A Friend Comes to Visit
&
A Big Move
After my return from Maine for Christmas, I had decided to move home for good. I wasn't ready to commit to residency in Panama, Andrea had been accepted to Boston University for the Fall of 2014 and I missed being close to my family and friends. It felt like the right time to make the move. About this time my best friend Katie had decided to spend her spring break (she is also in grad school at BU) visiting me in Panama. I took great care in planning a trip that she would never forget, trying to jam in as much as I could for her short week long stay. At the end of her trip, I would fly back to Boston with her and she would help with my luggage (I accumulated a lot in a year and a half!) She arrived soundly in the early afternoon so we went to our favorite restaurant, Beirut on the causeway. It gave us an excuse to take the scenic drive out over the water and the perfect start to Katie's trip.
Read Katie's blog here: kathryntracymacdonald
Dinner at Beirut on the Amador Causeway
The next day, Katie and I rented a car and drove to Playa Venao, stopping in El Valle to shop and zip line! The weather cooperated and it was a beautiful afternoon.
El Valle
El Valle Canopy Adventure
Part One
*If you're in a hurry just watch from 8:30-13:08
Part Two
We made it through Pedasi and into Playa Venao at dark. We couldn't see what was around us but we could hear the ocean. We had no idea that we would wake up to the ocean directly at our doorstep. Katie and I spent the day on the beach and in the hammocks which we had to ourselves. Plus, the hostel, Venao Cove was great and inexpensive at only $11 a night.
Playa Venao
Our two day rental car.
on the road... normal!
$8 for the both of us at a fonda in Las Tablas on our way back to Panama City
back in Panama
With very little rest, Katie and I got up at 5 am to be scooped up by Lam Tours and taken to San Blas. The road is rarely travelled and it is highly recommended to fly as the road is easily washed away in the rainy season. It turned out to be quite the adventure.
San Blas as a province is protected land by the government of Panama for the indigenous tribe, the Kunas. You must pay a tax to them to be on their land and must be escorted by them at all times. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been and was hands down the highlight of the trip.
San Blas
Even Google thinks San Blas is remote.
^Katie is fancy so this is a panoramic shot... be sure to click and view it larger
Starfish Island, San Blas
Of course we brought Katie to see the Canal. Andrea even got the afternoon off to join us!
The Canal
Casco Viejo
Recycle Fest
Royal Decameron Resort
Dinner at Buenaventura
Back to Casco Viejo for Katie's Tattoo!
Back to Maine!
