Monthly Archives: December 2011

December 30, 2011 in Bright and Shiny

This is WHY boys die to get to South America lookin for a Miss Santa

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Happy New Year from PANAMA……

December 29, 2011 in Shops

Diablo Rosso – Concept store in CASCO VIEJO, Panama

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Art gallery, coffee bar, boutique and a gorgeous Javier Ruiz.

December 29, 2011 in Gastro

Mr. P gets tangled in a YELLOW BALLOON on Cinta Costera

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A gigantic balloon parade seemed like a good idea for a traditionally quiet Boxing Day. Apparently they take place in Chile and in New York too, but I have never been to see them . There were about 90 humongous balloons, mostly sponsored by local businesses and government entities, plus music from fire brigade and police bands. Cartoon character favourites such as Popeye, Thomas the Tank Engine, The Smurfs, and the Pink Panther were greeted with squeals of delight by all. But things got a wee bit sticky when Mr. P partook in the local ‘touch the ballon’ game that most of the children were playing. Before I knew it, he was embroiled in a fight with an yellow blob and had to be rescued, dishevelled by ME!

December 25, 2011 in Bright and Shiny

Finally, I find my gold trousers at Ana Francesca’s studio opening in Panama

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I have been dreaming about lurex, sequins and just basically loads of sparkle to start the NEW YEAR with a bang!!! And yep, it’s all here…Ana Francesca - artist, stylist and designer, with a heart full of real rock and roll. She is one of the darlings of Panamanian fashion. With a collection acclaimed in New York for Best International Designer 2011, she touches my kind of WILD side!
Made in Panama, I caught up with her at her Punta Pacifica atelier , where she is dreaming up her new fall collection. Surrounded by her adoring team and friends, this extroverted lady is all about colour. Check the silk shirt above that I am absolutely craving. Over a couple of pieces of sushi she confessed her undying love for boots and the possibility of a collection…
ROCK ON! This woman is certainly talking MY KINDA language, as for the LUREX trousers, well I haven’t shown Mr. P yet.

December 23, 2011 in Gastro

So much wine out of South America – I was wondering what happens to the barrels

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Merlot, Cabernet, Shiraz…Mr. P and I seem to have drunk our way through lakes of wine. With casks being turned over every four years or so, it was great to see them on a recent drive up the Pan-American Highway, being transformed for a different life. Kitch, I know, but I have a soft spot for Faulty Towers!