Boquete at last.

Well, its been a long day, but I´m finally here in Boquete. I arrived this afternnon after the taxi-bus-taxi ride, and it´s good to finally be here.

The day started pretty early, as I checked out of the hotel and got a taxi to the bus station. Actually, it really wasn´t THAT early, but it seemed incredibly early after I stayed up late with my new Tetris game. Tetris was another part of my going-away gift bag from Ericka, another highly addictive gift.

Anyway, I timed it pretty well and got on the 9AM bus from Panama City to Boquete. The bus was really pretty nice, equipped with AC, TV´s, and comfy seats. Unfortunately, I got an aisle seat next to a guy who felt compelled to spread himself around as much as possible. Actually, he seemed like a nice enough guy. He was probably in his early twenties. He also liked to sing along with the bus music and wore nice shoes. We tried to talk a bit initially, but I really couldn´t understand a word he was staying. (Curmudgeon Jason says......These kids today! All they do is mumble!)

The trip was seven hours and went pretty fast. At one point, we stopped and everyone got off the bus to hang out, eat lunch, and buy snacks. Being as though there was no announcement for this, I just followed the herd off the bus and hung out for about a half hour. Another time, they put on a movie on. It was called The Hot Chick and can NOT be considered a cinematic masterpiece. Finally, we made a random stop and a police officer got on the bus and checked my passport. I´m pretty sure he was PROFILING, but I decided it was best not to protest this violation of my civil liberties or look for the local ACLU......uh.....PCLU......office.

Finally, we arrived in David and after hanging around for about 20 minutes, a taxi driver showed up with a Jason Jones sign. He took me to Boquete, and I enjoyed being able to sit in the front seat, roll down the window, and enjoy the scenery.

After meeting Carlos, the school´s director, for a quick look around the school, we headed to my host family´s place. I´ll write more about them later, but they seem really great. Their house is really nice, and my room is spacious with a TV. Also, they have a hot shower with Whole Foods shampoo (go figure).
Tomorrow, I start my classes in the AM. I´ll be in a class with one other student, but being as though she is the English wife of one of the owners, I don´t plan to be awarded Valedictorian. Oh well....maybe next time.

Hasta Luego from Boquete.