I've been preparing for my first visit to Panama, for the 2011 Panama TESOL Conference, by using a variety of sources. One of the best and most up to date sources was the 36 Hours in Panama City from The New York Times from April of this year. There was a follow up article about Taboga, A Peaceful Haven-Overnighter, an easy day trip from Panama City, in June of this year as well. These article were great starting points, but I wouldn't feel completely secure until I had my copy of Lonely Planet: Panama.I correctly guessed that Anthony Bourdrain must have visited Panama for his series, No Reservations, and I was happy to know it was his first episode for the 2010 season.
For background information, I read John Le Carre's novel The Tailor of Panama. It is only the second Le Carre novel I've read (the other was his third, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold). And I enjoyed it immensely, I was surprised to see so many negative comments from readers at Amazon.com, but apparently it was a sort of departure from his usual style. He clearly states that Graham Greene's Our Man In Havana was an influence in writing the novel. it is apparent to me that he has done significant research into the area and the history of the country. He also created several memorable characters like the opportunist protagonist Harry Pendel and the slimy agent Andrew Osnard. It's not a thrilling spy novel, but rather a satire with some biting black humor and a tragic ending. I had previously seen the film version, which features a fabulously degenerate Pierce Bronson as Osnard. I plan to revisit the film before I leave as well.
There's one more book I'll read in preparation, Getting To Know The General by Graham Greene. It's about his relationship with Panama and General Omar Torrijos, ruler of Panama from 1968-81. It is out of print so a little difficult to find...
Comments