Inconveniently, we’ve landed in Panama at the exact same time that thousands of Panamanian partiers have flooded the streets for Carnival. This massive festival happens in the four days before Ash Wednesday. So to prepare for the 40 days of penitence and prayer of Lent, the entire country eats, drinks, stumbles through confetti dusted streets. Not such a bad thing, unless you are a traveler with no plans and no idea why there are men with coconut bras trying to give you lap dances. The bus stations are madhouses and you’re lucky to find hostels with any beds at all. Travelers spill into hammocks and hard wood floors. After nights of fireworks, blaring music, and shaving cream sprayed on my head, I’m ready for Wednesday to arrive…. praying for a little peace on the beach.
Pandemonium in Panama
Ana Ellickson 