This is Marlenis´s home in Santiago. Two bedrooms and two baths. Fully wired and with propane for cooking. We guessed that the full selling price might be $50,000. The road is paved and everyone says "buenas" when passing. There are 8 chickens in the backyard for eggs.

My hostess. By inviting me home, she proved that there are still amazing things happening in this world and no man should feel without hope. Thank you Jesus!!

This is the six year old daughter. She has an eight year old sister. Two good personalities

Here is the six year old cousin. His face says it all. Name is Joel. We went swimming the the local river, what great fun. The place looked like a scene of boys swimming in the Missippi from a Mark Twain story. Jumping from the bank or swinging over the water on an old rope -- all good with no worries!

If you want the best food in Panama, visit the best people right in their own kitchens. She is fixing us lunch without being asked.

Here´s another meal not in the Diners Guide Book but made with love. The range is propane AND there is a microwave oven next to it. I only saw it used when I wanted my coffee made hot. It usually comes only warm because of the large dose of milk. Unlke the Europeans who serve coffee in little cups, the CAmericans serve the coffee in American style mugs!!


Another entry in the "10 Best Cooks in Latin America." No tour company can book you into these places. "By Inviation Only!"

Some gratitude goes a long way in every country.

This is right off a set at Warner Brothers Studios. A bandana is rolled into a circular pad and placed on the top of the head as both a cushion and as an aid to balance.

This is the real public market in western Guatamala. I was the only white guy in the entire place of thousands of shoppers and vendors. No tourists around there. And your MasterCard is usless.

A religious parade in Guatamala. There is a "saint" inside the van. These are indigenous Christians moving alongside the highway.

This is the arcade in Antigua-Guatamala. note that I'm wearing a light jacket. It's a tiny bit chilly in the morning and one does need the nightly fire in the sleeping room.

Nooo, this is not the singles club in Antigua. It is a huge souvenier mart. I could not find one mask for G Bush or B Obama.

Obama is popular in these parts, partly because of his race and partly because G Bush has gotten so much bad publicity.

Everyone seems to like America (why not?) and is friendly and considerate of me, an AMERICAN. I believe that it is not productive to complain about one´s native land when abroad. I always speak of the many good things about America and all agree with me. Then I buy another round of beer!! (A great convincer!!!)

Here I am in Antigua- Guatamala, the colonial capital of central America. Night photography is difficult, this is the best I could get so I'm sharing.

Around 7 pm a host comes to the room and builds a fire! Otherwise there is no heating (but there is A/C), more wood is avaliable if requested: The room rent was around $50 for an excellent place.

The biggest motorcycle in town was a 250 cc. Latins put that engine on a big frame and one thinks he has a "hog." 250 is a good selection for the city streets and the bike's weight.

No matter how much I pay for a flute, I can't play it! That is the problem with musical instruments. My oldest daughter gives music lesson so I know it is not in the genes.

Last night was one of those nights which no travel agency can schedule. I was half-way between Panama City and somewhere, in a no-name bar, in a no-name village. I daaanceed myyyy assssh offff!! I was constanly pulled to the dance floor. My only breaks were going to the bano. I got downright funky ! The more I drank, the better my Spanish got, the better my dancing got and the better looky my partners got! (Ever see a sentence so well constructed with three "gots?" My high school composition teacher is spinning in her grave! She hated the word "got." She taught us that it was an embarrassment to the English language. I must have been sick that day.) Afterwards, my group of five walked the mile back home. My face hurt from so much grinning!
The great thing was the fact that I had about 30 years on everyone except my date´s mother. (She is old.) To all of you eating potato chips and watching your big screen, digital TV's with the curtains pulled shut, Eat your hearts out!

At Rio Dulche, another day in paradise. This is sunrise across the lake.

Just another "damn bar" in paradise. I fit right in, don't I?

The kid's pool.

I will need a haircut soon. Nahhh, its Guatamala. Another topic, I do need a trim.