Choque: The dead needs some "guaro" too

As I have recently gone to Panama for a period of time, I have compiled quite a list of "choques".

Here is one of them I would like to share:

When we were in a gathering with some AIESECers, we wanted to open a bottle of rum. After opening it, and preparing to pour it in glasses, a number of Panamanians YELLED and told us to STOP!!!! I was completely shocked on what was going on. They said: "pour it on the ground!" As Juraj and I were the only internationals there, we were completely lost on what's going on.

Apparently, when we open a liquor bottle, we would have to pour the first portion on the earth. This is for good luck, as it gives the dead also some alcohol (or "guaro" =liquor) so they are at ease.

Here is a video of the process:

hockey night in Panama...

During my past 15 months in Central America, I believe I have grown to love the culture, and enjoy living here. Still, there is one thing I will like is that there is absolutely no Hockey here.

I have concluded that all TV sets here are allergic to snow and ice, enough to even not cover the Winter Olympics last year. I realized I didn't miss much from the Men's hockey results though! =P

Tonight is Saturday Night, and that traditionally across all of Canada is Hockey Night in Canada, where my beloved Leafs play always. Tonight, consequently is the 82th and last game of the season. It's a game between the two oldest NHL teams, and two traditional Canadian rivals of Hockey. It is also a coincidence where Montreal sits on the 8th and final spot for the playoffs, and Toronto is 1 point behind in 9th place. So basically, whoever wins gets in the playoffs (provided the 10th place team doesn't win as well).



And here I am, spending another normal day. I'm currently in Panama, doing a country visit, as well as taking the Easter week here. Life is normal. Everybody is living like it's any other day. But I know there are 33 million people up north waiting eagerly for this game...and some thousands others outside the country wishing they were back. Just for one day. Just for 3 hours.

So...here I go...in 3 hours, I will be spending my first "Hockey Night in Panama", hopefully with an internet radio.