David: The Heartbeat of Chiriquí

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dee-skool-peh/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

David, the capital of the Chiriquí province, was founded in 1602 by the Spanish. It was named after King David of the Bible, reflecting the Spanish tradition of naming towns after religious figures. The settlement quickly became an important agricultural and commercial center due to its strategic location between the Pacific Ocean and the highlands.

During the colonial period, David was a pivotal point for the Spanish in their quest to control and colonize the region. The area's fertile lands made it a hub for agricultural activities, which included the cultivation of crops such as coffee, sugarcane, and various fruits. The colonial architecture, with its classic Spanish style, still influences the city’s landscape today.

David played a significant role in Panama's independence movements in the early 19th century. The city was a center for revolutionary ideas and activities, contributing to Panama's eventual separation from Spain in 1821 and later from Colombia in 1903. Key figures from David participated in these movements, leaving a lasting legacy in the city's historical narrative.

The 20th century ushered in a period of modernization for David. Infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of the Pan-American Highway, bolstered its status as a key commercial and transportation hub. The city's growth was marked by an increase in population, urban development, and the establishment of educational institutions, further enhancing its economic and cultural significance.

David is renowned for its vibrant cultural festivals, which reflect the rich heritage of the region. The Feria de San José, held annually in March, is one of the most prominent events, showcasing local arts, crafts, music, and traditional dances. These festivals not only celebrate the city’s history but also foster a sense of community and cultural pride among its residents.

Today, David is a thriving economic center in western Panama. Its economy is largely driven by agriculture, commerce, and tourism. The city's markets are famous for their fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy products from the surrounding fertile lands. Additionally, David serves as a gateway to various tourist attractions, such as the beaches of Las Lajas and the highlands of Boquete.

David, located in the Chiriquí Province of Panama, can be reached via Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV), which has direct flights from major cities like Panama City. From Panama City, you can also take a domestic flight, a long-distance bus, or rent a car for a scenic drive along the Pan-American Highway. The bus journey typically takes around 6-8 hours, while a flight lasts about an hour.

Within David, taxis and buses are the most common modes of transport. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed on the street or through apps. Public buses and minibuses (colectivos) are also available and cover most areas of the city. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, which allows you to explore nearby attractions like Boquete and the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park.

The official currency in Panama is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely used and accepted. Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout David for cash withdrawals.

David is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to practice standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While most areas are safe, neighborhoods like Barrio Bolívar and surrounding regions can have higher crime rates. Stay vigilant and consult with locals or your accommodation for up-to-date safety advice.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The Hospital Regional Rafael Hernández is a major medical facility in David and can handle most medical emergencies. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation if necessary.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly, especially in rural or religious areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including dressing modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a polite nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like sancocho and ceviche. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience David like a local, visit the bustling Mercado Público where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional foods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about the area. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby highlands of Boquete, known for its coffee plantations and stunning natural beauty.