Casa Catedral Club, Casco Viejo, Panama City; February 2020

While 2020 was a year of uncertainty and isolation, it also brought moments of friendship, resilience, and unexpected joy. Despite being stuck under extreme home containment measures in Panama due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was fortunate in many ways. I survived a severe illness before vaccines became available, a frightening experience that made me deeply appreciate health, life, and the support of those around me.

At the same time, 2020 wasn’t just about isolation. It was also a year of reunions, bonding, and personal connections, filled with friendships that strengthened despite the distance and restrictions.

Friendships That Defined the Year

One of the most special moments of the year was the visit of Dominika, my Polish friend, whom I first met years ago in South Sudan and later reconnected with in Bangladesh. Seeing her again in Panama felt like life had come full circle—our friendship, formed in distant places, now had another chapter in a completely different part of the world.

I also grew closer to Julio and his family, as well as Stivens and other friends from Venezuela, Colombia, and Panama. The bonds we built during this time were a source of strength and joy, especially when the world felt uncertain. Of course, my work colleagues from ECHO also played a key role in making the year more bearable—we navigated the challenges of working under pandemic restrictions, adapting to new realities while continuing our mission.

Escaping to Nature – Exploring Panama

Despite the restrictions, I was lucky to travel around the country when possible, discovering new places in Panama that provided a welcome escape from the confinement of city life.
• Las Escobas del Venado – A remote and peaceful beach, where the sound of crashing waves and the vastness of the ocean provided a rare sense of freedom and tranquillity in an otherwise restricted year.
• Pedasí – A charming coastal town on the Azuero Peninsula, known for its laid-back atmosphere, colourful houses, and strong fishing traditions. Walking through its streets and enjoying fresh seafood by the water was a much-needed break from city life.
• Tonosí District – A beautiful, rural area of rolling hills, rivers, and unspoiled landscapes. It was refreshing to experience a different, quieter side of Panama, away from the usual tourist trails.

Reflections on an Unforgettable Year

While 2020 was a year of challenges, it was also a year of human connection, resilience, and appreciating the little things. Surviving COVID-19 before vaccines, enduring strict lockdowns, and adapting to an entirely new way of life was not easy. But at the same time, friendships deepened, moments of joy became more meaningful, and a new appreciation for both nature and companionship emerged.

Looking back, Panama in 2020 was not just about being stuck—it was about finding ways to stay connected, to keep moving forward, and to hold onto the things that truly matter.

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