Journey to Panama

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February 17th

(SKIP)Arrived at Mikes Backpacking Hostel early afternoon without much problem thanks to Miss Garmin.We checked in, hostel is located on the second floor of a main street, and our rental is parked next to the entrance of the hostel. Well, when I went down to the car for the purpose of collecting our packs I noticed that my drivers side mirror, glass only, was missing. I looked down to the pavement and there is was broken in many pieces. Should have pulled closer to the curb!! Anyways, another opportunity awaits traveling through the process of replacing the mirror, always assuming the price will be affordable.

We are now in the town of Chitre and staying for 5 days at Mikes Backpacking Hostel and very quaint hostel on the second and third floor located directly on what I perceive to be the main street of Chitre.
The time right now is about 5:30 a from our very good vantage point witnessed a very large protest parade or perhaps a rally in support of the Asoprofar services organization. This appears to be a social organization that addresses the entire process of growing, harvesting, processing and marketing with the focus being on all peoples involved rather than just the middle persons through the consumers.
There were probably 300 -500 people involved although it's very difficult to guess. There easily could have been a 1000, Whatever count is correct, they were loud with plenty of people following with cell phones recording the procession. Exciting

Mike is the owner of this hostel and hails for Ohio and his trusted employee is Maribel a 4th year college student at the University of Panama majoring in English. Both are very nice and enjoyable people. Actual Mike likes to express himself as much as I. Barb doesn't even try to squeeze a word in edge wise.

During the afternoon we first proceeded to accomplish the first and most important task, purchase la cerveza. (beer) Mike gave us directions to a small market that sold beer and there we purchased 12 bottles of Balboa for ourselves and sharing. During the course of the afternoon Mike imparted some of his local knowledge of the area. Skipping directly to the evening hours, getting to sleep on a main street of town definitely requires ear plugs that fit very snugly.

(BARB) Not much to add...except every city seems to have the same streets lined with the same stuff for sale...lots and lots of backpacks, flip flops and purses just all over the place, hanging here and there overwhelming amounts of stuff...some cheap some not so cheap. I haven't bought a thing except 2 towels for us to use at the beach and a cheap pillow ...not so crazy about using the pillows at the hostels.....

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Comments

[Molly]

Hi
Hi you guys, Sounds like an exciting time in Panama. I have to say, I am a little concerned for your welfare, but you seem relaxed and not intimidated by anything thus far. How is the humidity there? We are busy in Naples, but having plenty of company to keep us from getting lonesome for home. Take care and I will continue to read your blog. Luv, Molly