Cielito lindo (Beautiful Heaven)

Another day in Paradise. Our calendar was jam packed today and so much fun.

We started out with a breakfast date with Dan, a friend of Brian's who co-owns two hostel/guest houses in Panama. The newer property is a castle here in the hills of Boquete. Built 12 years ago by a Dutchman, it opened for guests last November. Gorgeous views and great amenities like an indoor pool, hot tub,restaurant, bar and open kitchen for the guests to perpare their own meals. We had met Dan last year and now his parents, from Calgary, and their friends, from Toronto, who are visiting.

We all went into town for breakfast at a cute place where we sat in an open air dining room.

A big glass of pineapple juice.

Jeff with a flower in his "hair."

After breakfast we walked to the Central Park to await the parade starting the Jazz Festival. The theme was Mardi Gras complete with a dixieland band and many residents in makeup and costumes.

 The first act was a foursome of dancing dogs with their handlers. Made us miss Sirius. Cute!

Then we enjoyed an elementary school band who came from David. This was the first time the kids had performed. They looked so cute in their school uniforms and all eyes on their conductor.

A folkloric dance group in colorful costumes were next. The littlest dancers delighted the crowd.

We finally decided to go home even though more bands were scheduled to play all afternoon. I got in the condo and turned around to attend a garden party. Hana, the rebbetzin, had planned a ladies event to celebrate Tu B'Shevat. We met at the home of a gentleman named Myles and his wife. Myles has a true green thumb and his property is lush and full of colorful plantings. On the deck is a large cage with three parrots. On a rail was a banana which attracted a beautiful black squirrel. Myles said there are three black squirrels and they are almost tame and will eat out of his hand.

Hana with the pots and plants. We each selected a plant and put it in a pot to take home.
 

Afterwards we sat out front where there was a table laden with fruits and seeds and Hana gave a short lesson about the holiday of Tu B'Shevat, known as the birthday of the trees. Nature is celebrated and this was the perfect way to observe this holiday.

I drove home and took a little nap on the terrace. We had dinner at home and have to get up early to be at school for our class at 8:00 am.