We've had a major cattle show all week just below our apartment. It's been so fun to watch them- these bulls are huge, and probably very expensive. So in true Panamanian resourcefulness, bulls/cows were tied all around the outside of the Atlapa Convention center. They were standing on sand/shavings, had water, food, etc. Some cows were inside the convention center or also under tents. Great for a four year old to go and feed them/ pet them all week long without anyone saying anything. Not so great for the mom of a four year old to navigate through the puddles of pee and poo left by the torrential downpour of the afternoon rains... in her flip flops.

But yesterday tops it all.

We were watching out the window when all of a sudden these beautiful horses started showing up at the back entrance to the convention center. I dragged my poor son, who at first didnt want to go, but once we got there, he had a great time. $3 into the convention center. We pass the tractor display, milking machines, sperm banks (yes!!), and go into the main hall. Free alcohol everywhere. People are drunk. Music is playing and it is SO LOUD. 


Here's a video where a horse and a lady dressed in Panamanian traditions are dancing. Super!! Do you like the wooden platform in the middle of the arena??


Then it quiets and HE enters. It was quite dramatic!!



Then came the after-party, which happened in the back of the center. It's a parking lot. And you know how crowds gather when there's a juke box and some break dancers taking turns to show their stuff? That's what happened with horses. The band moved to the outside, an horses/riders were showing off their stuff, taking turns. If they could have high-fived each other, they would have. This is all in the parking lot, so all fancy footwork on asphalt!! Not sure how the horses' feet felt about that. But it was loud, it was fun and so very impressive.

Today is pack 'em up day. Let's see how they leave this place. If I close my eyes and take a sniff, I can smell Lauenen, Switzerland! Aaaaaah!