Do not go anywhere without a camera, ever. You will regret it! I will just have to paint a picture with words today.

If you get an invitation to a party in Panama, you must GO!  The tennis club had a party last night at the leader’s house and we had such fun.

The party started with social time, drinks, and appetizers. I chose the sangria, and what a good choice that was. It was the best sangria I ever had! It was popular so another batch had to be made and I was lucky enough to observe and find out their secret – two bottles of red wine, a quart of pineapple juice, 1/2 – 1 quart orange juice (not sure on amount), some grenadine, and some chopped apples and grapes. Serve with ice.
Later, there was dinner – lasagna, salad, and garlic bread, very yummy.

Then, to our surprise, a mariachi band arrived! It was five guys dressed in the traditional outfits complete with big ornate sombreros, three guitars and two trumpets. A trumpet at close range is loud! This is probably a good thing because the party folks were just as loud. Everyone knew all the songs and sang along in full voice, often while dancing and/or clapping also. Imagine an outdoor back patio on a perfect warm evening, furniture shoved out of the way, happy people, fun music, dancing, singing, clapping, laughing and having a wonderful time. What an experience!

By the time the band wrapped up it was midnight, and they were being served dinner.  We figured it was about time to call it a night.

What a great bunch of people! I think there were 30-40 people there, and such an interesting group. There were a variety of professions, experiences, some locals, some international people, many who spoke excellent English, so  it was very easy to mingle and have a great time.

Who would have thought – I stopped by a sporting goods store to ask if they knew of any tennis courts. They sent us to Fertica, an agricultural business who happens to have a tennis court on the property. The Fertica secretary gave us the contact information for the group leader and as they say, the rest is history.  Now we have a place to play, an excellent tennis coach, a wonderful group of people, and a bunch of new friends.

I do not know why my “featured image” won’t work today, so I just stuck it at the top of the post. Here’s another for good measure.

Wherever you go, take a camera!!

Fiesta!