Filmed by August Sigur at the Panama Canal Zone Society reunion in Orlando, FL in 2008. August is planning on making a film using real Zonians sharing stories about their lives in the Panama Canal Zone.
You hit it on the nose. We Zonians still relive our time in Panama. I always tell people it was the best childhood anyone can experience. Even though I was living on the Atlantic side (Best side), I also spent two years in Junior College living in La Boca, partying at the Balboa Yacht club, or the spinning club or heading up to Pal Mar or Rio Mar surfing. What a life. Perfect weather all year long. People here in the states do not understand how special we Zonians had it, but that is ok as we have many stories to tell. Even though my wife and I used to visit, that life is cone forever. Thanks for the video and trying to make people understand how we live in that golden era.
Cannot agree more with every word Blair said. I lived in Cardenas Village, Panama, from '66 to '68. Simply put, the best two years I ever had in my life. It is awesome to finally see someone else put into words the feelings I'vee had all my life about that wonderful place.
I'll never forget Panama. Anyone who knows me, they all know that I lived in Panama. I was there in 1974-75 for my junior year of high school. I want and need to return to Paradise very very soon.
I get how you feel. I was a Army brat and lived at Ft.Sherman and Clayton from 74 thru 78. I was a kid and although i was only there a few years, to me it felt like i grew up there. My memories of Panama are vivid with details. When we returned to the States i felt lost. Panama was a paradise and i dont ever want to forget those days as well.
I was there with my dad and. Mom from 71 to 75 and your right ....Panama is one of those awesome country’s that most of the world doesn’t know about.. what a great country and beautiful memories I have of it .
Thanks for loving our country in such spacial way, please feel wellcome at anytime. I currently work at Clayton and live in Curundu. All the territories that use to be part of the Canal Zone still have a wonderfull vibe, it's like the joy lived by who used to be there stayed encapsulated in air.🙏🏾🇵🇦❤
Great way to describe what is like to miss Panama. Man, you almot mde me cry, lol. I miss my friends and the great things about Panama and the CZ. The Zone may be gone but the memories and Panama will remain 4ever. I am not zonian like you but I did work in the zone and live in Ft. Clayton for 7 years. My son has the best of both world, Panama and USA blood. Saludos from DC
Blair. You are absolutely right, Panama was a paradise, a place where as a child you went out to play anywhere almost every day and in adolescence go to party with friends every weekend and not to mention summers in small towns. Today it has changed but it is still a real paradise. I remember friends (zonians) when they came to la pintada in cocle, how they had fun. And what to say about carnivals. Thanks Blair for the comments about our little country.
You're right.... I was 4 Gen born there and lived all over....Gamboa... Diablo, .... Gavillan, Balboa twice and finally ended in LaBoca..... Dad got laid off and we moved stateside.... Brother went back and is a APC pilot... we still get to go back every year... its not the same but its still good. Thanks for the memories.... 1966 to 1982..... the golden years.....
BTW . I connected with a group of fellow zonians. It is like a homecoming to meet up with them. A family reunion of people who are not related by blood, but by a deep love of a wonderful place. What once was, will never be again, but it sure was great, and still is in my memories.
Blair, Just saw your video and as an adopted Curundu maleante I agree with you 100%. Zonians are a unique group and I just love them all. Have not missed a reunion in Orlando for 15 years, and everytime we get there its just like a BIG family reunion. Love Panama and their pindin and customs and fit right in. So much fun. Thanks for sharing this video. Cheers
I lived on Ft. Clayton for one year Feb 1989 to Mar 1990 when I was in 7th/8th grade. Although only there a short time I could fill a book on the adventures I had there. I completely understand your sentiment friend. Eternal summer was a bit of a distraction when it came to my school grades but I wouldn’t trade those times for anything.
I’m from Panama 🇵🇦 and I live in California. I know what exactly what you are talking about the rain and friends. I’m lucky I have all my family there and I travel almost every year. It’s nice to heard. People talking about their great memories they had in Panama.
You nailed it brother. Lived pacific and Atlantic side, Gamboa too. Playing in the jungle, surfing, partying in las tables, hanging at the causeway. Best time of my life, best friends I'll ever have. I miss it every day and it hurts my heart to think of it. My wife and son will never understand.....the jungle, the rain, the people, the food, the smells.......they are in my DNA and yours. Shout out to my brothers, cavaliers forever! Class of 82. Thanks for speaking from the heart amigo........
Completely agree! Very interesting to see this Zonian express himself about Panama. I am panamanian but not from this "paradise", I am from the other paradise side ;). I don't blame him for missing his life there. Living the american good conditions but in a tropical country. I feel sorry for the Zonians cause their "country" is disappeared now. Life and times goes on and it's true that you can't go back, just live through memories... All in our hearts and mind! Nice video! :)
This is beautiful. I love it. We were not military, we were PCC. I was born there and lived there 18 years until I was dragged to the states kicking and screaming. The Canal Zone was the best place to grow up. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, if it was like before. I dislike Jimmy Carter intensely.
Great memories in Fort Clayton Canal Zone went to Fort Clayton Elementary and Curundu Jr High ....Played Football for the Clayton Cowboys when Bob Hayes came down for a visit to the team 1973-1976 . One of the best places and most fun to grow up as a teen . Anybody stationed their at that time would luv to hook up and chat
@edrod69 I don't live in Orlando my friend...I am stuck out here on the West Coast far away form most of my state side Zonian family. I try and get back for the occasional reunion.
I know what you are saying and consider I grew up there, 1954 - 59 and 62 - 65 when I graduated from BHS. But you are talking about the Canal Zone life, not Panamanian. Was back many times 2006 - 2016 volunteering with Spay Panama, over 227,000 dogs and cats sterilized from 2001 through Spring 2021. Buildings and roads and Canal are there but in Panama and not lived as a Zonian way.
I agree with you totally. I had all kind of friends. The good times , and adventures never seemed to stop! I lived in Panama from 81-86 Coco Solo , Gatun Current living/working in Hawaii Drop me a line sometime..
I Just came across this video but I lied it immediately.. Im PANAMANIAN so I understand what you mean... Despite I lived in Europe for more than 17 years I always remembered the smell of wet soil and the good times of my childhood.. Now Im back home and can tell Panamá is Paradise..
Lived in ft. Kobbe and went to crundo and balboa from 1977-1979. I have never been anywhere more fulfilling, I really miss those times. Taboga island, ain't nothing like it.
I totally get what you are saying. I have three older sisters and one younger, and none of them care one bit about the fact that we got to live in paradise for 5 years! I live in AZ, so I am right with you about the rain. Monsoon season hits. Ha! That is not a monsoon, honey. You have not seen a monsoon until you have lived in Panama! I miss the rains. When I buy mangoes, they need to have a stem. I pick it off and smell the sap. I have to have that "picked" smell, or it just isn't the same.
Blair Bates I took a break from Facebook over a year ago. I try to limit my time on social media. My maiden name is Kyle 😊. I remember you and I also lived in Gamboa for a few years!
Hello Blair... here is a band you should listen to: Makenka We are from Panama and we are a representation of the Panamanian Culture with Rock and Roll.... just like the Panama Canal. Makenka means Energy, just like Panama means abundance of Fish. Native Tribal Language.
Hi. We have posted this video in our Facebook/PanamaCruceroTours page. We loved a lot and we wished to share it, unless you have downside, of course. Greetings.
I'm Corn-fused, you're talking about Panama but wearing a Zonian shirt like a swastika. Dude, the party was always on for white zonies but that perspective is commonly referred to here in Gringolandia as "white privilege." I have beautiful memories too, but understood I was a guest who throught my 20+ years was compelled and motivated to give something back to my host country.
The Canal Zone back in the day sounds like quite the paradise. 99% white, perfect weather, a nice guaranteed salary, company provided housing, low or no cost medical care and a PX for your food. No pesky mortgage payments, no property taxes, no forced busing, no teachers unions, no imminent threat of losing your job. Just lots of sunshine, swaying palm trees and free time on your hands. All you guys needed was Mr. Roarke and Tattoo to complete the dream. Too bad Jimmy Carter came along lol.
The Canal Zone was not 99% white. Rainbow City, Santa Cruz, Paraíso and Pedro Miguel were all populated by West Indian descendants of canal construction workers from Jamaica and Barbados.
You hit it on the nose. We Zonians still relive our time in Panama. I always tell people it was the best childhood anyone can experience. Even though I was living on the Atlantic side (Best side), I also spent two years in Junior College living in La Boca, partying at the Balboa Yacht club, or the spinning club or heading up to Pal Mar or Rio Mar surfing. What a life. Perfect weather all year long. People here in the states do not understand how special we Zonians had it, but that is ok as we have many stories to tell. Even though my wife and I used to visit, that life is cone forever. Thanks for the video and trying to make people understand how we live in that golden era.
I lived in Panama 83-86 and 87-90 went to Cristobal High School. Played Football and baseball.....love Panama 🇵🇦.
Lived in Gamboa and Ft Clayton from 76-79. My day worked at Balboa/ROTC instructor. Great memories there and will never forget.
Cannot agree more with every word Blair said. I lived in Cardenas Village, Panama, from '66 to '68. Simply put, the best two years I ever had in my life. It is awesome to finally see someone else put into words the feelings I'vee had all my life about that wonderful place.
I'll never forget Panama. Anyone who knows me, they all know that I lived in Panama. I was there in 1974-75 for my junior year of high school. I want and need to return to Paradise very very soon.
As a panamanian I really appreciate your words about our country God bless you men
I get how you feel. I was a Army brat and lived at Ft.Sherman and Clayton from 74 thru 78. I was a kid and although i was only there a few years, to me it felt like i grew up there. My memories of Panama are vivid with details. When we returned to the States i felt lost. Panama was a paradise and i dont ever want to forget those days as well.
I was there with my dad and. Mom from 71 to 75 and your right ....Panama is one of those awesome country’s that most of the world doesn’t know about.. what a great country and beautiful memories I have of it .
I lived and taught in Panama from 1966 to 1986 and loved every minute, You express my feelings so well! Thanks. Darlene Gibson
Love this.. that's why I'm still here.. moved to the states and couldn't resist a year and can back... def feel your love 💙🥰🤗
Gracias por amar mi pais bellos recuerdos. Dios te bendiga. Soy una ex zonian pero de Rainbow City.
Love it .... Panama stays in your heart ❤️
Thanks for loving our country in such spacial way, please feel wellcome at anytime. I currently work at Clayton and live in Curundu. All the territories that use to be part of the Canal Zone still have a wonderfull vibe, it's like the joy lived by who used to be there stayed encapsulated in air.🙏🏾🇵🇦❤
I wish I could double like this 😁 super awsome video.. love it
Great way to describe what is like to miss Panama. Man, you almot mde me cry, lol. I miss my friends and the great things about Panama and the CZ. The Zone may be gone but the memories and Panama will remain 4ever. I am not zonian like you but I did work in the zone and live in Ft. Clayton for 7 years. My son has the best of both world, Panama and USA blood. Saludos from DC
Blair. You are absolutely right, Panama was a paradise, a place where as a child you went out to play anywhere almost every day and in adolescence go to party with friends every weekend and not to mention summers in small towns. Today it has changed but it is still a real paradise. I remember friends (zonians) when they came to la pintada in cocle, how they had fun. And what to say about carnivals. Thanks Blair for the comments about our little country.
thecoclesano thank you!
You're right.... I was 4 Gen born there and lived all over....Gamboa... Diablo, .... Gavillan, Balboa twice and finally ended in LaBoca..... Dad got laid off and we moved stateside.... Brother went back and is a APC pilot... we still get to go back every year... its not the same but its still good. Thanks for the memories.... 1966 to 1982..... the golden years.....
BTW . I connected with a group of fellow zonians. It is like a homecoming to meet up with them. A family reunion of people who are not related by blood, but by a deep love of a wonderful place. What once was, will never be again, but it sure was great, and still is in my memories.
Blair, Just saw your video and as an adopted Curundu maleante I agree with you 100%. Zonians are a unique group and I just love them all. Have not missed a reunion in Orlando for 15 years, and everytime we get there its just like a BIG family reunion. Love Panama and their pindin and customs and fit right in. So much fun. Thanks for sharing this video. Cheers
John Raffler glad I could bring back some memories my brother!
thanks for loving my country....your country ...
Thank you for loving Panama. We also love you!
Miss my country.
Living in so. Cal now and hate it. Miss the food the fishing and diving. Miss the culture. People don’t understand.
Thanks Zonian Brother. True about Panama and what a wonderful life it was.
I lived in Panama from 84-87, and loved EVERY moment. Some of the best days of my life were spent there, as a child!
Balboa the best place, i lived there too im a Zonian Too ❤️🇵🇦🤝🇺🇸❤️🙌🏻😎
I lived on Ft. Clayton for one year Feb 1989 to Mar 1990 when I was in 7th/8th grade. Although only there a short time I could fill a book on the adventures I had there. I completely understand your sentiment friend. Eternal summer was a bit of a distraction when it came to my school grades but I wouldn’t trade those times for anything.
You will be always welcome here at panama my friend..
Zonians for ever😄class of 1980 BHS🎉
Once a Zonian always a Zonian.
I feel this so much. Lived at Quarry Heights from ‘80-83. Went all over the country. Such an amazing experience!
Panama had a long term effect on my life as well. Was on Albrook from 91-95. Lol I remember being chased by the rain lol
agree 100%. I totally relate to what you said. I moved there when I was 3 months old and left when I was 15 (1970-1985).
Thank u 4 your comments , Panama es tuyo
You are so right about our people!!!
I loved living in Panama. I lived at Howard AFB and if it were possible to go back to that time, I would.
I’m from Panama 🇵🇦 and I live in California. I know what exactly what you are talking about the rain and friends. I’m lucky I have all my family there and I travel almost every year. It’s nice to heard. People talking about their great memories they had in Panama.
You nailed it brother. Lived pacific and Atlantic side, Gamboa too. Playing in the jungle, surfing, partying in las tables, hanging at the causeway. Best time of my life, best friends I'll ever have. I miss it every day and it hurts my heart to think of it. My wife and son will never understand.....the jungle, the rain, the people, the food, the smells.......they are in my DNA and yours. Shout out to my brothers, cavaliers forever! Class of 82. Thanks for speaking from the heart amigo........
Completely agree! Very interesting to see this Zonian express himself about Panama. I am panamanian but not from this "paradise", I am from the other paradise side ;). I don't blame him for missing his life there. Living the american good conditions but in a tropical country. I feel sorry for the Zonians cause their "country" is disappeared now. Life and times goes on and it's true that you can't go back, just live through memories... All in our hearts and mind! Nice video! :)
Todo tiene su final nada dura para siempre
came to panama and you always be welcome to your second country...
Donde se nace es su Nación, Politicamente son de USA, pero nacierorn en una tierra que se llama Panamá.
This is beautiful. I love it. We were not military, we were PCC. I was born there and lived there 18 years until I was dragged to the states kicking and screaming. The Canal Zone was the best place to grow up. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, if it was like before. I dislike Jimmy Carter intensely.
Really hard to describe how special that place is and how special that time was
That is so true Richard..
Great memories in Fort Clayton Canal Zone went to Fort Clayton Elementary and Curundu Jr High ....Played Football for the Clayton Cowboys when Bob Hayes came down for a visit to the team 1973-1976 . One of the best places and most fun to grow up as a teen . Anybody stationed their at that time would luv to hook up and chat
@edrod69 I don't live in Orlando my friend...I am stuck out here on the West Coast far away form most of my state side Zonian family. I try and get back for the occasional reunion.
Go back to visit brother and remember old times.
I feel you brother... I only lived in Panama (Curundu) for three years as a kid...but it stays in your heart.
I miss the sound of the rain crashing through the jungle.
dude i felt every word. 90 to 94 Panama baby. Ft Clayton, and Downtown panama city.
I don't know anyone that doesn't like to think about times in Panama
I know what you are saying and consider I grew up there, 1954 - 59 and 62 - 65 when I graduated from BHS. But you are talking about the Canal Zone life, not Panamanian. Was back many times 2006 - 2016 volunteering with Spay Panama, over 227,000 dogs and cats sterilized from 2001 through Spring 2021. Buildings and roads and Canal are there but in Panama and not lived as a Zonian way.
Good for you! You are human! You are also a 100% right about the rain!
I agree with you totally. I had all kind of friends. The good times , and adventures never seemed to stop!
I lived in Panama from 81-86
Coco Solo , Gatun
Current living/working in Hawaii
Drop me a line sometime..
Respect...
I Just came across this video but I lied it immediately.. Im PANAMANIAN so I understand what you mean... Despite I lived in Europe for more than 17 years I always remembered the smell of wet soil and the good times of my childhood.. Now Im back home and can tell Panamá is Paradise..
Awesome Blair..... only we understand.
wow man. I like everything what you said. i'm from Panama.
Lived in ft. Kobbe and went to crundo and balboa from 1977-1979. I have never been anywhere more fulfilling, I really miss those times. Taboga island, ain't nothing like it.
Those were my years at Howard AFB!
I totally get what you are saying. I have three older sisters and one younger, and none of them care one bit about the fact that we got to live in paradise for 5 years! I live in AZ, so I am right with you about the rain. Monsoon season hits. Ha! That is not a monsoon, honey. You have not seen a monsoon until you have lived in Panama! I miss the rains. When I buy mangoes, they need to have a stem. I pick it off and smell the sap. I have to have that "picked" smell, or it just isn't the same.
yes especially green turpentine mangos!!!! I got my family to eat mangos and starfruit, but they say papaya smells heheheee ya smells like HOME!
Yes Blair , especially the quiteness of Gamboa wont change it for the world.
well said.
Where can I get that shirt? Also this made me cry. Alot.
Hey Blair! Don’t know if you remember me but I’m also Class of ‘88. You are right, there is no place like Panama. God bless!
ptydebbie1 hi Debbie, are you on Facebook? I can’t tell from your pic if I recognize you! But any 88er is a friend of mine!!!
Blair Bates I took a break from Facebook over a year ago. I try to limit my time on social media. My maiden name is Kyle 😊. I remember you and I also lived in Gamboa for a few years!
you are a panamenian from your heart....ok..your an American Citizen...but you are a panamenian fron your heart...we never forget yo...never so...
Hello Blair... here is a band you should listen to: Makenka We are from Panama and we are a representation of the Panamanian Culture with Rock and Roll.... just like the Panama Canal. Makenka means Energy, just like Panama means abundance of Fish. Native Tribal Language.
Hey, I'm a local but I have had zonian friends whom I miss... Some stayed, though... cheers!
Treat yourself Blair. Go back and have some fun. There's a big difference now.
❤🇵🇦❤️
Zonian says appreciated.
Hi. We have posted this video in our Facebook/PanamaCruceroTours page. We loved a lot and we wished to share it, unless you have downside, of course. Greetings.
OMYGOSH I WANT THAT TATTOO!!!!
I sure the former Canal Zone myself.
💜💜💜
Hey, Im working on project about CZ! I used to live on QH during the 80s! Let's chat
Hit me up on Facebook, I’m Blair Bates
Panama is America
Panama papa
how do i get in contact with the guy in the video?
You can find me on Facebook..or email: snafuvii@aol.com
Blair Bates
Describe it the way it was Blair. Your right on the money. it's me O.J.
What years were you there? Do you still shake the milk?
wao i wished our president love panama like you do blair , you are welcome anytime and buy a house and live in this paradise
I'm Corn-fused, you're talking about Panama but wearing a Zonian shirt like a swastika. Dude, the party was always on for white zonies but that perspective is commonly referred to here in Gringolandia as "white privilege." I have beautiful memories too, but understood I was a guest who throught my 20+ years was compelled and motivated to give something back to my host country.
The Canal Zone back in the day sounds like quite the paradise. 99% white, perfect weather, a nice guaranteed salary, company provided housing, low or no cost medical care and a PX for your food. No pesky mortgage payments, no property taxes, no forced busing, no teachers unions, no imminent threat of losing your job. Just lots of sunshine, swaying palm trees and free time on your hands. All you guys needed was Mr. Roarke and Tattoo to complete the dream. Too bad Jimmy Carter came along lol.
The Canal Zone was not 99% white. Rainbow City, Santa Cruz, Paraíso and Pedro Miguel were all populated by West Indian descendants of canal construction workers from Jamaica and Barbados.