I went home for 10 days to the warmest January weather in Massachusetts I have ever experienced. It was definitely nice to see family and friends again. I think I had forgotten how comfortable it is to be in a modern home as opposed to a hotel – in Panama I have enjoyed the occasional hot shower and real bed in a hotel, but spreading my clothes all over the room, not having to pack up and leave the next day, and having a kitchen and a family is so much better.
I also went to New York City for the weekend to visit my brother Eric and see friends. Before seeing his Manhattan apartment for the first time, he warned me, “Our living situations and jobs couldn’t be more opposite.” He was right. There was a doorman whose job was to push the revolving door to enter the lobby, and when I tried to avoid him and go for the regular door, he opened that too. That was his whole job. Opening doors for us.
Before leaving my community for the U.S., a popular question among the women was if I was going to bring my nagua dresses with me to wear at home. I told them, No. First of all, because it would be too cold. Cold like Cerro Punta [coldest mountainous area in Panama] but mucho mas frio! Secondly, I explained, I was really looking forward to not being the voluntaria or gringa, but just a face in the crowd. Perhaps New Yorkers could tell that all of my clothing is 2 years out of fashion, but I really enjoyed the anonymity of walking around the city.
Other highlights:
· Seeing all 3 of my grandparents and family doing well
· Opening Christmas stocking
· Driving a car again
· Eating…everything
· Ice skating at the Rockefeller Center
· Turning 24
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That picture is amazing!!! I am so sorry that I did not get to catch up with you while you were here. My dissertation defense is MArch 15 and after that I am going to try to reconnect with the 3 friends that might remember me as well as my siblings, cousins, etc!!! I love reading your blog and hope all is well!
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