My parents went Expat 7 years ago, so the idea isn’t new in my family.  They live in Boquete, Panama and love it.  My mom started the Boquete Gourmet website which is an “Elevated Connoiseur’s Perspective of Panama”.  They have a wonderful life in a beautiful community which my mom is sharing in the blogosphere.

My parents are very social and often meet travelers in Boquete. In the past month, two different couples crossed their path and they both had a unique twist to their journey. Both couples (mid 30s) are internet entrepreneurs and are traveling around the world.  I suddenly became insanely jealous when I mom was telling me their stories. The first one picqued my interest, the second one made me think I could do it too.

Hey, why don’t I do that?  What’s stopping me?

It’s a lifestyle that many people consider CRAZY!!  “Why would you want to leave America?” asked my friends when I mentioned it to them.  It’s not so much that I want to leave America, it’s more about going out into the world, exploring everything around the globe.

Maybe it’s my gypsy spirit, but I can’t stop thinking about this idea.  I am traveling to Panama for the holidays and have to do more research into this idea.  My list of questions is lengthy, but I’ll find the answers. If you’re in Panama, we’re having a party in Bocas del Toro for New Year’s – let me know if you can attend.

If you are an Expat – will you please tell me what made you decide to do live abroad?  I’d love to hear your stories!  All the best, Joy

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Panamanian Artist Alexis Benalcazar

I believe there is an artistic spirit in everyone.  The spirit is felt in different ways, but we all have one.  While mine doesn’t usually produce art, I enjoy seeing the beauty (or not) or other people’s vision.

Spending the day at an arts festival is a wonderful opportunity to see a local artworks and meet today’s artists.  Being a part of the art scene is exciting.

Next week, the Feria de Arte in Boquete, Panama is exploring the artistic spirit with a exciting demonstration on a very unique canvas.

Panamanian artist, Alexis Benalcazar uses a human body as his canvas to create his one of a kind pieces.  Some would consider him a performance artist, because the act of painting is part of the art piece.

Benalcazar is drawing upon the recent popularity of tattoos and expanding beyond his usual fabric canvas.  While his piece is temporary, it is very emotional and makes his artistic statement.

Body art, has been part of many cultures for years.  Otzi, the Ice Man found in caves dating back to the 4th century B.C. , Egyptian mummies and even Julius Caesar were all tattooed.  Some cultures tattoo for spiritual rights of passage,  memorials or magical beliefs.

The permanent inking of the skin has become fashionable in recent years.  More artists are learning the techniques and improvements in inks and equipment have made it safer.

However you feel about getting body art, it is a part of our rich cultural and artistic heritage.  Whether temporary, or permanent it is an expression of creativity and artistic spirit.

Everyday my local tattoo shop is creating art for people.  It’s an artistic collaboration between the artist and the patron whose body is the canvas.  I don’t have to wait for the next arts festival, I could go to a shop and see what’s being done right now.

Do you have a tattoo?  I don’t.  I’m not sure what kind of image my artistic spirit would create that I would want on me forever.

If you have a tattoo, what did your inner artist create?  I’d love to hear about the significance of the image and your experience.    All the best, Joy

One of the most popular musical acts in Panama is Samy and Sandra Sandoval.   The brother and sister duet have 15 albums and perform at concerts regularly.  Their song, La Gallina Fina, was featured in the Tailor of Panama movie and is one of the fan’s favorites.

Samy and Sandra are artists in the Tipica genre which is a folkloric music with the accordian and conga drums.  Mix all of these influences together and you’ve got a great sound with a strong happy beat.

The song title, Oiga el Viejo Pa Joder, roughly translates into the “Old Pa Hears”.  Watch the video and you’ll get a feeling of what it’s like in Panama.

Musical artists often blend or adapt styles into something new.  What kind of music do you listen to?   I love the “Global Sounds” channel on my satellite radio.  Will you open your ears and mind to something new on your radio dial?

Enjoy the rhythm – Joy