Palm trees and piñas in Panama

We recovered from our Darien Gap ordeal in Panama City, thanking our lucky stars that we had managed to escape from the region unscathed. When we arrived, the city was buzzing with people and all the hostels were full, which resulted in us finding one of the only available affordable accommodations - a prostitute hotel. It was only $15 a night with bathroom, so an absolute bargain and ok for 2 nights (but just had to try hard to forget what normally goes on there!)




We had no expectations of Panama, thinking that it would be overly American-ised and expensive with not a great deal to see and do. We were even deliberating flying straight to Nicaragua. However in retrospect, we are so glad to have seen this completely understated country.


Panama City itself is quite fascinating, the Casco Viejo area or the old town was beautiful in a run-down sort of way, with sweeping sea views. We had the best fish and ceviche looking right across the harbour which came as a welcome relief after months of rice and beans.

A stay in Panama City would not be complete without a visit to the canal. So we caught local transport, which included a walk though a crocodile inhabited area, to spot the enormous cargo ships and cruise-liners passing through. The canal connects the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean, cutting the travel time between the two oceans by half. Previously owned by the Americans, the Panama Canal was passed over to Panama in 1999 and now generates much money for the country. We could see the impact of the trading routes in the shops - there are international consumer goods and food everywhere!

As you watch the ships passing through the locks you get a real appreciation for how the vessels have been built exactly for size to pass through the canal - there are only inches to spare as the ships glide past. In fact, the level of traffic through the docks has completely exceeded expectations and in 2014, 100 years after the original docks were built, an extension will be completed, widening the channel and enabling ships double the size to travel through the passage.

After Panama City we made a bee-line to the beaches. We first headed to the Pacific Coast and spent a few nights sleeping in our hammocs for $7 each a night in an awesome 4 star resort. Swimming and kayaking by day and eating fresh lobster and fish by night.



Putting our hamoc beds to good use - surprisingly comfortable and a great place to watch the monkeys as you wake in the morning




Awesome turkey vultures!
We then spent our last 6 days in the amazing Bocas Del Toro area. Prior to heading there, we were deliberating skipping it, as we'd heard how touristy it is. However, what we discovered was that although the main town itself has a touch of the 'Khao San Road' in Bangkok, the other areas on the main island and the surrounding islands are simply magical. Serene, palm strewn beaches with crystal clear water, starfish, endangered frogs, sloths and monkeys kept us entertained for days. Not to mention the great people that we met, becoming ordained as priests?!? and taking a midnight boat trip though the islands whilst we gazed at shooting stars after a night spent in a bar above a ship wreck. Good times, thanks to the Danes and the San Franciscans!