Vivian and Mr. How


Vivian and Mr. How

(3 votes)

Written by Matt Landau

Thursday, February 09 2006

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.

The first time I walked into this place I couldn't help but wonder what the friskies was going on? The store itself is about the size of my bedroom. Maybe smaller. On the right when you walk in, there is a small kitchen and ordering window. That's where Rosita sits. On the left is the cash register and about six or seven types of individually wrapped pieces of bubble gum. Back to the left are the drink coolers with large glass sliding doors which sometimes get caught—at which point you simply reach your arm in like an pepsi-grabbing octopus tentacle.

Off to the right there are these white tile booths where you can eat. They sort of remind me of those tiled urinals at some rural restaurants but nonetheless, they get the job done. I usually order my food off a menu which is scribbled with a crayola on the wall. Just about any item on the menu costs about $2 and includes your choice of any drink in the store.

Hanging from the ceiling are Chinese flags, lanterns, and those traditional banners with ancient noble proverbs, like “he who fights, will lose his first newborn to a polar bear”. You have to be careful what you are reaching for in the store because the How family uses spare space to store things like open containers of ketchup and soon-to-be cleaned fish. There's a great vibe though. There's no shirt or shoe policy (which I take full advantage of) and chances are, when you're in there, you'll be asked some prodding personal questions like your marital status, astrological sign, or if you own a crow.

If you have time, you should stop in this little piece of heaven on Calle 49 and Calle Alberto Navaro. In fact, if you do stop in there, you should also stop in my apartment since it's so close. I have an open door policy. If you are coming to sell something however, or if you are a Jehovah Witness---I don't want any.

Back to more Panama Reports