 year old boy fresh out of business school.

Throughout my scholastic career it was always clear to me that writing was something that I very much enjoyed and came naturally to me. That being said, when I fell in love with Bocas and was first looking for a purpose here, I learned about the Bocas Breeze and I wanted nothing more in this world than to be a part of it. Jacy Hefner has a fond memory of me knocking on the office door and inquiring about writing for the Breeze. There was no room for me then, but flash forward 6 years later and I am a 28 year-old man with my name and new title on that office door. It’s a figurative door at this point. There is no more office so just go ahead and imagine that door.

El Bocas Breeze es publicado mensualmente en inglés y español con una circulación de 5,000 copias gratuitas distribuidas en aeropuertos, restaurantes, tiendas y comercios locales en toda Panamá (Bocas del Toro, Ciudad de Panamá, David, Boquete) y Costa Rica (Puerto Viejo, San José).

Check out our website! ¡Visita nuestro sitio web!

This place is very much like the magnet that Fulo Coqueño talks about on page 6: you come here and next thing you know- you’re changing your plane ticket. Then you’re looking for a job. Well I’ve found my job and I love this job. I am honored to carry on the torch as the newest owner and editor-inchief of the Bocas Breeze. Thanks to everyone who supports this informative, entertaining community newspaper; sharing with the world exactly what makes Bocas del Toro so special.

www.TheBocasBreeze.com Editor: Nicholas Corea | Published by / Publicado por: Nicolasio, SA Contact us / Contáctenos: admin@thebocasbreeze.com | 6537-0405 The Bocas Breeze all rights reserved.

- Nicholas Corea, Editor-in-Chief

Just off Main Street Across from Sugar n spice Bakery, behind Boquete Fish House, Boquete District

The Bocas Breeze

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+507 730-9360 www.TheBocasBreeze.com

The Breeze Please!

Nota del editor Llegué a Bocas del Toro de pelao a los 22 años de edad justo después de graduarme de estudiar una carrera de negocios en la universidad. A lo largo de mi carrera escolar siempre fue claro que redactar era mi don y algo que disfrutaba bastante. Dicho esto, cuando me enamoré de Bocas y estaba buscando un propósito aquí, aprendí sobre el Bocas Breeze y quería nada más en este mundo que formar parte de ella. Jacy Hefner tiene un lindo recuerdo de mí tocando la puerta de la oficina a pedir trabajo como escritor del periódico. No había puesto para mi en ese tiempo, pero 6 años después ya siendo un hombre de 28 años de edad tenia un nuevo titulo y mi nombre escrito en esa puerta de esa oficina. Hoy en día es solo una puerta figurativa. Ya no existe la oficina, así que solo se puede imaginar esa puerta.

Este lugar es muy parecido al imán del que habla el Fulo Coqueño en la página 7. Uno viene aquí y cuando te das cuenta ya estas cambiando el boleto de avión. Luego estas buscando trabajo. Bueno, yo ya encontré mi trabajo y me encanta este trabajo. Tengo el honor de llevar la antorcha como el nuevo dueño y editor del Bocas Breeze. Gracias a todos los que apoyan este periódico comunitario, informativo e entretenido; compartiendo con el mundo exactamente lo que hace a Bocas del Toro tan especial.

Jorge of http://mamacocaexpeditions.com/ at Machu Picchu with a Bocas Breeze issue. If you want your picture here, send a cool pic of you and the Breeze to admin@thebocasbreeze.com

-Nicholas Corea, Editor

Free dock space for our customers

Now serving Lunch Mon - Sat Dinner 7 days a week

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The History of the Bocas Breeze

by Nicholas Corea I walked into JB Seligman’s office at Buena Vista Reality and was greeted with a huge smile, overwhelming enthusiasm and one of the most special gifts anyone has ever given me: a copy of the very first Bocas Breeze that was published in December of 2004.

What a thoughtful gift. After all, the Bocas Breeze was originally JB’s brainchild. He had come to Bocas only shortly before that very first publication of the Breeze. He sold everything in the US and came to the island with only a duffel bag, with the idea of starting anew in what a friend of JB’s described to him as “Jimmy Buffet’s Key West, but 40 years ago.”

After the vacation was over and it was time to get to work, he began a

new career as a property developer; but still had the idea of a community newspaper. Phyl MacMillan was also new in town and looking for something to do so JB suggested she start a community newspaper. Phyl, a career corporate sales manager and boss-woman, took the ball and ran with it.

Credit for the clever alliteration that is and has always been the name of this publication goes out to Keith Werle. After a group of friends brainstormed for a while, it was Keith who came up with the concept of a community newspaper that captures all the figurative “breeze” being blown around town. Nice one, Keith!

Phyl MacMillan

Phyl considered moving back to the US right after the first issue of the Bocas Breeze was published. Melody Burt, also owner of Beyond Bocas Real Estate, had appointed herself as the unofficial Bocas Breeze photographer just for fun and to help Phyl out. After the first issue was published, Phyl

approached her and asked her to buy the paper because she was leaving Bocas and decided Melody was the perfect replacement. As busy as she was with real estate, she couldn’t let the Bocas Breeze die.

Melody ran the paper in what JB recalls “very much like Phyl’s original vision of Breeze: an informative, entertaining, non-confrontational community newspaper.” Immediately she started the website and continued to grow the Breeze for the next 18 months. In July of 2006 Melody decided she needed to focus more on her other business so she passed the torch on to Allene Blaker, the owner and editor-in-chief whose door I knocked on upon my arrival in 2009 (see Editor’s Note, page 2).

Allene was the first one to have the paper published in both English and Spanish and had been at the at the helm of the newspaper for the longest (6 years). JB remembers Allene for her excellent writing skills and harder-hitting journalism. Allene’s legacy will forever be her emphasis on including content with substance; especially pieces about education and the environment. Allene’s Breeze is the first one I remember and since reading

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Melody Burt

her publications, I’ve always wanted to be a part of it.

The 4th owner/editor-in-chief was Casie Dean. I started working with Casie as a journalist in August of 2012, soon after she had taken over the paper. I had finally gotten my crack at journalism while writing for a local website. She admired my writing and we began working together. I eventually went on to be the advertising sales manager, while still writing many articles for the paper.

It was Casie that changed the layout and is the reason the copy you’re holding today looks so beautiful. She also increased the distribution to new places in Panama and Costa Rica.

My favorite thing she initiated was “The Breeze Please,”, where people submit fun photos of themselves from different places in the world, holding a copy of the Bocas Breeze. I’d like to continue this tradition.

Thanks to everyone for their encouragement and support in this transition of the Breeze. I am honored to keep this publication going and there are exciting things to come in the new dawn of the Bocas Breeze. Any comments, ideas or criticisms can be directed to editor@thebocasbreeze.com.

www.TheBocasBreeze.com

La Historia del Bocas Breeze por Nicholas Corea

Entré a la oficina Buena Vista Reality (Bienes y Raíces Buena Vista) de JB Seligman y fui recibido con una enorme sonrisa, mucho entusiasmo y uno de los regalos más especiales que he recibido de alguien en toda mi vida: una copia de la primera edición del Bocas Breeze, publicado en Diciembre de 2004.

JB llegó a Bocas solo un poco antes de que saliera la primera publicación del Breeze. Había vendido todo en los EE.UU y vino a la isla con tan solo dos bolsas en la mano; con la idea de empezar de Nuevo en, como se lo describió un amigo a JB, “El Key West de Jimmy Buffet hace 40 años atrás ”. Después de que se le terminaran las vacaciones ya era hora de ponerse a trabajar, JB empezó una nueva carrera en desarrollo de propiedades pero no se le había olvidado de la idea del periódico. Phyl MacMillan también acababa de llegar a la isla y buscaba algo que hacer.

JB había trabajado antes en publicidad y le sugirió a Phyl que empezara un periódico comunitario.

Phyl, quien antes trabajaba como gerente de ventas en grandes compañías y era todo una jefa, montó el proyecto rápido y se puso en marcha.

El crédito para la aliteración inteligente que actualmente es y ha sido siempre el nombre de esta publicación es para Keith Werle. Reunidos con un grupo de amigos, compartieron ideas de nombres para el proyecto y fue a Kieth a quien se le ocurrió la idea de un periódico comunal que captura toda la “Breeze” (brisa) que sopla por el pueblo. ¡Buena idea, Kieth!

Phyl consideró mudarse de nuevo a los EE.UU. justo después de que se publicara la primera edición del Bocas Breeze. Melody Burt, también propietaria de Beyond Bocas Real Estate, se había nombrado a sí misma como la fotógrafa oficial del Bocas Breeze sólo por diversión y para ayudar a Phyl. Después de que la primera edición fue publicada, Phyl se acercó a ella y le pidió que comprara el periódico ya que se iban de Bocas y decidieron que Melody era el reemplazo perfecto. Aunque estaba muy ocupada con bienes raíces, ella no podía permitir que el Bocas Breeze muriera.

Melody manejaba el periódico en lo que JB recuerda como”muy parecido a la visión original de Phyl sobre el Breeze: un periódico comunitario, informativo, entretenido y no controversial” Inmediatamente ella inicio el sitio de web y continuó creciendo El Bocas Breeze por los próximos 18 meses. En julio de 2006 Melody decidió que necesitaba enfocarse más en su otro negocio por lo que le pasó la antorcha a Allene Blaker, la dueña e editora encargada a la cual le toque

The Bocas Breeze

Jacy Hefner & Allene Blaker

Nico & Casie at the 2013 Boquete Jazz Fest

la puerta yo al llegar en Bocas en 2009 (véase la nota del editor, página 3 ).

mos a trabajar juntos. Eventualmente llegue a ser el gerente de ventas de publicidad mientras aun redactaba muchos artículos para el periódico. Fue Casie la que cambió el diseño del papel y es por ella que la copia que portas hoy se ve tan hermosa. También aumentó la distribución a nuevos lugares en Panamá y Costa Rica. Mi favorito iniciado por ella fue “the Breeze please!” (la brisa por favor!), donde la gente envía fotos divertidos de ellos mismos desde diferentes partes del mundo, sosteniendo en mano una copia del Bocas Breeze. Me gustaría continuar con esta tradición.

Allene fue la primera en publicar el Bocas Breeze en inglés y español y fue la encargada por la duración mas larga (6 años). JB recuerda a Allene por sus excelentes habilidades de escritura y el más serio periodismo. La contribución de Allene siempre va a ser su énfasis de incluir contenidos con esencia; especialmente artículos sobre la educación y el medio ambiente. El Breeze de Allene fue el primero que recuerdo y desde que leí sus publicaciones, siempre he querido ser parte de ello.

La cuarta dueña /editora fue Casie Dean. Empecé a trabajar con Casie como periodista en Agosto del 2012, poco después de que se había encargado del periódico. Finalmente había conseguido mi oportunidad en el periodismo al escribir para un sitio de web local.Ella admiraba mis artículos y comenza-

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Gracias a todos por su ánimo y apoyo en esta transición del Breeze. Me siento honorado de seguir esta publicación y hay cosas emocionantes por venir en la nueva época del Bocas Breeze. Cualquier comentario, ideas o críticas pueden ser dirigidas a editor@ thebocasbreeze.com

www.TheBocasBreeze.com

Inspired Artists in (Sweet Love) Bocas

by Nicholas Corea Inspiration is everywhere on the islands of Bocas del Toro and artists Fulo Coqueño and Cath Vel have found plenty of it during their times in Bocas. On February 26th, lovers of art gathered at the Indi Lounge to experience their work and mingle amongst flowing libations, smiling faces, sweet beats and inspirational vibes. Let’s meet the artists...

Fulo Coqueño moved from his hometown of Chorrera to Panama’s capital city at the age of 19 and it was there where he began to first embrace his artistic ability. He always loved to draw but while living in Panama’s urban metropolis he decided to express himself through graffiti: “The graffiti scene had just begun in Panama and I was watching people paint and there were stores where you could buy spray paints for 50 cents. So with $20, I had 40 cans and the street was just there. Nobody was painting graffiti in the city so it was really easy for us to paint.”

If you see “Sweet” anywhere in Panama, that would be Mr. Fulo Coqueño’s tag. When you see “Sweet Love Bocas”, there’s Fulo at it again.

More on Sweet Love Bocas in a bit.

By the looks of the 20 pieces hanging around the Indi Lounge, its obvious that Fulo has come along way

with his art and his cans of aerosol.

His work is under the guise of Kunda Art, an homage to his sweet golden retriever/compañero. Nowadays he works with acrylic paint, oil, markers and he has yet to give up his faithful spray can. His art focuses on the beauty of women, which he usually expresses through profiles of African women with afros, often with messages in their hair like “I’m proud to be a natural beauty.” His other main theme is peace. With so many bad things happening in the world, he feels its important to remind people to “make art, not war”.

Arte de Cath Vel

seared Tuna) that inspires the front of house staff in such a way.

His other campaign is wildly successful and can be seen tagged all over Bocas and even tagged on t-shirts of tourists and friends alike.

The campaign is known as “Sweet Love Bocas.” What started as a simple graffiti tag has blossomed into sort of a Bocas mantra that Fulo hopes will inspire respect and (sweet) love to Bocas as a destination to all who visit it. He is in awe of the positive reaction that the “Sweet Love” tags have inspired, both receiving and transmitting positive energy to all who read it and embrace it. He elaborates, “Sweet love is when you come here for a week and then you realize that you want to change your plane ticket. Then you start looking for a job and the magnet of Bocas gets you.” Well said, Fulo.

Anyway, she took home the recycled materials from her job and began to draw, paint and design original compositions incorporating layering techniques. Faces and female sensuality are common themes in her work. Her art is driven by her emotions and “in the end it’s like a puzzle,” as she puts it. She uses primarily cardboard, corks, fabric and any recycled material she can get her hands on that will fit the piece.

Also on exhibit that evening were

Kunda Arte (Fulo Coqueño)

the works of Balbino Baquero, which you can see his mural pictured below and in Munchies Burger Bar (main street, Isla Colon, in front of Bocas Marine Tours).

Thank you Fulo, Cath and Balbino for your sharing your art and congratulations! Special mention to DJ Girzzly Grimace, DJ Von Suckass and DJ Shaper for making everyone dance and a very big thank you goes out to all those who came out support the arts in Bocas. Without fans of art, there is no art exhibition!

Cath Vel was “super bored” one day, wanted to do something and out of nowhere she picked up some cardboard and began to draw on it.

Now it’s five years later and she is presenting 26 different pieces at her own art exhibit. Kudos Cath!

She began to collect cardboard boxes and corks from the Ultimo Refugio restaurant where she worked before as a bartender, which interestingly enough is a place where our other featured artist Fulo has been known to work. There must be something in the water (or in the

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www.TheBocasBreeze.com

Artistas Inspirados en (Sweet Love) Bocas Hay inspiración en todas partes en las islas de Bocas del Toro y los artistas Fulo Coqueño y Cath Vel han encontrado muchas durante su tiempo en Bocas. El 26 de febrero, los amantes del arte se reunieron en el Indi Lounge para experimentar los obras y pasarla entre la libación fluyente, caras sonrientes, buena musica y vibraciones inspiradoras. Conozcamos a los artistas...

Fulo Coqueño se mudó de su pueblo Chorrera a la capital de Panamá cuando tenia 19 años y fue allí donde comenzó a abrazar por primera vez su capacidades artísticas. Él siempre le gustaba dibujar pero mientras vivía en la metrópolis urbana de Panamá, Fulo decidió expresarse a través de la grafiti: “(Yo) estaba ahí en la ciudad viviendo y comenzaba la escena de la grafiti en Panamá y estaba viendo la gente pintando y había depósitos donde podriamos comprar pintura por 50 centavos. Entonces con $20 tenia 40 latas y la calle estaba ahí. Nadie pintaba grafiti en la ciudad así que era muy fácil para nosotros pintar.”

Si ven “Sweet” en cualquiera parte de Panamá , este seria la etiqueta del Sr. Fulo Coqueño. Cuando ve “Sweet Love Bocas”, este es Fulo nuevamente. Mas sobre Sweet Love Bocas enseguida.

Por el aspecto de las 20 piezas que cuelgan alrededor del Indi Lounge, es obvio que Fulo ha recorrido un largo camino con su arte y sus latas de aerosol. Su obra se encuentra bajo el nombre de Kunda Art, un homenaje a su dulce golden retriever/compañero.

Actualmente trabaja con la pintura de acrílico, aceite, marcadores y él aun tiene su fiel lata de aerosol a su lado.

Su arte se centra en la belleza de las mujeres, que por lo general se expresa a través de los perfiles de las mujeres africanas con afros, a menudo con mensajes en el pelo como “Estoy orgullosa de ser una belleza natural”. Su otro tema principal es la paz. Con tantas

The Bocas Breeze

cosas malas que suceden en el mundo, el siente que es importante recordarle a la gente a “hacer arte, no la guerra”.

Su otra campaña es un gran éxito y se puede ver etiquetado por todo Bocas e incluso esta marcado en en camisetas de turistas e amigos al igual. La campaña se conoce como “Sweet Love Bocas”.

Lo que comenzó como una sencilla etiqueta de graffiti se ha convertido en una especie de mantra que Fulo espera que inspire respeto y amor (dulce) a Bocas como un destino a todos los que la visitan. Él está muy sorprendido de la reacción positiva de que las etiquetas de “Sweet Love” han inspirado, tanto para recibir y transmitir energía positiva a todos los que la leen o lo aceptan. Se elabora, “Dulce amor es cuando vienes aquí por una semana y luego te das cuenta que deseas cambiar tu boleto de avión. Luego empiezas a buscar un trabajo y el imán de Bocas te amarra.” Bien dicho, Fulo.

Cath Vel & Fulo Coqueño

tapones de corcho, telas y cualquier material reciclado que pueda conseguir y que se ajusten a la pieza.

También esa tarde fueron expuestos las obras de Balbino Baquero, las cuales se puede ver en unas de las fotos aquí debajo y tambien en Munchies Burger Bar (calle principal, Isla Colón, frente a Bocas Marine Tours).

Gracias Fulo, Cath y Balbino por compartir su arte y felicidades! Una mención especial para DJ Girzzly Grimace, DJ Von Suckass y DJ Shaper por hacer bailar a todos y un gran agradecimiento va a todos los que vinieron a apoyar las artes en Bocas. Sin los fanáticos del arte, no hay exposiciones de arte!

Cath Vel estaba “súper aburrida” un día, quería hacer algo diferente y de la nada agarro un poco de cartón y empezó a dibujar en ella. Ahora, cinco años después , ella está presentando 26 piezas diferentes en su propia exposición de arte. Felicidades Cath!

Ella comenzó a colectar cajas de cartón y corchos del restaurante Ultimo Refugio en donde trabajaba antes atendiendo el bar, que curiosamente es un lugar donde nuestro otro artista destacado Fulo ha trabajado. Debe haber algo en el agua (o en el atún a la plancha) que inspira el personal del restaurante de tal manera.

De todas formas, se llevaba a casa los materiales reciclados de su trabajo y comenzaba a dibujar, pintar y diseñar composiciones originales que incorporaban técnicas de capas. Las caras y la sensualidad femenina son temas comunes en sus trabajos. Su arte es impulsado por sus emociones y “al final es como un rompecabezas”, como dice ella. Ella utiliza principalmente cartón,

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My Collection of Cultural Treasures

by Capt’n JuLii *Editor’s note: This piece has been edited for space. Read the complete article on-line at www.thebocasbreeze. com. *También se encuentra la versión en español el la página web.

“Your daughter is beautiful,” a woman once said to my mother when we were living in China. My mother answered “Nooo, No.” Afterwards I asked my mother if she didn’t think I was beautiful. She said, “Of course I think you are beautiful!” In Chinese culture, it would have been rude and arrogant of my mother to just say “Thank you!” These kind of cultural experiences have been prevalent throughout my whole childhood.

Different cultures have influenced my life to a great extent. After living in Asia for 15 years, it was a challenge to return to Germany and cope with the culture. I learned only recently how to stick up for myself if someone older than me said something to me. In Asia, you would never talk back to someone older than you. In Germany, you have to!

During my travels I’ve heard so many times: “Why are you so pessimistic?”

We are not pessimistic! German people are just very direct and honest.

If we do not like something, we say it. These are stereotypes that people have of each nation. It is easier for the human brain to categorize a person into a big group of people in order to get an idea of what kind of person he or she is instead of seeing every person as an individual. Getting to know the individual and their unique traits only comes over time. Just like any stereotype, the ones that Germans get are sometimes exactly on point and other times completely overrated.

Just some of the things my friend and I hear: “You don’t drink beer? But you are German!” or “German people have no sense of humor” or “Your language sounds so harsh and mean.” I was able to confound this last stereotype by showing many friends German music.

Julie & her best friend Lena

Having lived mostly in Germany the past 10 years, the cultural differences between Germany and Bocas del Toro really make themselves noticeable.

Now my best friend and I are living in Bocas del Toro. The culture here is again extremely different from the Asian or German culture. I love learning about different cultures and putting myself up to the task to learn and embrace different cultural aspects.

Traveling through a country in a few weeks you never see the bottom of the iceberg. You see cultural things such as the language, food, dance etc. If you live in a different culture for a longer time you start to see what the culture is really about. The depth of a culture includes things such as work ethics, friendships, relationships, neighborhood habits, safety standards, racism (I have discussed not only once with a taxi driver that I will pay the local price and receiving the answer that I am a “gringa”, meaning I should pay tourist prices) etc. Even raising a dog is different in this culture!

Everything is completely new and so exciting.

I embrace all cultural differences and love seeing it as a way to grow and adopt certain things into my personal culture – like little treasure pieces!

Until now, I have been trying to be as respectful as an Asian and as direct and honest as a German. Now I would

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like to be as tranquilo as a Bocatoreño.

I want to enjoy life to the fullest and live in the moment. I want to listen to loud music so that my neighbors enjoy it as well. I want to celebrate the 3 different songs all playing at once, booming from different bars while I am writing this. I love how the little street we live on is always full of a few people sitting around enjoying a nice conversation. I adore the way the taxi drivers call me “mi amor” when I get into the car and the mechanic asks me “Ey mami! You need help carrying your groceries?” I am so thankful everyday for all these influences I get to experience in Bocas del Toro.

I wish more cultures were as open as Bocas culture. Just now, taking a break from writing and going out for a walk with my dog, once again-nI did not walk alone. My neighbor’s son walked with me and asked me all about Germany. Other days there is a little girl that joins me. Here, it doesn’t matter if you know the person. You can start a conversation with anyone!

It reminds me of my favorite pub back in Germany. I live in a small town

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much through the stories of people I have met from Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, England, United States, Israel, Ghana, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Switzerland, Estonia, Portugal, Spain, Norway, South Africa, and many more.

On the other hand, I am happy that my friend and I can teach others about our own culture. For example the important rule of looking into each others eyes when you say cheers before drinking. Teaching people sentences such as “S’lebe isch koi zuckaschlecka!” which basically means that “you cannot only pick the nice things in life and that you just have to go with the flow.” We also try to support people in doing what they want to do with their lives. You should always try to be the happiest version of yourself. Live your dream.

Julie in Germany

and the same people have been going to the same pub for years. Usually everyone has their table at which they always sit. My friends and I have been sitting next to a group of people for years. I have no idea who these people are! We have never introduced ourselves. We have never talked. This would never be possible in Bocas del Toro.

In Bocas, it is not only the Bocatoreños that I learn from though. I learn through all the different cultures that arrive and live in this melting

The Bocas Breeze

One very important thing, that must be mentioned though, is the following: my friend and I are guests in Bocas del Toro. For us, it is most important to be conscious of this fact and try to adapt to the Bocatoreñian culture accordingly. We enjoy all different cultures and love the mix of people, but as a sign of respect: Bocas culture should be respected to the fullest.

There is nothing more beautiful on this planet than learning from different people of different cultures. My soul absorbs all these cultural aspects that it loves and makes them its own. We are so blessed to live in such a diverse world and I am so happy that I can travel and learn so much about myself and other cultures.

pot. I have learned a few words in Hebrew, Dutch and Gnobe, one of the indigenous languages that is spoken here. I now know how to make a Cesar (a Canadian drink) and what poutine is (a Canadian dish). I have learned about insects from an entomologist from Canada, I have learned about boats, sailing and fishing from many friends from all over the world. I have driven a lancha and a big catamaran.

I have learned that my dog’s name in German is extremely inappropriate in Panama. And I have gained so

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Introducing Team Cayuco Paunch:

A Bocas del Toro First!

Team Cayuco Paunch had been training in an actual boat for only 6 weeks before they won the Playa Veracruz Open Water race on February 27th, 2016. Before that, they had been practicing their rowing techniques sitting atop planks of wood placed between two docks! They even placed 4th in Panama City on the 6 mile Causeway race on January 16th, mere days after picking up the boat they are currently renting for this season’s racing.

Let’s take a look at the Team Cayuco Paunch and how they came to be.

In November of 2015, Carolina Botero approached her toughest and strongest girl friends with idea of competing in the famous “Ocean-to-Ocean” Cayuco Regatta, which is a paddling race that goes from the city of Colon (Atlantic side of the Canal) to Panama City (Pacific side). Yes, you read that correctly: it is a 3 day race! Not only does Carolina’s

last name mean “boater” in Spanish, but she has also competed in the sport for many years in Panama City. So did Angie Whittemore. Nowadays these Panama City girls call Bocas del Toro home.

Carolina is the owner of Cafe del Mar (1st street, Isla Colón, opposite Police Station) and Angie does online marketing and graphic design with her company Panama InDesign and is also part of the Bocas Fight Gym with our 3rd team member: Esther Brix.

Esther is a long time Bocas resident who comes from Rotterdam, Holland.

She is known for her athleticism along with her furious strength-andconditioning sessions at the Bocas Fight Gym. She is the only team member without prior rowing experience but was highly sought after by Carolina as Esther’s athletic reputation precedes her. The team began training and later added Julie Lanouette who is very

The ladies of Team Cayuco Paunch and their Red Bull sponsored rental

knowledgeable and passionate about rowing sports from her past life in Quebec where she competed in Kayak sprints and Dragon-boat racing. Julie is a Bocas resident who gives surf tours and sailing charters with Sufari Surf & Sail. The girls knew each other in many ways but their primary bond was surfing.

They named the team “Paunch” after the famous Bocas surf break, which happens to be their favorite and they felt it would be best way to represent Bocas del Toro’s first Cayuco team.

Cayuco is a sport unique to Panama.

Although it resembles many boat racing sports around the world, the Panamanian version originated in the Canal Zone in the year 1954 with the Boy Scouts of America. It is a 4 person rowing sport which takes place from January to March. It pays homage to the indigenous groups who built massive canoes, or cayucos, out of gigantic tree trunks, which were designed to transport more than 2 people, as well as provisions and supplies for the community.

Modern cayucos used in these races are constructed primarily out of wood, but can also incorporate a small amount of fiberglass into the design of the vessel.

The ladies began training in December without a boat; training Bocas stylepaddling on planks and in dinghies, but were eventually able to get Red Bull to sponsor a boat rental, along with some of the costs for registering for the season’s races. As an international team, they must qualify for the great Ocean-toOcean race. They missed the first race of the season on the account of having no boat and were awarded last place along with 10 minute penalty. They placed 4th in their very first race with the boat (with less than a few days practice in it) and went on to train feverishly for the next 6 weeks. The hard work paid off as

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they pulled off a monstrous 1st place victory in Playa Veracruz on February 22nd where they beat league favorites Nossa Vittoria by a whopping 50 seconds and they were only 1 minute shy of the 1 hour 15 minute course record.

The girls of Cayuco Paunch are currently fund-raising and training like mad women. You can catch them from 4-6pm Monday through Saturday paddling sometimes as far as from Bocas Town to Playa del Drago and back! Not only is Cayuco a very rigorous sport- it is also very expensive. Their fund-raising efforts have been well supported by the community. They were able to raise $450 during an event at the Barco Hundido on March 1st where Esther performed live music while the team sold snacks and autographed Polaroid pictures of the group (perhaps worth a lot of money once they are famous). They’ve received donations from generous Bocas businesses and benefactors and are currently accepting donations online through a “GoFundMe” campaign.

Check out the campaign’s website and contribute to the cause if possible. You can donate here: www.gofundme.com/ cayucopaunch While their fund-raising efforts have achieved some sort of success, they haven’t been able to buy their own boat yet. This is the goal of the fund-raising along with starting the first Cayuco paddling club on the island, with the idea of involving youths and organizing races in Bocas.

Great job so far ladies! And please know that the Breeze is rooting for Bocas’ very first Cayuco team, March 18-20th at the CREBA Ocean-to-Ocean Regatta. Visit www.thebocasbreeze.com for the results of the big race, as they weren’t available at the time of this publication.

www.TheBocasBreeze.com

Presentando Equipo Cayuco Paunch: ¡Una primer vez para Bocas del Toro! por Nicholas Corea

Equipo Cayuco Paunch había entrenado en un bote verdadero por solo 6 meses antes de ganar la Regata Playa Veracruz el 27 de febrero de 2016. Antes de eso, había practicado sus técnicas de remo sentados encima de tablones de madera colocados entre dos muelles! Incluso clasificaron de cuarto lugar en la Regata Amador el 16 de Enero, pocos días después de recibir el bote que actualmente están alquilando para las carreras de esta temporada. Vamos a echar un vistazo al Equipo Cayuco Paunch y cómo llegaron a ser.

En noviembre de 2015, Carolina Botero se acercó a sus amigas mas fuertes con la idea de competir en la famosa “ Ocean-to-Ocean” Regata de Cayuco, la cual es una carrera de remo que empieza en la cuidad de Colón (lado Atlántico del Canal) y termina en la Ciudad de Panamá (lado Pacífico). Sí, Usted leyó bien: es una carrera de 3 días! Carolina Botero no solo tiene un apellido bien apropiado pero también ha competido en el deporte durante muchos años en la Ciudad de Panamá. También lo hizo Angie Whittemore. Hoy en día estas chicas capitalinas llama a Bocas del Toro su hogar. Carolina es la dueña de Café del Mar (calle 1, Isla Colón, frente a la estación de policía) y Angie hace mercadeo por internet y diseño gráfico con su compañía Panamá InDesign y también es parte del gimnasio

Bocas Fight Gym con nuestra 3ra miembra del equipo: Esther Brix.

Esther es una residente de Bocas desde hace mucho y ella es de Rotterdam, Holanda. Ella es conocida por su capacidad atlética y sus sesiones furiosas de fuerza y acondicionamiento en el Bocas Fight Gym. Ella es la único miembra del equipo sin experiencia previa de remar, pero fue muy buscada por Carolina ya que la reputación atlética de Esther la precede. El equipo comenzó a entrenar y luego añadió a Julie Lanouette, la cual es muy conocedora e apasionada de los deportes de remo de su vida pasada en Quebec (Canada), donde compitió en carreras cortas de kayak y carreras de barco Dragón. Julie es un residente de Bocas que trabaja dando excursiones de surf y cartas de navegación con la compañía Surfari Surf & Sail. Las chicas se conocían entre sí de muchas maneras, pero su vínculo primario era el surf. Llamaron al equipo “Paunch” por el famoso lugar de surf en Bocas que también es el favorito del grupo y ellas consideraron que sería la mejor manera para representar el primer equipo de cayuco de Bocas del Toro.

de remo de 4 personas que se lleva a cabo de Enero a Marzo. Se rinde homenaje a los grupos indígenas que construyeron canoas masivas (cayucos) hechos de los troncos de los árboles gigantes que fueron diseñados para transportar más de 2 personas, así como provisiones y suministros para la comunidad.

Los cayucos modernos usados en estas carreras se construyen principalmente de madera pero puede incorporar una pequeña cantidad de fibra de vidrio en el diseño del buque.

Las chicas comenzaron a entrenar en Diciembre sin tener ningun bote; entrenaron al estilo Bocas- remando encima de tablones colgados entre 2 muelles o en dinghies (botecitos inflatables que usan los veleros) pero eventualmente fueron capaces de obtener un patrocinio de parte de Red Bull para un bote de alquiler, ademas de algunos de los costos para el registro de las carreras de la temporada. Al ser un equipo internacional, deben clasificar para la gran carrera de Océano a Océano. Perdieron la primera carrera de la temporada por no tener bote y fueron galardonados con el último lugar junto con una multa de 10 minutos. Obtuvieron el cuarto lugar en su primera carrera con el bote (contando con solo un par días de practica con el bote) y pasaron a entrenar furiosamente las próximas 6 semanas. El esfuerzo valió la pena, ya que logró una victoria monstruosa de primer lugar en Playa Veracruz el 22 de Febrero en la que vencieron a las favoritos de la liga Nossa Vittoria por una

Cayuco es un deporte exclusivo de Panamá. A pesar de que se asemeja a muchos deportes de regatas de alrededor del mundo, la versión panameña se originó en la zona del canal en el año 1954 con los Boy Scouts de America. Es un deporte

Playa Veracruz 1st place victory

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diferencia asombrosa de 50 segundos y estuvieron a solo 1 minuto del récord en curso de 1 hora y 15 minutos.

Las chicas de Cayuco Paunch están actualmente generando fondos y entrenando como locas. Puede verlas entrenar desde las 4-6 pm de Lunes a Sábado, remando a veces tan lejos como de Bocas Town hasta Boca del Drago y de regreso! El deporte de cayuco no solo es un deporte muy riguroso- también es muy costoso. Sus esfuerzos de generar fondos han sido bien apoyado por la comunidad.

Ellas fueron capaces de generar $450 durante un evento en el Barco Hundido el 1 de marzo, donde Esther presento música en vivo, mientras el equipo vendía comidas y autografiaba fotos tipo polaroid del grupo (tal vez valdrán mucho dinero una vez que sean famosas). Han recibido donaciones de generosas empresas y benefactores de Bocas y actualmente están aceptando donaciones por medio de internet a través de una campaña de “GoFundMe”. Visite la página de web de la campaña y contribuir a la causa si le es posible. Se puede donar aquí: www. gofundme.com/cayucopaunch Hasta ahora muy buen trabajo chicas!

Y por favor, sepan que el Breeze está alentando al primer equipo Bocatoreño del deporte cayuco, del 18-20 de Marzo en la CREBA Regata Ocean-to-Ocean.

Visita www.thebocasbreeze.com para ver los resultados de la gran carrera, ya que no estaban disponibles en el momento de esta publicación.

www.TheBocasBreeze.com

3rd Annual Give & Surf Back to School Bash

was a Smashing Success por Emily Talentino *Nota del editor: visite www.thebocasbreeze.com para leer el artículo en español.

We partied, we danced, we drank but most importantly- we gave. Give & Surf ’s 3rd Annual Back to School Bash was a huge success thanks to the generosity of the hundreds of community members that came out to support the efforts to raise funds for scholarships and educational programs for local Bocas students. The event itself raised more than $5,500 and combined with student sponsorship donations and the online campaign, Give & Surf was able to raise more than $17,000 in the last month. All of this money will go towards providing continuing education scholarships to high school and university students and to supporting the educational programs

that Give & Surf provides throughout the community.

“It was particularly important for us to raise more money this year,” says Neil Christiansen, Give & Surf ’s founder and president, “because another local foundation that provided scholarships (BESO) recently dissolved thus creating a need for funding to come from somewhere else. While we had previously given out a few scholarships to students in Bahia Roja and Bahia Honda, we wanted to make sure we closed this gap and extended our scholarships to more students this year.”

school supplies and transportation costs for students going to and from school, which for some university students can be as high as $20 per day or the equivalent of one full day of work day’s pay. Additionally, Give & Surf continues to run its yearround preschool and kindergarten programs in Bahia Roja and Bahia Honda, helps to support the new Old Bank Community Center and has expanded its adult English as a Second Language classes to 5 communities. All of these classes and services are offered for free in the indigenous communities and are possible thanks to the generosity of so many donors and volunteers; both in Bocas and around the world.

Give & Surf has now committed to providing over 40 high school and university scholarships to students living on the islands of Bastimentos, Colon, Solarte and Carenero. These scholarships help to cover registration fees,

A huge thanks to Melissa Grani and Paki Gale for hosting the event at Indi Lounge. Special thanks to the band

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“Sweet Fundraisers” and to all those who helped plan the event: Juan David Isaac, Marti Kirschman, Kay Heath, Savannah Remmich, Dave Evanko and the Give & Surf staff and volunteers.

Also thanks to all of the businesses and individuals who donated items and who bid on items!

www.TheBocasBreeze.com

Comunidad de Bocas se une en apoyo a las víctimas del incendio *Editor’s note: Please visit www. thebocasbreeze.com to read the English version of this article.

Un incendio voraz estalló en el barrio conocido como “La Solución” en la tarde del 7 de Febrero. Siete casas se quemaron por completo, mientras que otros fueron dañadas, dejando un total reportado de 24 personas damnificadas por el incendio.

El incendio ocurrió el Domingo de la celebración anual de Carnaval durante la fiesta de culeco. En las fiestas de culecos se colocan grandes tanques de agua en el medio de la calle y los carnavaleros son regados con mangueras para refrescarse mientas bailen en la tarde calurosa.

Desafortunadamente, en aquel fatídico domingo tuvieron que suspender dicha actividad y transportar toda esa agua inmediatamente al fuego.

Según La Critica, “La ayuda fue enviada a través de una agencia llamada Despacho de la Primera Dama y recibida por el personal de SINAPROC, MIVIOT, la policía y el vice gobernador Esteban Chacón junto a otras autoridades para distribuir entre las familias necesitadas.

Aparte de la ayuda del gobierno,

la comunidad de Bocas del Toro se unieron para proporcionar donaciones de artículos para el hogar, ropa, juguetes y alimentos. Las donaciones se recogieron en la bodega de John Schneider, un vecino de las familias afectadas. El Woodstock (almacén de madera) también estuvo disponibles para recibir donaciones de dinero a una cuenta para poder donar madera con fin de la reconstrucción de las casas que fueron afectadas.

Al momento de esta publicación, $ 1,877 habían sido colectados en la bodega. Este dinero se invirtió en reguladores de gas, cilindros y estufas para las familias afectadas.

El restante fue puesto en la cuenta de madera Woodstock. Kelly De Berube de Buena Vista Restaurante recaudo $ 1,000 adicionales y muchos artículos domésticos fueron donados gentilmente.

Woodstock aun esta aceptando donaciones para madera, que serán necesarios en la reconstrucción de estas viviendas. Hasta el momento han recolectado $ 1089 a través de la Cruz

PH. Sharon Adam Roja y no es demasiado tarde para contribuir. Puede donar directamente al Woodstock. Ellos le darán un recibo y el dinero será dividido en partes iguales entre las familias que fueron efectuadas. Si desea, puede donar directamente a la cuenta de una familia específica también.

Gracias a todos los que se salieron

de su camino para ayudar a los necesitados . Un agradecimiento especial a Sharon Adam por sus fotos y para Sharon , Kelly De Berube , Los Médicos Flotantes , Woodstock, La Cruz Roja , Vicegobernador Esteban Chacón , el Gobierno de Panamá y John Schneider por sus esfuerzos durante el proceso de donación.

PH. Sharon Adam

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MONTHLY HOROSCOPES This monthly horoscope column in no way endorses, recommends, suggests or in any other form infers actual fact.

And under no circumstance should be considered valid information for the purpose of life decision making. Should you have any comments or suggestions regarding this column, please feel free to keep them to yourself.

ARIES March 21 – April 19

What’s up Aries? Yes, I’m talking to you, hopefully you can hear me through the protective headgear. Your mother lied: you’re not special (at least not the way she made you think). I mean come on, stubborn is not diligent and lazy is not steadfastness. What you are Aries, at least at present, is what many an overzealous romantic male tends to find himself led around by. Wise up Aries, the phrase “till death do you parts” should not be considered legal means of divorce, not even marginally recommended. Its most important this month you curb your violent streak. Seek out a friendship with a Pisces, as Pisces tend to make the rest of the astrological signs look better than they normally are. Actively consider reincarnation, or if possible selling off your organs until it’s no longer necessary for you to pay rent.

TAURUS April 20 – May 20

This month expect numerous questions, most will be regarding financial matters, some your sexual orientation/preference. Don’t let your normal propensity toward steadfast noncommittal ruin the opportunity for a two-way communication and perhaps even a new relationship. First and foremost in this regard, always check to be certain your would-be potential squeeze/friend is carbon-based. Very important- I myself have been fooled more than once in the past. Now the good news is that your lack of hygiene will be discovered as the perfect insect repellent, allowing you to finally shed the hazmat coveralls you’ve been wearing since the Nixon administration. Expect a surprise, keeping in mind that if you are expecting a surprise, it won’t be a surprise. Work that one out for yourself, Taurus. Your lucky number this month: 3. Seriously it’s 3. Good luck with the rest.

GEMINI May 21 – June 21

Good afternoon Gemini. I say this because one of the major attributes attributed to your sign is a sloth. I know you try and pass it off as the active embodiment of discerning judgment, but in fact you tend to be lazy. That’s not a bad thing. After all, there are hundreds of unfilled government jobs that this makes you qualified for. As I say, it’s not a bad thing- you’re smart and people tend to like you. Although this is often for the silences between your words, other than the words themselves.

You are a facilitator, the guy who nods politely in the affirmative as a near total stranger rambles on, on some subject he has a bear-passing knowledge of. Expect an epiphany regarding your concerns over not getting proper service in restaurants. In truth you’re getting more than you deserve dollar-wise. Relax, if you want more be prepared to pay more, otherwise shut up and smile.

CANCER June 22 – July 22

Hello sailor! This month seems ideal astrologically-speaking for travel. And I’m not talking about a day out comparison shopping for toilet paper, no sir, I’m talking on a plane, boat, or maybe even a powered parachute. But trust me, you’re heading somewhere and it won’t be long before you realize the importance of the journey. Don’t worry if at the present time, you’re uncertain as to your destination.

Considering your diet, perhaps a visit to Lords in France might be advisable. That or any of the many hot springs dotted across the globe for rejuvenation. I mean seriously Cancer, has anyone mentioned that the shape of a pie does not necessarily indicate it’s part of well-rounded diet? Lucky number? Sure, why not? Any integer that also equals an anagram. [12 + 1 = 11 + 2]

LEO July 23 – August 22

Hey chubby. Although you’re not necessarily fat, this month especially, you have a propensity towards overindulgence. Vice is everywhere and your typical weak-willed attitude towards it will do you no service at the present time. Consider turning the tables on your stereotypical view of your sign. Try developing a knee-jerk reaction to the distractions you accept as normal and unavoidable. For instance, next time

The Bocas Breeze

This column is created and written by John Schneider.

Mr. Schneider has nothing to hide, for $3.99 a minute.

you get the urge to brush your teeth with the cream filling from a Twinkie, consider toothpaste instead. Better yet, why don’t you and your toothpaste, toothbrush and any other oral paraphernalia go to the beach instead? This advice works equally as well if you are landlocked. Any body of water substantial enough to spit in will do.

Think before you speak, especially if you’re alone, not that anyone is listening, except perhaps for the voices in your head.

VIRGO August 23 – September 22

“Only the lonely know the way you feel tonight”, to quote Elvis. You, Virgo, are feeling abandoned. Rightfully so, as your two ruling planets. Mars and Jupiter are so far out of the influence that you’re more likely to get positive help from an inscription mysteriously discovered on the bottom of a Chinese flip-flop. Good advice for you at the present would be keep your head down and your mouth shut. This advice will also improve your golf game, especially on the windmill hole. For the immediate future seek out cheese as your new best friend. That and a good Port. Although in times of loneliness any port will do. Your lucky number: one; which is by the way the number of people including yourself who find you marginally interesting to spend time with.

LIBRA September 23 – October 22

Heads up Libra! The opportunity to share will turn into an opportunity to over share.

This in turn will turn into a misunderstanding, which in turn will become a big problem for your financial adviser in the months to come. This month your moon sign will be seen visiting in several houses, not the least of this being the international House of pancakes. Avoid anything with blueberries or for that matter the color blue this month. Not heeding this advice will undoubtedly leave a stain either on your clothes or your permanent record, which by the way is a great deal more accessible to the public then you had imagined in the past. Beware a Taurus, as your moon has shown up unexpectedly in his aspect and annoyed his wife, who was not prepared for company- right in the middle of preparing dinner. Try being more complementary, like peanuts; just not so salty.

SCORPIO October 23 – November 21

Does the phrase “stop touching that” ring a bell? It should, as you’ve heard it throughout your life. First as a child, then an adolescent, and finally now in what passes for adulthood. Is it possible your friends, family, and clergy alike were all wrong- or could it be you? Laws, both civil and natural will be tested and you, Scorpio, if not cautious, will find yourself on the wrong side of all of them. Ominous, hell yes! So ominous, you could go blind from this one. Like staring into an eclipse, this month you will be staring into the abyss. Extract what you can from the experience or suffer the consequences. Sounds dark, darker than you can imagine, so wise up or opt out. At least for the immediate future. Lucky number: you’ve got to be kidding me!

SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21

At present, Sagittarians have an opportunity to take advantage of what they ordinarily see as a disadvantage. Specifically I mean their diminutive stature. Mickey Rooney, Mickey Mouse and Mickey Spillane were all Sagittarians and each took full advantage of his shortness to sneak into other people’s homes using the doggy door.

And once inside, they rifled through their personal possessions while eating all the best stuff out of the refrigerator. That last sentence was a metaphor- you Sag’s know what I’m referring to. For now, avoid water signs, wading pools and any public water fountains; especially those designed with your short stature in mind. Avoid Gemini or anyone wearing tap shoes- even puppies (who should know better). Try becoming proficient at a game that ends in the letter O. Examples: lotto, bingo, and Jango.

CAPRICORN December 22 – January 19

Several years ago while swimming up the Ganges River using only water wings

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APRIL 2016

and an uncontrollable desire to spawn, I had the opportunity to stay overnight in a small village whose people practice an obscure religion. Their belief system centered exclusively around corny practical jokes. Whoopee cushions and exploding cigars were everywhere and as per their tradition I was offered the opportunity to sleep with the chief’s wife, who had a headache. I think you get my point. If not Capricorn, here it is: self-loathing is completely unnecessary this month as the universe is lining up a slew of misadventures to cause you to doubt what you know as fact. Take heart Capricorn. These are lessons to be learned; not punishments to be endured. And like the whoopee cushion, once you get past the noise and the mild embarrassment- you discover it’s pretty comfortable.

AQUARIUS January 20 – February 18

Hi Ho Aquarius, you little self-starter, you! Expect compliments, adulation and kudos as both Libra and Mars exert positive energy, which clever you will direct appropriately to a humanitarian project. Something old will be made new again- too cryptic? Okay try this: put your hand or abilities to helping the elderly and expect, and deservedly so, your reward in a healthier attitude towards life and others.

Consider flirting as a hobby, Practice at home in front of the mirror before you take it public. Hats are coming back, so watch where you walk especially uphill. Use the force grasshopper. Over and out.

PISCES February 19 – March 20

What’s that smell? Congratulations Pisces- it’s you wrapped in hard work and you came by it honestly. You were patient and now Jupiter, like a drunken juggler, is dropping opportunity all around you. The best part is, the last few months you’ve been hibernating to some degree and planning for the success which you are now enjoying. It feels good, doesn’t it? Especially compared to those few moments of doubt which seemed like we were not totally lost but certainly obscured by a pretty thick mist of uncertainty. So now what? I’d love to say “clear sailing”, but looking to the east, a sun sign appears to be attempting to eclipse your success with half-truths and second guesses. Don’t let the bastards get you. Stay true to your course and don’t play into mind games or Internet gossip. Sure, truth is beauty, but joy is easy. It’s your choice.

MONTHLY OVERVIEW OF ASTROLOGICAL INFLUENCES According to Monty Python “no one expects the Inquisition”, much like the right cross Mohammed Ali had in his prime. Well dear readers, expect April to be that kind of a month. Expect to be amazed, and/or knocked out cold; so diligence, or at least consciousness for some of you, would be a very positive step. Don’t forget that amazement comes in all sizes. I’m reminded of when I was a young man attending a private school for chronic failures in the public sector. Before school and at lunch, most of us would sneak around the corner to a little bar/restaurant called Charlie’s.

The place was the real deal: old and shabby and the owner Charlie was behind the bar. He had been there since the invention of whiskey. The kitchen was small with a steamy atmosphere, even when nothing was cooking. And the cook, Mary, by name and religious by nature, was a large black woman barely as tall as the stove on which she prepared what to this day was the finest Southern cooking I’ve ever eaten. One day in late October I was in the kitchen enjoying the warmth and watching Mary as she prepared to make fried chicken. She pulled out an iron skillet the size of a manhole cover and perhaps 8 inches deep. It was dented and scratched and could easily have been used for armor during the Civil War. I was amazed she could lift the damn thing. But lift it she did and she placed it on the stove and turned on the gas. The flames rose around the skillet as if a portal to hell had sprung open under it. Then Mary eased the lid off a 5 gallon bucket of shortening and with a massive scoop deposited a great iceberg’s worth of the stuff into the skillet. Moments later the mound of shortening began to move around the skillet as if propelled by some unseen hand. It appeared to be making the sign of the cross, not once or twice but repeatedly until finally all melted and only the skillet of liquid remained. I turned to Mary who was grinning broadly at my amazement. She spoke without hesitation and said “the lard moves in mysterious ways”. This, as if nothing unusual had occurred.

My point is that for this month- great or small, expect it all and if possible: prepared to be amazed.

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CLASSIFIEDS BOATS AND ACCESSORIES

FOR RENT

MISCELLANEOUS

ALL BOATS AND MOTORS IN STOCK IN BOCAS

STUDIO APARTMENT AVAILABLE APRIL 1ST

Contact 6480-6325 or earlmeck@ yahoo.com

In Bocas town, secure and quiet, Private bath, fully equipped kitchen, quality linens, hot water, Wifi, laundry on premises, filtered water machine and secure bicycle parking....$375 - $450. For more info call John 67250429. kroutkw@yahoo.com

Salon de Belleza Caribe Unisex Full service beauty salon. Cuts, Color, Manicure, Pedicure, Waxing. Calle 4 behind Cristina Hotel & Supermercado 6722-6641

17’ CATAMARAN, 2 50 HP 4 STROKE YAMMIES 20’ aluminum pontoon, 115 low hours, reduced for quick sale

TUTTY-N-FISH

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 6900-9890 OR 6811-7714

Best selection of Fish and Seafood Beef, Pork, Chicken, Coconut Oil. Best Ceviche in town. Avenida Sur after the Ferry Dock, Across from Ultimo Refugio Restaurant. Mon-Fri 11-5pm Sat 11-3pm. Place your order: Tutty06@gmail.com

MEN WANTED

22’ center console panga, 75 hp

DOG FOR RENT $50/HOUR.

26’ center console panga, 80 hp yammie, ready for fish and fun

Female Beagle / Wiener“Mona” Very fun. Quite the babe magnet. Loves the running on the beach/loves surfing.

Call Juan David 6222-6686. Serious Inquiring Only

For hazardous journey Small wages, bitter cold, months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Contact Shackleton, Elephant Island IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS - BOCAS DEL TORO Fire (Bomberos)

757-9103

Bocas Hospital

757-9201

Almirante Hospital 758-3745 / 758-3286

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Changuinola Hospital

758-8232

Port Authority

757-94474

Airport

757-9208

Bocas Marine Tours

757-9033

Electric Company

757-9228

Cable & Wireless

123

Direct TV

758-7090

Banco Nacional

757-9230

Directory Information

757-9102

Air Panama

757-9841

Immigration

758-8651

Ambulance

757-9201

Police (Policia)

757-9104 / 757 9217 / 9485 www.TheBocasBreeze.com