Every Tuesday morning, there is a market and meeting. The meeting has a different speaker each week.
This last week, Rodrigo Marciacz talked about the history of Boquete. He is a Panamanian who has lived in Boquete since 1970. Rodrigo has a wonderful vision for Boquete and Panama, which includes developing the agricultural industry in Chiriqui. He figured out how to hydroponic farm in this area.
We get the best lettuce, tomatoes and peppers from his hydroponic greenhouses.
Who would think that such a sophisticated agricultural endeavor could be found in a 3rd World nation in the jungle?!
The real Panamanians are the indigenous people. There were essentially wiped out by the Spaniards in the 1500's. Between disease and slaughter, most were killed. The population of Panama was about 300,00 when the Spanish arrived and about 60,000 when they left.
Ah, aren't white men wonderful...
Most Boquetenians are of either Spanish or immigrant descent. Even though there is a significant indigenous population here now, inter mixing is infrequent.
Around the late 1800's, many Europeans, Canadians and Americans emigrated to Boquete. This city is equally founded by Panamanians and gringos.
I didn't know that!
The thrust of Rodrigo's talk was about the immigrant nature of the region. He listed the prominent forefathers of Boquete and there national origin.
Amazing!
Equal gringos and Panamanians.
He said we were all welcome in Boquete...and that this was a continuation of the process started in the late 1800's.
He did encourage us to integrate into the local community. And, he encourages the Panamanians to include us as well.
This is the second wonderful talk I've heard at the Tuesday meeting in 4 weeks. This month they focused on the history of Panama because the month of November is the biggest holiday month...even bigger than December...celebrating not one but two independence days and a host of associated holidays.
Viva la Panama!
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