Panic!!

We needed to get an early start to the day because Addison and Kelsey's flight was at 9:50 AM.  We are about 120 km away from the airport, and because of its location you need to drive to the opposite end of the city, so we thought a 6:00 am departure time from the house would give us plenty of time.  But, that was not to be!  Traffic started getting slow and heavy well outside of Panama City.  It slowed down our progress, but we moved along at a slower pace, and did not have too much worry.  Traffic would occasionally speed up which eased our minds.  Now, you need to know that the signage in Panama City is minimal, and the signs that are there are poorly placed, and easily missed until too late.  Following my GPS on my phone helped somewhat, until you came to spaghetti junctions.  The way roadways are organized in this country differ vastly from those back home.  They don't seem to make a lot sense most of the time.  It was at one of these junctions that we made a wrong turn.  With our anxiety already peeking, tempers now flared between Hoss and me.  Kelsey sat silent, but cool, calm Addison took control with a level head, asked for my phone, and found the right way to get back on track!!  But, by now the clock was ticking big time!!  We almost believed the kids would miss their flight!  The road was now clear, and free for awhile, until we hit more traffic, and construction.  We were close to the airport, but moved a what seemed like a snail's pace!  Finally, finally, finally we turned into the airport with only about 45 minutes to spare.  The doors of the car flew open, we dashed in, and was much relieved to see a lineup for their flight.  With goodbyes quickly said, they were on their way home.  It was wonderful to have them with us for  ten days, and we were very sad to see them go! We now look forward to our next vacation with them!!

Palmar Surfing Beach

Our last day in Panama with Addison and Kelsey was spent touring around.  We took them to Rio Chame.  Locals like to hang out there on their days off.  We found the river to be lower than two years ago.  We then drove to Palmar, where there is a surf school, to hang out for the rest of the afternoon.

                                        Rio Chame is a nice quiet, shady place to picnic and relax.

                                          Palmar beach, a surfing destination for beginners.

                                         We found this nice beach to relax in, until the guy came around and wanted $40
                                         for its privileges.  Adios Senor!!

                                          Had a bite to eat at the Palmar restaurant.

                                          Found a free spot to hangout and relax.

                                          Beach antics.

                                          Our last beach picture:(

Woody's

Woody's is a beach restaurant run by a Canadian gal, and is located right beside the Decameron.  It is always busy!  She ran the Men's Olympic Gold hockey game at 7:00 AM on Sunday.  So we decided to get up at six and head over there to watch the winning game!!  Coffee, beer, poutine, chili, and buns, and of course a gold medal!  What a way to start the day!!  Then we hit the beach!

Cholos

We discovered a great little Mexican restaurant that has turned into a favourite of ours!

Playa Blanca

We took Addison and Kelsey to a resort called Playa Blanca.  A few years ago we stayed in one of the condos that is housed in the back of the resort. An all-inclusive is located at the beach.  Amongst its many pools, one is so gigantic that it almost looks like a lake.  The resort was busy, and we noticed that it has also grown in size!

                                         Caged birds at the resort, toucans and macaws.

                                           Playa Blanca beach.

                                         The pool that looks like a lake.

Our Day At Santa Clara Beach

We spent some time at one of my favourite beaches that has a few amenities...bathrooms, showers, restaurants, beach huts, people, hawkers, and the sand is the whitest that you can can possibly find in Panama.

                                          Our nest for the afternoon.

                                         Sandwich time!!

                                           Shalaxing!

                                           Cute little beach puppy!

                                         Beach feet!

Pooped Out!!

The heat is intense, and can total wear you out!!  But fortunately, we have comfy beds!!

Random Stuff

Horses, buses, kids!

Rio Mar Revisited

We spent another relaxing afternoon at one of our favourite beaches...Rio Mar.

Punta Chame

We took a trip to Punta Chame to watch the kite boarder competiton, and check out Nitro City, which is a small resort dedicated to young people(and older) who want to kite board, seadoo, zipline wakeboard, hangout at the pool, eat in the restaurant, or lounge around like lizards(as young people like to do).  It reminded me of a highend hostal.

Not being overly impressed with Nitro City, we investigated the beach, then went for a beer.

                                         Villas Restaurant and Hotel