Drake had a burning hatred of the Spanish and Catholicism. Part of this hatred was inspired by his father who was an Anglican preacher back in England. The other reason why he disliked the Spanish was that he was betrayed by the them when he was fixing his ships in a port somewhere in Mexico. The authorities in Mexico told him it would be fine if he made repairs in their harbor. Instead they ambushed him and Drake lost several men in the foray.

There is no doubt that Jewish Panamanians have become a driving force in the economy here. In order to see just how influential the Jewish community has become, just look through the yellow pages and count how many Jewish apellidos you can find next to large companies. This success did not occur overnight.

Out of the seven recognized indigenous tribes of Panama, the Kuna are the most organized and independent. They are also the most recognizable. There is no mistaking a Kuna woman. They wear beautiful and brightly colored tapestries called molas around their waists and wrap colorful beads around their wrists and calves. The beads are called winnis and are supposed to protect them from malicious spirits. Bright red scarves adorn their heads and they usually have a black line running vertically down the length of their nose with a gold ring placed through the septum. As we shall see, the Kuna have a very interesting and colorful history.

For those of you who don't already know, Reaggaeton is now a serious, established musical form that contains drum-machine beats derived from Jamaican dancehall rhythms, as well as some techno and house beats. While five years ago hardly anybody outside the Latino community heard about Reggaeton, now, it's hitting the mainstream in U.S. cities such as Chicago, New York, and Miami.

Not many people know the story behind the guy wearing the red cape, blue pants and funny hat on every bottle of Captain Morgan's Rum, probably not even people who love Captain Morgan's. This essay will clear things up for people who thought he was just created as a clever marketing ploy. He actually existed and he was one of the badest dudes to sail the Caribbean. Along with hurricanes and sea monsters, if you were a Spanish captain plying the waters of the Caribbean, an encounter with this guy and his crew would prove to be your worst nightmare.

I first met Ramon when I was working out down the street from the Veneto at Robert's Gym. I was taking a break on the bench press like I usually do with my head down not paying attention to the jibber jabber all around me, when someone tapped me on my shoulder. The guy said something unintelligible; I looked dumbfounded at his query and I said “como?” By my accent he knew I spoke English and we talked for an abnormal amount of time for what is considered “gym talk”. 

I was introduced to Allison “Allie” Silverman about 2 weeks ago by Matt at the gringo hangout, ClaroCom. Her petite, muscular figure, freckles, and bright smile welcomed me to this country as well as quickly telling me she had to run because she had a web conference with a man in India. I chuckled, because her mannerisms were just so cute. Matt swiftly explained that she was here on a grant from the States doing stuff with solar energy. In turn, a great candidate for this fiery chair we like to call, THE HOT SEAT.

I sat down with entrepreneur, Casey Halloran at a restaurant I frequent, a place that I like. I figured that if we were going to be talking about things way over my head, it might help to be in familiar surroundings. I summoned the waiter and asked for a cranberry juice with a wedge of lime and a cherry and some bread. Before I got the chance to ask my first question, Mr. Halloran leaned back in his chair, the way you do when you are about to reminisce, and said “It all started when I was nine years old, in a pie eating contest.” Things had gotten off to a rocky start.

I had a long flight and the muscles around my neck were stressed out and tired. I needed a massage- fast. I inquired around a bit and thought it over. Then as I was walking to Claro com café, I noticed a beauty parlor which advertised for massages. It looked like a nice joint so I jumped on the opportunity. I went in and saw several people sitting around and chatting. I went up to the woman sitting behind the counter. I said nervously “Massages?”

Let me tell you, Walter has a lot to say and it's important. When I was asked to interview Walter I did not know what kind of man he was. I knew he was in business, but I wasn't clear on the specifics. I had met him once before but it was brief- no more than “hello and how are you?”

It was pretty early in the morning, around 7, when I was lying there in bed. Achy. I was sprawled out full eagle, completely dressed with my shoelaces and stomach both still in knots. My whole body was feeling the throbbing effects of a long night of revelry, celebration, and carousing. The headache, the nausea, the embarrassment. My belt buckle had been unfastened but still remained loosely wound around my waist—a half-finished attempt to pass out with some dignity.

Panama is an undiscovered paradise that I almost don't want to share with others. I fell in love with this country on my first visit nearly a year ago. I knew almost immediately that this country would soon be my new home. The people are really what made the decision for me.

The store across the street is owned by Mr. Fernando How, a Chinese immigrant with some funny long hairs on his face. As is common in these sorts of shops, business is a family affair. He is assisted by his wife Rosa (usually referred to as Rosita or “little Rosa”) and his daughter Vivian, who rides bikes, sweats a lot, and determines the prices for cold drinks.

Early on in history, Panama was densely populated by indigenous people—among them, the Cuevas and Cocole tribes. In 1501, Spaniard Rodrigo de Bastidas was the first to spot Panama, and with the help of Christopher Columbus, they dropped anchor off the Caribbean coast in Portobelo in 1502. In 1510, Vasco Nunez de Balboa established the first successful colony and became governor of the region. With this arrival of the Spaniards came violence and disease which almost completely eradicated Panama's indigenous population.