In this episode I go over the first book of this journey through Panama. The text focuses on the culture and customs of Panama, as indicated by the book's title. In addition, I'll go over what I learned that was surprising, not surprising, irksome, and fun about the reading.

In the Encore section I mention several sources. Here they are for those you may be interested.

On the concept of "patria:"

Panamanian poetry https://www.panamapoesia.com/patriota.php 

Hernández González, R. (2023, November 4). ¿Qué significa Patria y sus símbolos? El Siglo 40. https://elsiglo.com.pa/panama/nacionales/significa-patria-simbolos-AJES24238933 

Martí, J. (1869). Abdala. Biblioteca Virtual Cervantes. https://www.cervantesvirtual.com/portales/biblioteca_americana/obra-visor/abdala--0/html/

Country Podcast Playlists for South Korea, Angola, and Panama (after reading journey is completed)

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Two continent stops (Asia and Africa) completed; two countries inquired about (South Korea and Angola); and twelve books were read thus far in "Around the World in 6 Books." The books discussed covered folk tales, wars, colonialism, gastronomy, a female warrior queen, and cultural movements - amongst other subjects. At least six glocalizing activities were enjoyed too as a result of all of that reading and learning!

But as much as fun as those country journeys were the time has come to learn about the third country in the podcast's first journey. Which one will it be, and in what continent is it in?

Find out in Part III's first episode, where the next country journey is introduced. Towards the end of the episode I’ll also introduce listeners to the first book of the country's journey. Book 1's discussion episode premieres in a month.

Stay tuned!

Angolans' pastimes include watching and playing sports, going to the movies, swimming, and socializing with family and friends. One of the most popular games played in Angola is also played in various formats around the world and in the US. In Episode 3 of "Let's Glocalize, Angola!" I go over how I learned to play this popular game enjoyed by many Angolans.

After the gustatory success of the Mandu glocalizing experience for the South Korea journey I wanted to do something food related again. But I encountered several challenges when it came to the Angolan version of this activity. In Episode 2 of Angola's "Let's Glocalize!" series I describe these challenges, and what I eventually ended up cooking.

Happy New Year! It is glocalizing time again!

According to Oyebade, the author of Book 1, Angola's semba gave birth to Brazil's samba. In Episode 1 of Angola's "Let's Glocalize!" series I tell you about how I pursued a samba related activity. An activity that is inspired by Angola, and experienced through Miami's Brazil.

Time to say “See you later, Angola”! The last episode of my Angolan journey is a brief recap of the journey’s expectations, what was learned, what remains to be covered (if anything), and the challenges encountered in this journey. 

And after all that reading, "what comes next?" You may ask. The Angola glocalizing series! Stay tuned!

In Episode 7 of the reading journey through the first country in Africa I go over some of the cultural aspects in the divination practice of the Luvale, one of Angola's many ethnic groups. In addition, I reveal details about the next episode and when to expect the Angola glocalizing episodes.

Book 5 of this journey through Angola was not what I thought it would be about. Although that's the case, it doesn't mean that a great opportunity to learn about Angola's history and culture is not provided through its actual content. It almost feels like that was meant to be. To many degrees the author expands on issues that I touched on in the episode on Book 1, such as Angolan identity.

The title and question of the 6th (and final!) book in this journey are revealed towards the end of this episode. 

By the way, do I say "colonial" or "colloquial" when discussing an expression in the "What did you google" segment of the Encore? My accent may have gotten the best of me there. If you hear "colonial" know that I meant "colloquial."

In Episode 5 I discuss the fourth book about Angola on the transatlantic slave trade, and the surprisingly close relationship between Brazil and Angola during this period.

I leave out of the discussion details about research methodology, which is something of importance for scholars like Ferreira. With this book, as with any scholarly ones included in the podcast, I accept the content at face value. Regardless of the methodology and how data were collected, Book 4 of this journey through Angola contained information that can help us to appreciate and learn about the history of this African country.

Towards the end of the episode I share the title and author of the fifth book on this journey.

If you've ever wondered how a fierce female warrior legend from Africa might have been, the biography that I discuss in episode 4 reveals it. Her name was Njinga, and she was the Queen of Matamba (and Ndongo) in modern day Angola.

Towards the end of the discussion on her biography, by Linda M. Heywood, the title and question of the 4th book in this journey are revealed.