Blogs from Panama, Central America Caribbean - page 14

After a week of total decadency in Lima, Peru, our first stop in Central America was Panama. True, traveling from Cartagena via Lima to Panama City is not the most logical route, but one of the nice things of having a lot of time is being flexible. Panama City is kind of a schizofrenic place. One part being like any American big city, the other a beautifully restored colonial town. Restoration is still in progress and there are newly refurbished buildings next to facades wihout anything behind it. Apparently, the Panamanian government is promoting the country as a great location to retire and that shows: modern high rises and facilities, foreign big chain restaurants and hotels, American prices, a beautiful promenade, air conditioned malls, and many (older) Americans - tourists and residents alike. Not our cup ... read more

It was finally time to leave South America. Though fun and although I had seen and done some amazing things, there were elements of frustration that accompanied me throughout my time there. This continued right up until the last, having had my water bottle, my universal adaptor and flip-flops nicked within a few days. WTF backpacker people. For good measure, South America decided to give me a final dose of bedbug bites to send me on my way. To be completely honest, I felt that I had had my fill of South America and that I was ready to move onto somewhere new. But South America hadn’t had its fill of me and did everything it could to stop me from leaving. Crossing from Colombia to Panama is notoriously difficult and a pain in the arse, ... read more

We are on the final count down to departure time. We leave tomorrow for a 7 hour bus ride to Panama City where we will fly Spirit Air to Fort Lauderdale. We will rent a car to take us to the boat in Fort Myers. Our condominium neighbours have organized a pot luck dinner for this evening so we will be saying goodbye to all. It was quiet during the first two months but the season is in full swing so every condo is booked. Canadians, Americans, a Scandinavian and a Jamaican make up the residents. Everyone is friendly enough but they keep to themselves for the most part. We spent January relaxing, reading, swimming and going out to bars and restaurants. We did have occasion to go to the hospital for a broken toe and ... read more

Jerry and I wish all of you a Happy New Year, we miss you all. We spent Christmas Eve walking around downtown David and stopping at our favourite bars. The merchants were still out peddling their wares passed 9:00. The streets were packed with shoppers, the kids fair was in full swing and the streets were littered with garbage. Wrapping paper, food containers, boxes and bottles were everywhere. The garbage continues to boggle our minds in a city with pick up twice a week. We headed back to our condo for a much needed swim and more Christmas cheer. At midnight, the skies erupted with fireworks coming from every direction. This is not an organized event, everyone simply sets off fireworks at will. It could be seen in every direction even way up in the mountains. ... read more