The pictures attached to this article were taken today, December 1,
2008. I have also included 1 historical picture of the first ship
crossing the Panama Canal; many of the people living in Boquete now
are decendents of the Original Canal builders. This flood is just a
blink in History. The Flood has brought the people of Boquete
together: Panamanians, Expats, Young and those not so young any
more. The city government, the mayor, MOP, and all individuals in
charge of the Boquete flood clean-up need to be applauded--they
have done a great job. I have included a view of the Panamonte and
Hotel Ladera for those following the story, so you can see the
dramatic changes in just a few days, of the river receding and the
clean-up effort.
PANAMA,
Boquete was in the spotlight this past week, not for its
natural beauty,
award-winning coffee and friendly people, but because of the
damage caused by
the Caldera River. The dramatic footage and photos don't tell
the whole story: Boquete didn't experience long-term flooding. The
river grew quickly during a short period of time and affected some
structures in its immediate vicinity. The fact is, the majority of
Boquete, including the downtown, roads, tours and activity
businesses and most restaurants and hotels, were untouched. The
people of Boquete and the business community have come together to
invite the public to experience Boquete today.
"Boquete is back on track," says
Charlie Collins, Owner and Executive Chef, Panamonte Inn and Spa.
"Of course, it has been a difficult week for the
people of Boquete and our hearts go out to the families
affected. My family has been in Boquete for three generations and
some things never change: the things that Boquete has always been
known for-its natural beauty, relaxing environment, fresh air,
friendly people and welcoming spirit-were 100% unaffected."
Earlier in the week, media, websites
and blogs were reporting on the situation in Boquete. But the
photos and footage was limited to a very small section of Boquete,
the rest of the town was untouched.
"Everybody saw the photos and footage,
but it's important to remember: the story didn't stop there,"
continues Chef Collins. "The Boquete community rallied together to
help the people in the areas affected by the river. The speed at
which those vulnerable points were fixed was truly amazing. It
speaks volumes about the character and spirit of the people in
Boquete."
'What's up in Boquete?'
• Airport service to David and the
main road connecting David to Boquete
• All the main roads and the
downtown were untouched
• Traditional Boquete
activities Panamanians have always enjoyed-visiting gardens like Mi
Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador,
stopping for strawberry drinks, enjoying coffee, sharing the
beauty with family and loved ones-never stopped
• Great restaurants and hotels are
open for business
• All the exciting outdoor
activities Boquete is known for are still available: hiking,
rafting, ziplining, rock-climbing, horseback riding,
bird-watching, hot springs and coffee tours
"All of the traditional activities that
Panamanian families have enjoyed over the years never stopped,"
says Lissette Ameglio, Fresas Café. "The gardens of Mi
Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador. Stopping for a delicious
strawberry batido. Enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Relaxing
with your family. Boquete is the perfect place to do this. Now the
sun is out and we want
people to experience the beauty of our special town
today."
For more information about what is
happening in Boquete, please
visit
www.boquetetoday.com and
come
to
Experience Boquete Today!
In response to assignment:
Severe weather