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I have been blessed to travel to Panama three times in the past. I love Panama!
This trip was my chance to introduce this amazing country to my family. My children, who are five and nine, are at an age that they could enjoy and remember the experience. My husband said yes to this travel opportunity.
We landed in Panama City in the early afternoon and were met by Eric Rodriguez, a taxi driver recommended to us by our hotel. He was prompt and very friendly. We were taken to the Albrook Inn which is located in the old 'Canal Zone.' The Inn used to be a place for US military officers to stay when they visited.
Once we were settled in and had lunch at the hotel, we headed to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. The visitor center was quite a success with the kids. The four level museum includes lots of displays, interactive activities, and examples of wildlife (live fish and giant bugs). The movie was 3D and very kid friendly, yet informative. We were fortunate enough to see a container ship come through the canal- it still amazes me what a close fit it is for those big ships!
Eric picked us up and took us back to the Inn. He shared his thoughts on the delay of the expansion of The Canal, which was to have been finished in 2014- one hundred years after the original. I have decided that Panamanians love to talk politics. We also heard his views on the new highway that surrounds Casco Viejo. The $775 million spent for 3 kilometers was obviously benefiting the president and his friends according to our driver.
Back at the hotel, the kiddos had a swim and we relaxed with cocktails. We had planned to go to Las Tinajas for dinner. It is a fun, somewhat touristy place with good typical food (try the sangria!) and a traditional dance show. But M & A were happy to swim and suddenly the 9:00PM start time of the show seemed late after a day of travel and in light of the anticipated early morning flight.
We decided to eat dinner poolside. Steve and I were entertained by the very serious bird watchers who were trying to work on their journals and spread sheets while our children splashed and screamed. The Albrook area is near Ancon Hill, the highest point in Panama City, and near a large park making for wonderful bird sighting. I guess I just never realized how very dedicated true birdwatchers are. They walked the grounds with binoculars and notebooks in hand. After a couple pina coladas, I thought it was fun to whistle in short bursts and watch the birdwatchers as their heads jerked in my direction. Steve slapped at me in disapproval as he giggled.
We organized our bags for our flight to Yandup. The hotel was kind enough to keep the balance of our luggage while we were gone for the two nights. This was wonderful as the regional airline limits each person to 14 kg of baggage.
My sister, Megan, and her husband, Chris, arrived a little after 9:00PM. The kids and I were sound asleep.
Albrook Inn- http://www.albrookinn.com/en/
Miraflores- http://visitcanaldepanama.com/panama-canal-miraflores-visitor-center/
Las Tinajas Restaurant- http://tinajaspanama.com/
Eric Rodriguez (driver with van)- [email protected]
- comments
Claudia Congrats on taking the big step! Your blog looks great.
Beth Roach Thanks, Claudia!! You are an inspiration.