World Youth Day Panama 2019 Part 1

I was lucky enough to be able to go to the Catholic Church's World Youth Day in Panama with a German tour group in January 2019. It's been almost 5 years now, but here's a look back.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

I got up at 4:30 and Mom drove me to the train station in Nuremberg at 4:30. At a quarter past five the train left for Frankfurt. It came at 7:22 and at first I had no idea where I had to go. And I actually had to go to the toilet too. But then I found the Lufthansa check-in counter, where another guy was already there with a backpack and luggage. I then joined him and he helped me a bit with my luggage and where I had to go etc. When I checked my luggage I was told that my luggage was the right size but was so unwieldy that I should hand it in at the bulky luggage counter.

On the way there we saw our tour group standing, which I then joined. I then lost Matthias because he still had to change money. In our travel group I met Judith, whom I already knew from the previous meeting, as well as a friend of hers named Janina and also a Selma and a Rebecca. They're all pretty nice. First we just waited, then we went to the hand luggage check, then we had to show our passport and then we sat down together and chatted. There was also a Monika there, quite funny. We got a kind of pilgrim ID card and the flight left at around 10:45.

In total we had 12 hours of flight time and had something to eat twice. Tobias sat next to me and on the other side was Auxiliary Bishop Florian Wörner from Augsburg, with whom I had a really good chat. There were always other people standing with him and having very interesting conversations in which it was nice to have a say. I learned a bit about AWT, then later chatted with Janina and Judith, who were sitting directly in front of me, and when we couldn't sit anymore, we did a standing circle. We met a lot of people there. Cornelia from the previous meeting was also there. She is also in a small group with me, as is the auxiliary bishop. We met Laura and Max and many more.

Overall it was pretty fun. I even sang with Florian Wörner and prayed a prayer of the hour. I slept a little bit in between, but no more than 2 hours. We finally landed around three quarters of 11 German time, or three quarters of five Panamanian time. By the time we got out of the airport it was already 6:00 p.m. there. We then took buses to Penonome. I slept through the entire journey there. We rode in an oriental-looking bus with curtains and pom-poms, pretty funny.

Finally we arrived and there was a huge reception in the church with sandwiches and a trellis for us, where they cheered us on, that was a fascinating feeling. We Germans were all exhausted, but they were so happy and celebrated and held up signs saying who was welcoming which German. Then they first welcomed us, then performed 4 folkloric dances with costumes and masks. They then divided us into our host families. My family is pretty cool. The parents are very welcoming and the children can speak English. I got along well with the children straight away, but it was even more difficult with the parents because of the language. But Google Translate takes care of it. We drove together to a fast food restaurant where we ate something. And now we're at their house. I sleep in a nice big bed in a nice big room.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Today started very early, firstly because I couldn't sleep anymore (jet lag) and because we had breakfast around 8:30. Then my host father showed me the house and the garden, both of which are very new and not yet finished. The children weren't there at breakfast because, as it turned out in the evening, they weren't the children at all. We communicated via translation app. Our meeting point was actually 9:45, but my host parents insisted that I had to be there by 8:00. Then I was too early and had to wait forever, but that's where you get to know people and start talking.

Then, once everyone was there, we had to make name tag clothespins. Afterwards we all went to the sports field. On the way it started to rain, but before it even started it was over again. When we got there we played a game where we had to steal each other's clothespins. Unfortunately I was pretty bad, but so were Rebecca and Janina. We were then divided into small groups. Somehow it's not that hot, nobody wants to say anything. But maybe that will happen over time. Afterwards we walked to the cathedral where the WYD cross and the image of the Virgin Mary stood. There was a lot of atmosphere there. We sang, clapped, danced and finally there was even a polonaise before boys from all the nations present (Panama, Guatemala, Colombia and Germany) carried out the cross. That was cool.

Afterwards we went to lunch. I had previously been out with Matthias from K8, now with Theresa and Johannes. At lunch there was an extra table for the band. We briefly introduced ourselves and discussed everything important. The food itself didn't taste good at all, but I wasn't hungry either. The band members soon disappeared, so I sat down first with Laura, then with Judith, Janina and Rebecca. I had to wait so long at the toilet that there was no one else there apart from the three of them. Very nice that they waited.

We went to another church, San Antonio, where catechesis was held. The band played a few songs, but I wasn't assigned. So I enjoyed the catechesis - it was good and interesting - from behind on the wall together with Janina. When it was over, we were told to meet in small groups outside. Matthias was already in his host parish, otherwise everyone was there. There we got exchange gifts. The conversation wasn't so lively, Johannes and Theresa were quite quiet. Judith talked to the auxiliary bishop and Cornelia and Theresa were the only ones who responded to my impulse questions. But maybe it still takes time until everyone becomes more open. Before we all knew it, we were at the cathedral and everyone was going their own way, except Johannes. So I stayed with him.

Theoretically there was supposed to be a rosary at 4:00, but it didn't start until half past five and was in three languages: German, English and Spanish. But only the prayer leader changed the language; we each answered in our own language. Afterwards there would have been a church service, but first there was an hour-long worship service. I didn't look ahead and struggled so much with jet lag that I hardly noticed anything about it. The service was nice, but it was also led by Auxiliary Bishop Florian Wörner and it was more German than Spanish, apart from the music, but that was cool. At the end everyone was saying, clapping and dancing. Then I was more awake again.

I met the guest children outside. We watched the folklore show together and finally went home to them, their grandma and all the relatives. They live in an older house in the middle of the old town. There I was supposed to try on Lia's costume and choose a headdress because apparently I would need it tomorrow. Eyra, the host mother, picked me up and when I arrived I went to bed early. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it clear to the host parents that tomorrow's service will take place at 9:00 a.m. and not at 10:00 a.m., so I'll probably miss it.

Friday, January 18, 2019

The day began for me at 7:00 a.m. where I got ready and wrote a book. The service would begin at 9:00 a.m. and my host father would drive me to it. For breakfast there was again a lot of hearty stuff. Then we drove off. Instead of 10-15 minutes like normal, we needed 25-30 because everywhere was closed and there was a lot of traffic and police presence. When we got to the cathedral at half past ten, I understood why: there were pilgrims from Costa Rica, Brazil, Guatemala, Poland and even more countries.

The mass took place in the large square in front of the cathedral, and it was full. It was celebrated by Bishop Cedeno, our auxiliary bishop, a bishop from South Africa and one from another African country. About 25 other priests sat nearby. The main language was Spanish, everything was translated into English and some parts also took place in German or Polish. We stood in the middle of the sun, Colombians in front of us, a colorful mix of nations and the music encouraged everyone to dance. The service was one big party in honor of God. The peace greeting with all nations was particularly beautiful. The WYD anthem was sung straight away as an excerpt and that's when it started to drip, but then stopped again. The entry led through the crowd and while the gifts were being prepared, traditionally dressed people brought their gifts to the front in a long procession.

Immediately afterwards there should be lunch, for which all pilgrims should go to yesterday's gym or the associated school. When we got there we first had to wait, so we sat in the shade. In between we played a game with other nations where we all lined up in a circle and ultimately hopped around on command. One of them also had her guitar with her and everyone sang along. Lunch itself wasn't so great, rice again. That's where I found Janina.

Afterwards we had free time. Judith, Rebekka, Janina and I walked around the city a bit, went into shops and very small alleys. Once we were in a large market hall. Then we made our way back to the church square where various dances and music were performed. While the other 3 were in the toilet, Eyra called me to come, Lia was looking for me. We quickly found each other and went shopping for shoes together. They bought 2 pairs for me in a tiny shop where the shoes hung from the ceiling in plastic bags. My host father picked me up and I took a quick shower before Eyra did my hair, makeup and clothes. I've never seen so much make-up before. After her treatment I almost looked like a real Panamanian woman.

We all drove back into town together to take part in the parade. This was so that some Germans in traditional Panamanian costumes walked at the front with the locals under both flags. I hardly knew any of the Germans, but I quickly became friends with Lara. I wore the shoes that were bought for me and they are so uncomfortable! After 10 minutes my feet hurt so much. But I got through the train. We always had to hold on to the skirt and dance like that. Pretty tiring in the long run. Then we finally ran to the finish and fireworks went off.

We didn't know how long the parade would last and sat on the ground (Lara, Maria, Andreas and me). But we were all hungry, so we bought burgers for $2 at the nearest store. With that, we sat on the side of the road and continued watching the parade. It was now 8:00 p.m. But we looked closely. Then a German group came along – not officially, but we did one – and we joined them. That was great fun. We danced, I was now barefoot, and set the mood. Even after that I continued dancing despite my sore feet. Schorsch persuaded me. We joined a group of Germans and went to the concert on stage. Finally, Monica, Emiliano and Lia came and danced too. That was pretty cool. A fireworks display ended the concert. And we went with Eyra to grandma's, where I got a cross and finally we went home with the children.

Saturday, January 19, 2019

We got up at 6:00, even earlier, to pray the rosary. Lia, Emiliano and Monica slept here specifically. Everyone was still wearing their pajamas, except for me. Afterwards I was sent back to bed until half past eight for breakfast. There was traditional food again, very good this time. Afterwards we quickly drove to the river where carnival is celebrated. We took a quick look at it before continuing on to the cathedral. Everyone was already gathered there. We worshiped and prayed.

Afterwards we went to the sports field because there was a sporting program waiting for us there, i.e. a soccer tournament. I also played along with Janina, Andreas and two others whose names I have forgotten. None of us have ever played football, but it was fun and we only lost 2-0 to a team from Colombia. And there was always dancing between the games. But the whole thing dragged on. Some people are still playing at lunch, including Father Lukas in his habit.

The hike to plant the tree was actually supposed to start at 2:30, but it was 4:30. While we waited, we thought about something for the cultural evening, braided ribbons, chatted and walked around the area a bit. Very chill. Finally the hike began. It went out of the city into the hilly hinterland. We played various guessing games along the way, but I didn't know them and that made it all the more fun. For example, the game in which a pirate ship has to be loaded. First an object goes in with P, then with I, then with R, etc. One person didn't understand it at all, so we loaded an escort ship, a lifeboat and also a rubber boat for her. That was funny. Likewise the game with the triangle (I drag my triangle from a to b to c. Where does the triangle point? -> To the first person who speaks afterwards). Or the one with the frog (A frog walks across the street. Where does the frog go? -> gets on my nerves). We took a break at a cross on the side of the path and a Stations of the Cross began.

Unfortunately, from then on I couldn't go along anymore because the band was brought in and met for the sound check, which was essentially a dress rehearsal. That was great, they know their instruments and songs so well. But I got in too. And it was a lot of fun, even during the bilingual service. At the end there was just a huge party with the last two songs. Eyra and Eli were also in the service. Afterwards they really wanted to take a photo of me with a Brazilian pilgrim without teeth. But he was nice. A woman with two sons also wanted to take a picture, including my flute.

Then we should move on to the cultural evening. Unfortunately I couldn't find anyone else, but then I met Lara, with Florian and another guy with me. He had to wait for his host father because of the packed lunch. We waited with him. They are all very nice people too. Finally we arrived and the program was already running. But just as we arrived, the Germans were supposed to come on stage. First a few people danced in lederhosen and dirndls, then there was a Schuhplattler. Then everyone danced to the Zillertal Wedding March, then came the pilot's song and at the end a waltz was danced. After us it was Colombia and Guatemala. And then Panama again, in traditional costumes and with huge fireworks.

Unfortunately there were hardly any Germans there anymore. When a music group came, I was just about to write to Eyra about when we were leaving when the children already came. We went out for pizza together (2 pizzas for everyone, but it was enough) and on the way back we talked about beer. When we dropped off the children, one was handed to me and we stayed briefly. Then we went home to bed. Oh yes, before we drove home from the cultural evening, Eyra, Lia, Emiliano, Monica and I danced in the middle of the street without any music. That was funny.

Sunday, January 20, 2019

The day started relatively late with an excessive breakfast. I finally found out something about my host father's jobs and his bad foot. After breakfast I was driven to church at half past ten. I didn't know if it would be my turn to play the flute today, but it was my turn. We practiced a bit in a small room, especially the WYD anthem, before the service began. The main celebrant was an African and he spoke English. Parts were again German or Spanish. All in all, the service was very nice, but not as contemplative as on Saturday because there were so many people there. And after that we were the stars, we in the band. We probably had to take 10 photos with all kinds of people. And because I had to go to the bathroom, it made me a little upset.

Finally I found the children and we went back to grandma's. We were picked up there, loaded the car at home and then we went to the beach. We were on the road for less than 5 minutes, a good half an hour. To 4. On the back seat. Sweets and drinks were bought on the way. Finally we were there. Monica, Emiliano and I went into the water. We splashed around and looked for animals. Emiliano dove a bit. They asked me if I wanted a beer and they even brought it into the water. That was a cool feeling. People kept wanting to take photos with me, but it was uncomfortable in a bikini. Complete strangers came and said they were friends.

Later Betti came with her family, she is also German and incredibly nice. We chatted for a long time and then walked along the beach together. On the way we met Janina. That was a nice moment, all together on the beach. We stayed for a while before we all set off again together. But we didn't go home straight away, we went to Anton. Not only Emiliano's sister lives there, but also Eli's brother, whom we visited after a visit to the local church (probably a very well-known pilgrimage church). He also took in pilgrims; there are Poles in Anton. Two girls, I talked to one named Agatha for a long time. Then they gave us cut sugarcane. You chew the sugar out and spit out the rest.

Then we drove on. Just before Penonome the landscape is magnificent! I would have liked to take a photo of her, but I didn't have my cell phone with me. Then we drove up the mountain specifically so that I could look at the area and take photos. It turned out that we were on the mountain where the others had planted the tree. It was beautiful there and you had a great view of the whole area and Penonome. It was already very dark, you could mainly see outlines and lights. The children then showed me the direction of the McDonalds, the church and the house. It was so beautiful!

Then we went home, where we got ready, had a bite to eat and set off again. There was to be another cultural evening in the mall, where we had eaten pizza the day before. Little Julian also came along. There were traditional dances there again, including by children and youth groups. Then a band played, where a polonaise spontaneously formed. Eyra and the children also took part. After that we just continued dancing on the spot. Julian asked me to do it and it was funny. Before we left we took countless photos. On the way home we stopped to buy fast food. There were 7 of us traveling in a five-seater. I then had to say goodbye to Julian and he gave me a kiss on the neck. Totally cute. The other three slept with us. When we got there we ate together and then went to bed.

Monday, January 21, 2019

We got up early and drove with all our luggage to a canteen-like restaurant for breakfast. The portions were huge and it didn't taste that good, then Emiliano ate the rest. Afterwards we drove to the cathedral, where we arrived promptly (!) at 8. But things didn't go any further there at first. I sat down with Judith and Janina to my host family and finally the farewell began. There was singing, thanksgiving and prayers. Afterwards a photo of the Eichstätter family was taken and then I said goodbye to the family. It was very emotional. Eyra even cried. Then we loaded the bus and set off.

After about 20 minutes we were at a small church in a small town. It was old and looked not unlike a factory building. But the locals seemed to have spruced it up for us. Then the service began, but the wine and hosts were not yet there. That's why the sermon was longer and followed on from the catechesis, but very good. Afterwards we should talk to our neighbor about it, in my case Janina. We really had a very good conversation. Finally the bread and wine were there and we could continue.

After the service we gathered in front of the church and the locals had prepared some food. Afterwards we continued to the beach, even the same one as the day before. Just about 2 km further left. We (almost) all changed clothes, put hammocks in cute little straw huts and went into the water. We chatted, splashed, had a water fight and sang the song of the great white shark. That was very funny. Nobody had to be embarrassed because everyone was wearing bikinis and we all went much further into the water than the locals. At some point it got cold and Judith and I walked along the beach. Then we did the same thing again with Janina and Handy. Meike was also there for a short time. We tried liquid coconut, passion fruit juice and a papaya.

We slowly got back on the bus and drove through pretty landscapes to Panama City. We also drove through the Panama Canal. After a bit of traffic, we arrived at a large church where we waited for our host families. And we waited a long time. But that didn't matter, because we met very nice people from our group and chatted about beer, kitchen appliances, Jugend2000, faith, languages and much more. In between we went out to look for food for Rebecca and Judith. That was easier said than done, but a few volunteers helped us. When we returned it turned out that my host family was already there, but the other German, Maria, wasn't there yet. So we sat down together again and waited. Finally Maria came and we were welcomed by our host mother.

Her name is Lili and she's really tiring. On the way in a really fat car we talked in English, which she can do really well. At home she introduced us to her family: husband (lawyer), 2 daughters (designer at Adidas and architect) and a son (technical product designer). And we had to try out the SIM cards we were given. Which of course – as we had already been told – didn’t work. Then the telephone provider was called. About an hour passed and then we went to bed around 12:30.