<center><h1>Nobody ever says, 
"I can't wait to get to Panama for some of that 
great Panamanian food." </h1>
<h2>It sounds funny to even think about.</h2>
<h3>However, since the violence in Venezuela has kicked up
into being the third highest in the world for 
homicide deaths so many of the people 
have found refuge in Panama and they are making their 
imprint on the Panama culture. </h3>
<h2>When I was in Panama in 2014 
I had never heard of Arepas.</h2>
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https://s33.postimg.org/94w5sdrcf/IMG_0012_1.jpg
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Now, they are almost part of at least one meal each day. 
I have even made them myself.
The Arepa flour is sold in almost 
every store and is always inexpensive.
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![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUo7YWwJsQPHTBTPfpTPbYF6MukMNGdCDKV6KEKMLzVbX/image.png)
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<h3>The simplest process is to only add water and mix. 
The dough is ready when it holds shape.</h3>
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https://s33.postimg.org/529q6ojxb/IMG_9819.jpg
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<h3>It is then flattened into cakes of 
whatever size you like.</h3>
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https://s33.postimg.org/htnwdc6lr/IMG_9820.jpg
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https://s33.postimg.org/529q6pu7z/IMG_0014.jpg
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<h2>They are cooked slowly until they are 
golden brown and crispy on each side.</h2>
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https://s33.postimg.org/5zbk24yfj/IMG_0294.jpg
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https://s33.postimg.org/e4tm034m7/IMG_0300.jpg
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<h1>Arepas are very versatile.</h1>
<h2>They are often sliced through the middle to 
make a sandwich.</h2>
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https://s33.postimg.org/hgwi75gm7/IMG_0016.jpg
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<h3>Sometimes they are sliced open like a pocket or 
for an open faced sandwich.</h3>
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https://s33.postimg.org/w7morasr3/IMG_0334.jpg
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<h2>I enjoyed experimenting with the basic water and flour 
recipe by adding some milk, sea salt, garlic powder and coconut oil</h2>
<h4>I've even started fantasizing about starting a table of 
street food selling Arepas with a variety of ingredients 
and toppings as I have learned there is 
no limit to what you can do with an Arepa.</h4>
<h3>Most Central American food, in my experience, 
lacks seasoning and flavor.</h3>
<h4>My mind is stirring with ideas on how to take this great 
grilled corn flavor and create a gazillion of options and possibilities.</h4>
<br>
https://s33.postimg.org/a0x8l7g0f/IMG_0308.jpg
<br>
<h1>Take a look at my intro blog
[Let Me Tell You What a Badass I AM](https://steemit.com/introduceyourself/@loveon/let-me-tell-you-what-a-badass-i-am)</h1>
<h2>For more of my exciting and unfolding story click here
[Love's Epic Journey Through Latin America: Panama and my Street Art
](https://steemit.com/travel/@loveon/love-s-epic-journey-through-latin-america-panama-and-my-street-art)</h2>
~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~
<br>
<h2>**Keep Following.**</h2>
<h3>I got many more fun-believable experiences,</h3>
<h4>and amazing photography,</h4>
<h2>I'm serious!</h2>
<h1>My stories are continuously unfolding as I continue my unique journey south.</h1>
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