There is a lot of action in Panama City these days. The World Cup has taken the country by storm and the city is full of flags of the countries participating in the tournament being held in South Africa. It’s nice to see all those street vendors peddling their flags and other sports paraphernalia under the traffic lights. The most popular flags are those of Brazil and Argentina.
Another social event which is agitating the country is Father’s Day. The shopping centers are crowded with customers buying their favorite presents for the fathers of Panama. I’m sure many football sweaters will be wrapped up for a proud father today. This is a mandatory present during these days of football fever.
Today is also Abdiel’s birthday. For those who are new to Lingua Franca, let me say that Abdiel is our grand nephew and a bright star in our life. He is seven years old. As thousands and thousands of kids in Panama, he has also caught the football fever. He cajoled his parents into buying him a plastic belt with the colors of Brazil, a sweater with the emblems of Brazil and a birthday cake with the shape and colors of a Brazilian football field with a plastic football in the middle.
He can even sing David Bisbal’s World Cup song. Oh…before I forget, he also received a big FIFA World Cup full of sweeties for his birthday.
This is how happy Abdiel was with his FIFA World Cup yesterday afternoon. Abdiel’s sister, Karol, also joined the fun with her brother. Below are several photographs of the “twisters” having fun with the cup. Needless to say, I felt very happy with all this activity going on in our country. It’s amazing how an event taking place so far away has transformed our city.
Photograph of FIFA's World Cup which Abdiel received as a birthday present. It was filled with assorted Jello sweeties. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
A proud Abdiel holds FIFA's World Cup. He's so happy he's jumping outside of his skin. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Karol has also caught the football fever, although her knowledge of the sport is not that impressive. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
The cup seemed to be the center of attention of both kids. Is there a potential Pelé in Abdiel? Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
A proud football fan holds the golden cup in a gesture of triumph. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Karol's bliss shows that women also have a taste for the sport. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Photograph of the whole bunch having fun with the cup and the birthday cake. From left to right; Aura (my wife), Abdiel, Karol and Alcibiades (Abdiel's father). Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
If kids would only commit a minuscule part of the attention they dedicate to a sport like football, the world would be flooded with Albert Einstens and Isaac Newtons. Good Day and Happy Birthday Abdiel. This is your day!
