It was inconvenient because Yella has only limited time to set up the house before her trip back the the US. Every minute is precious.
We went anyway. As it turned out, it was not only fun but informative.
Three of the movers and shakers were present with only 8 attending so we got to spend time with them on an intimate level.
All 3 were instrumental in establishing coffee as an agricultural industry in Panama back about 70 years. All 3 own major coffee fincas and two own the finca that produces the most expensive coffee in the world at $130 lb.
Most people don't know that Panama consistently produces 1 or 2 of the top 5 coffees in the world each year. I was getting the 4th best coffee shipped to Colorado for $10 a pound. No that's a good deal!
The perspective of these people was very informative. They are gringos, strangely enough all from Swedish parents, who settled in Boquete 70 years ago. They are responsible for Boquete being a significant community. It was just a small village at the end of a railway line before their influence.
A couple of tid bits...
There was NO crime when Panama was a dictatorship. Crime has developed in the last 20 years in democracy. Dictators shoot criminals without question. Probably got a few innocents too.
For several years, Kona coffee was actually Panama coffee which was substituted for the Kona because it was cheaper. And, it was as good or better than the Kona.
Police majors, who run the district offices, consider Boquete a vacation job. The other regions, like Colon or Bocas del Toro, have much higher crime rates and more violent crimes.
The Geisha coffee plant, consider the best in the world, was developed here. This type of coffee plant is now being used in many different countries.
Tea is now being grown in Chirqui at high elevations. Tea likes higher elevations than coffee.
It was a privilege to meet these people. By the way, they were down to earth and gracious.
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