After losing everything in a fire in 2021, the author embarked on an unplanned journey that led to Santa Catalina, Panama. Embraced by the affectionate local community and the natural beauty around, the author appreciates a simpler life with more meaningful human connections. This small fishing town, despite its limited population, showcases a cultural richness. With influences from various countries, the community thrives on the interaction of diverse backgrounds. The author reflects on how this unexpected move has offered the healing and fulfillment that life in the US could not provide.
At the end of 2021, I lost everything I had in an overnight fire at my home in Boulder, Colorado. Without my beloved cat or my condo, my life completely fell apart.
Santa Catalina actually feels quite international. For a tiny fishing village with only a few hundred residents, Santa Catalina feels surprisingly diverse.
I've met families from Argentina, dive instructors from Germany, and chefs from Italy. The mix of cultures creates an interesting contrast.
Life here feels worlds away from what I left behind in the US - and that's exactly what I needed.
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