Blogs from Panama City, Panamá, Panama, Central America Caribbean - page 18

Well we had finally finished up with South America, and the next part of our adventure - travelling through Central America - was about the begin. Our flight from Bogota (once we managed to get on the actual flight), was non-eventful and on time. When we arrived in Panama City we were already impressed after stepping off the plane. The hot weather, the palm trees everywhere, and the carribbean accented english/spanish. We rocked up at one of the few hostels available in Panama City - staying in the old town (Luna's Castle). Panama City itself was very intersting, it was lively, and vibrant, and very busy. Along one stretch, near the coastal highway there are loads of high rises. And in the old town there are many restored old style buildings and architecture. The currency is ... read more

Our arrival in Panama City might not have been quite as impressive as Henry Morgan's was in 1671, but we bet he had better weather.  After a bus and a taxi from Tocumen airport, night was just beginning to fall, and the rain was too.  By the time we had checked in to our 17th floor room, the sky was lit up like Blackpool illuminations.  Streaks of lightning aided our limited view of the cloud covered bay and the skyscrapers that are going up at an alarming rate. As we settled into our $320 per night room (cheers Mike!) we found that breakfast wasn't included, nor was wifi (which the t's & c's kindly told us we could prepay or have added to our room bill).  The room, however, did surpass expectations. The bed was vast, mini ... read more

About an hour from David, on the return journey, I stopped at a hostel called The Lost and Found, in order to break up the long journey to Panama City. I was immediately impressed by what the two Canadian owners have created. The hostel is isolated in the midst of a large cloud forest national park with excellent walking and nature spotting. Aside from the beautiful location they have essential created an interesting attraction in the middle of nowhere with many things to do and even it's own book. They also put out food for the Kinkajous (Honey Bears) and other nocturnal mammals so they come to the hostel in the evenings. It's well worth a stop if you're travelling to Bocas. Late the follow evening I arrived in Panama City. Thanks to the canal and ... read more

So my dad is always telling me that I must never write about partying on my travel blog because I know that my family reads it. Well, here we go, I'm going to write most of an entry about how hard I partied on my very first day in Panama! Allie and I flew out Friday night. Our first flight out of SF was delayed, but it didn't put us behind for the other flights so the trip was fairly uneventful. We both slept a decent amount which was nice and would serve us well for our first crazy day here. Kendi, Aunt Trudi and Uncle Don picked us up at the airport and took us back to the apartment that the family had rented for our time in Panama City. It was very nice. Downstairs ... read more

Haven’t updated the blog since the fierce expedition known as the Los Quetzales trail Cerro Punta to Boquete. It was quite a traumatic for Rico but he’s just about able to talk about it now…. We said a sad farewell to Elle and Tash in Almirante. They were heading on their way back up to Costa Rica whereas we were driving on to discover more of Panama. They are continuing their journey from LA to Oz. We’ll definately be keeping in touch with them. Facebook is great. That night we made our way on Panamas brilliant bus service to David. We then got a taxi to the well publicised Purple House Hostel. I’d like to discourage anyone reading this from going there. Yes I know more than the lonely planet that’s 4 years old. Think Andrea ... read more