If you ever put all these experiences in a LiveJournal or a blog, let me know. I would love to read it. Better yet, write it in Spanish and I will enjoy reading and learning at the same time.

>One was when a bus of detainees escaped on the Pan-American highway and another was while investigating a weapons cache. I forgot that I had to use it once during a small town's cock fight too (I wonder if they still have rooster fights in Panama? They were common when I was there).
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>>Tell us more about the circumstance when you had to use it. I love action stories.
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>>>As beautiful as it was, and as friendly as the people were, I have to also admit (to be honest) that I carried a 9mil on me at all times (not visible). Twice I had to use it too. Things took quite some time to settle down after Just Cause.
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>>>>Very interesting. I admit I am very ignorant about life in the countries outside USA, Canada, and Western Europe.
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>>>>>When I lived in Panama, it amazed me how well the majority of the populace spoke and wrote English - better than most Americans I know in fact. Especially near the Canal Zone. I enjoyed it so much there (after the short war anyway), because the people are so friendly and the country is beautiful. The water is said to be the cleanest in the world. There were more than a few scary situations to be sure, but on the whole, the country is absolutely amazing.
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>>>>>>>Make sure you keep practicing your Spanish. Dmitry Litvak, a member of this UT is quite a good Spanish speaker and seeks out blogs in Spanish and other opportunities to practice. Between English, Spanish and Mandarin a person can speak to more than half of the planet. I have a niece that speaks Spanish, English, German und she is learning chinese (says Werner Von Broun - a phrase from an old Tom Lehrer song).
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>>>>>>Thank you for your complement about my Spanish, I appreciate it. I was wondering, if you don't mind my asking, where did you learn to write (and/or speak) English so well? You and a couple of other regular guys here (Martin, Hilmar, Hugo) won't cease to amaze me on how perfect you write in English. If I ever learn Spanish half as good as you know English, I will be very happy.