03/01/2024
Tina and Marius
Calle Piedra Leone
Veracruz, Panama Oeste, Panama
Dear Tina and Marius,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for the enchanting Christmas experience we had at your home in Veracruz. Your warm welcome and hospitality made our stay an unforgettable one for our family.
From the moment we arrived, the ambiance of your cozy home and the joyous Christmas spirit you created immediately filled us with cheer and celebration. We felt like cherished guests, welcomed into your family with open arms and with insights into local holiday customs.
We were deeply impressed by the resilient and determined spirit of the Panamanian people, which you, as locals, embody. You shared with us the impactful protest in November this year, where the 4 million-strong population united to block the entire country for a month, despite the lack of food it created for yourself, protesting against a harmful environmental contract the government entered into with a mining company. This demonstration of unity and resolve commands our utmost respect. It's a powerful lesson for us; we have much to learn from your solidarity. In Romania, we faced a similar situation with Rosia Montana, but the path was much more challenging, spanning years, with only a small segment of the population advocating to halt the abuse. Didier, thanks for providing us with a brief immersion into Panama's history, during this opportunity!
The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the Christmas party where the entire extended family gathered together with 2 other families, from Colombia and Bolivia (too bad we don't have a photo haha). It was a feast for the senses – the delicious traditional Panamanian dishes, the lively music, and the joyous dancing made us feel like an extension of your family. Seeing our kids receive gifts under the Christmas tree brought immense happiness and made them feel truly special.
Moreover, the location of your house was ideal for exploring Panama City & surroundings. We observed huge contrast between the monotonous high-rise business district and the vibrant, bustling, poorer downtown neighborhoods where music and bustling commerce echoed throughout the streets. In certain areas, there's a stark reality of extreme poverty, neglect, and strict surveillance by law enforcement due to being labeled as "dangerous."
In conclusion, our Christmas stay with your incredible family was nothing short of magical. We cannot thank you enough for opening your doors and hearts to us.
Thank you, Tina, Marius, Denisse, Didier, abuela Lola, Rocky the dog and Poli the parrot.
Warm regards,
Tamina, Uma, Pia, Florin
