Panama Paradise
Our entry into Panama is rather dramatic. We have a surprisingly smooth border crossing until we get to the last window (border crossings typically entail going to about 10 different offices/windows). The custom agent is almost ready to stamp the documents for the car, then the power goes out, closing the border completely. We wait about 2 hours for the power to come back on, then we are on our way into Panama.
The weather is stifling hot – 96 degrees and humid. The kids see a mini mall with a Burger King and are excited to have American fast food for lunch. We start heading towards the mountains to cool off and encounter a torrential downpour. Paul is a trooper and continues to drive through the pouring rain to Boquete, a charming mountain town on the slopes of Volcano Baru.
Boquete is picture-perfect: alpinesque houses, beautiful flower gardens, river running through town, and artisan shops. Boquete is a great place for the outdoors: river rafting, hiking and horseback riding. Yet, the weather is rainy and we spend most of our time at the hotel, catching up on school work and making travel arrangements.
We take one of the most scenic drives of the trip from Boquete to Bocas del Toro, on the Caribbean. We pass mountain peaks, rushing waterfalls, fertile valleys, incredible views and lots and lots of major potholes.
We leave the minivan on the mainland (our first time leaving “our home”) and take a water taxi to the Bocas islands. We decide to stay on Isla Carinero at a lovely hotel, Tierra Verde, right on the beach. Island living! White sand beaches, warm water, fresh seafood for the boys and lots of lazing around and socializing.
This is the first time on the trip for visiting the Caribbean, and we quickly notice differences. The food has a kick to it – yummy and spicy. The houses are built on stilts for protection against flooding and bugs. The houses and hotels have a plantation look – balconies, carved railings and bright pastels. The typical mode of transportation is by boat. The locals speak a combo English-Spanish language with a twist, referred to as wari-wari. Reggae music plays at the restaurants and bars. The Bob Marley song, “Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing’s gonna be alright” seems to sum up the attitude perfectly.
We’ll continue island living for awhile. We are making arrangements to ship the minivan to Columbia on June 15th and will spend a few weeks at an apartment in Panama City to make final plans and sightsee. It’s a good life!
Tags: Panama
hwy1alltheway
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Stocks and Shares ISA
Hey Curleys – LOVE the blog and pix. What a great adventure you are all having, and smiling after 12 weeks – life is good, I see. Have fun in Panama — stay safe!
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